IT’S HAPPENING! IT’S HAPPENING! This is not a drill – SUMMER IS HERE. We have officially crossed the summer solstice threshold and have entered into the sunniest season of the year. If you can’t tell, I’m pretty stoked about it. And you should be too! Why? Because when the temperature rises and the sun shines, there is no better time for company get-togethers and events.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive work environment, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of employee engagement. Why? Because engagement is good for employees, but it’s also good for business! Engaged employees are not only more productive, but also happier and are more likely to stay with the organization long-term.

When you’re at work, you’re on your computer. When you’re at home, you’re on your phone. In-between, you’re connected to your car’s Bluetooth listening to true crime podcasts or that random “moody mix” that Spotify customizes just for you every day (Okay, maybe that last part is just me). The truth of the matter is that we are very much in the digital age, with our noses always in a screen.

In today’s work climate, employee appreciation is often seen as a want rather than a need. Instead of prioritizing recognition in the workplace, it’s often pushed aside and drowned out among all the daily tasks and priorities of a hustling and bustling business. But here’s the thing – employee appreciation is much more than a want. Data has shown time and time again that it’s absolutely essential for a thriving culture that produces incredible results.

Managers wear a lot of hats. They’re in meetings upon meetings, they’re making huge company decisions, and they’re leading a group of professionals to the depths of their greatest potential. It’s challenging, especially when trying to encourage a happy and healthy work culture in the mix of it all.