'Ben Thinking' for the week of 06.23
I was reminded last week what a small world it actually is.
Do you know how I was reminded of that? Because I told a few stories, asked a few questions – you know, was a human. Cared. Engaged. And was able to get to know someone by stumbling upon the ways we were connected.
As we officially get into summer (dang, what a first six years months this year has been!) it seemed like a good time to remember this. Stop scrolling. Try not to worry or hurry as much. And make it a point to connect with someone. I think you will feel better for it.
I know I did.
Anyways, onto what I’ve ‘Ben thinking’ about:
The ‘Infinite Workday’ is here.
Mike Lawrence / ChatGPT
Man, you know nothing good is coming from anything that is named.
This refers to something we’ve known for a while now – the traditional workday is no more. In its place we have one that features 275 interruptions a day, meetings after 8 p.m., 50 emails sent outside of your 9 to 5 and a workday that starts and ends when you do.
Something has to give. You can look at the data and everything being written about it but who we fooling? The infinite workday is burnout, plain and simple.
We’ve been a part of webinars, workshops and helping clients manage these types of incidents. If you want to compare notes, start somewhere, get connected to our partners, who are the best in the business, let me know.
(Source: Axios)
Your playbook for ICE audits and workplace raids
I don’t make the headlines…I just share them.
And this one is apparently very relevant to some industries in some states.
(Source: Fisher Phillips)
Might be time to check in on Gen Z?
There’s a lot being written about the ‘triple threat’ plaguing today’s workplace: pessimism, uncertainty, disconnect. According to this Fortune Well. article, those categories are hitting critical points. Especially for Gen Z.
Mike Lawrence / Gemini
Traditionally a very hopeful generation (the article shows they still are) they are struggling.
Why does that matter for you? Well, as we’ve talked about a lot in this newsletter, they will soon represent the largest percentage of employees in your workplace. I’m not saying I know the answer – or that there even is an answer – but I am saying that you should be aware of it and account for this in your internal communications strategy. (You DO have an internal communications strategy, right?)
For the first time ever, social media is the number one news source for Americans.
Now, I’m not saying that has anything to do with how Gen Z is feeling about things…but given the fact that social media ‘news’ has been debunked so many times over the past eight years…and in some cases, there is new legislation around how social media can present ‘news’…I’m not sure this is a good thing.
Mike Lawrence / Gemini
Just going to put that out there. Not saying TV is much better…but are we moving towards an era where news, facts and sources don’t matter? Don’t answer that.
Considering the concern that AI is only going to enhance that, I am concerned that we will have fewer and fewer sources for ‘true’ news…and more and more versions/realities of the world that will splinter us farther apart than ever.
Eh, I'm probably overreacting. This story may not even be true! I could probably go online and find five articles that claim the opposite. Carry on.
Tiny fixes for a tired life: 7 habits that make your life better.
There is something for everyone in this recent episode of the Mel Robbins Podcast. Does the world need name tags? Are you an 8-minute friend? Do you show up? Trust me, it’s a great listen that you are going to enjoy.
Could ‘ditching Pride now, hurt brands later?’
Look, if you don’t know me or Akhia, you don’t have to look too far back on my LinkedIn posts to see where I stand on supporting Pride month and LGTBQ+ as part of our ‘Keep Being Different’ value.
However, one thing I’d like to point out—regardless of your stance, own it.
We’ve seen the damage that can be done to brands that flip flop. In an age where consumers truly care about what type of organization you are…and will pay more to those companies they trust…owning who you are is essential.
This is the point of the Marketing Dive article linked in the headline. It makes the case for whether you are a Chick-Fil-A or Costco…own it. Just don’t be a Target.
Did you hear? Southwest has assigned seating!!! This announcement was met with outrage. Despair. Jubilation. Amazement. And basically everything else. So Southwest embraced it and, true to its brand, had some fun…making fun of you and itself.
(Thank you, Ellen Presutti for sharing this!)
No, I think we need a little more fun this week…
What’s more fun than some randomness from mike lawrence? Read about his latest generative image research as he attempted to visualize a ‘Big Beautiful Bill’…
Mike Lawrence and (finally) ChatGPT
(Yes, that’s our senior content architect, Bill Delaney)
Feel free to share with anyone else you think would enjoy the articles and resources!
Thank you for subscribing and reading!
-Ben