Blessed are the cake buyers -- but will they get promoted?
I’ll admit that this article (and ones related to it, like this one, and this one) hit hard. Though I work remotely now, I have never worked in an office setting where it wasn’t a woman who shouldered the responsibility of the celebrations that are a crucial part of company culture. What traditions exist at your organization? Who keeps them going? Who adds birthdays to the office calendar, and circulates the card? Who knows the favorite dessert to request from the kitchen team for a celebration?
So much of the desire for this return to a shared physical workspace focuses on the culture of an office, from holiday parties to familiar faces at the front desk to the ability to simply pop our heads into others’ offices for quick questions…
The assumed and unsaid expectations run deep: even if you’re not initially asked to buy the card or the cake or the decorations, once you do it, it morphs into your role, your responsibility. And the research shows that this may come with career consequences.
I’ll admit that this article (and ones related to it, like this one, and this one) hit hard. Though I work remotely now, I have never worked in an office setting where it wasn’t a woman who shouldered the responsibility of the celebrations that are a crucial part of company culture. What traditions exist at your organization? Who keeps them going? Who adds birthdays to the office calendar, and circulates the card? Who knows the favorite dessert to request from the kitchen team for a celebration?
So much of the desire for this return to a shared physical workspace focuses on the culture of an office, from holiday parties to familiar faces at the front desk to the ability to simply pop our heads into others’ offices for quick questions…
The assumed and unsaid expectations run deep: even if you’re not initially asked to buy the card or the cake or the decorations, once you do it, it morphs into your role, your responsibility. And the research shows that this may come with career consequences.
Survey Shows People Want To Discuss Social, Political Issues At Work
We’re not working at Facebook and Google, but we still need to ask how our employees and volunteers’ social and political lives impact their work.
Gartner found that “68% of employees would consider quitting their current job and working with an organization with a stronger viewpoint on the social issues that matter most to them.” It turns out that “employees whose employer has taken a strong stance on current societal and cultural issues are twice as likely to report high job satisfaction.”
We’re not working at Facebook and Google, but we still need to ask how our employees and volunteers’ social and political lives impact their work.
Gartner found that “68% of employees would consider quitting their current job and working with an organization with a stronger viewpoint on the social issues that matter most to them.” It turns out that “employees whose employer has taken a strong stance on current societal and cultural issues are twice as likely to report high job satisfaction.”
What 'Likeability' Really Means In The Workplace
Alicia Menendez is a journalist, podcast creator and the author of The Likeability Trap.
She says likeability is a moving target — an invisible scorecard that we internalize but that those around us fill out for us. And the stakes of that scorecard are even higher in the workplace.
Alicia Menendez is a journalist, podcast creator and the author of The Likeability Trap.
She says likeability is a moving target — an invisible scorecard that we internalize but that those around us fill out for us. And the stakes of that scorecard are even higher in the workplace.
Six reasons it pays to trust your employees
One survey found that employees in a trusting environment felt 76% more engaged than those in “low-trust workplaces”: Trusted employees generally feel happier, and happy people are more likely to go the extra mile for their employers. Here are six other benefits to practice trusting your staff:
Enhanced employee engagement
Increased productivity
It enables flexible working
Improved communication
It helps to build team spirit
It encourages employee advocacy
One survey found that employees in a trusting environment felt 76% more engaged than those in “low-trust workplaces”: Trusted employees generally feel happier, and happy people are more likely to go the extra mile for their employers. Here are six other benefits to practice trusting your staff:
Enhanced employee engagement
Increased productivity
It enables flexible working
Improved communication
It helps to build team spirit
It encourages employee advocacy
One way to build trust is to practice flexibility: Get tips on doing that here.
Summer Camp Recruitment Materials
Here are some resources that you can use in your staff recruitment efforts. With two basic themes -- skills you'll learn and reasons to work at camp at camp this summer -- there are:
Facebook Posts (These can also be used as flyers; there are PDF versions) -- There are two versions of each, to show you where a logo could go. Email Ashley with your logo file in order to get a customized version.
Instagram Posts These have 8 or 9 slides, so could be used as one post, or in pieces, however you like.
Instagram Stories These are saved as video files; let me know if a different format would be better.
Video There’s a quick video montage of staff-in-action photos that you could throw a text over or a song behind, or otherwise use as you like. There are two ratio versions of that for either a post or story on Instagram (TikTok has the same ratios as Instagram stories.)
Throughout the copy/text, if you have a specific reason or skill you'd like to highlight, edits can be made; send Ashley the exact language you'd like to use. If you're on Canva and would like to use these as templates to create your own, I can share with you; just send me your username.
Here's the Google Drive folder with all the above.
What else could you use to support staff recruitment for the summer?
How to manage up when your boss lacks self-awareness
If a leader doesn’t know how to use the collective intelligence of their employees, it can result in poor engagement, high turnover, and costly mistakes. This article outlines three ways you can help a leader with aunawareness become more in touch.
If a leader doesn’t know how to use the collective intelligence of their employees, it can result in poor engagement, high turnover, and costly mistakes. This article outlines three ways you can help a leader with aunawareness become more in touch.
Can you require your staff to be vaccinated?
Two perspectives as we look to expanding our staffs:
What else have you learned, and what does your organization plan to do? Share in the comments.
Two perspectives as we look to expanding our staffs:
What else have you learned, and what does your organization plan to do? Share in the comments.
Demonstrating appreciation to employees
We’ve shared resources before around the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace; similar to the 5 Love Languages, this is a tool for communicating with people in the ways that connect and are meaningful for them. This quick video talks about how to be effective with communicating appreciation to employees, in a world where 56% of senior managers think they are, and yet only 12% of employees feel appreciated.
We’ve shared resources before around the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace; similar to the 5 Love Languages, this is a tool for communicating with people in the ways that connect and are meaningful for them. This quick video talks about how to be effective with communicating appreciation to employees, in a world where 56% of senior managers think they are, and yet only 12% of employees feel appreciated.
ACA Conversations about Staffing in 2021: Recruitment
The American Camp Association’s Not-for-Profit Council is offering a 3-part series on staffing, starting this week with Recruitment. We’ve heard, almost universally, about struggles to staff for summer 2021. Join this free conversation to get some new insight and tactics.
The American Camp Association’s Not-for-Profit Council is offering a 3-part series on staffing, starting this week with Recruitment. We’ve heard, almost universally, about struggles to staff for summer 2021. Join this free conversation to get some new insight and tactics.
Details on new relief bill, American Rescue Plan Act
Last week, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was signed into law. Some highlights of the American Rescue Plan Act for nonprofits, as summarized by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits here, include:
Improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Programs. The American Rescue Plan Act allows many larger nonprofits to apply for PPP loans for the first time by extending eligibility to nonprofits with more than 500 employees that operate at multiple locations as long as no more than 500 employees work at any one location. It also allows performing arts nonprofits to apply for both the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and the PPP with limits on the total amounts they can receive from the two programs.
Extension and Improvement of Federal Unemployment Coverage. The COVID relief package extends various federal benefits for unemployed workers – including coverage for self-employed workers and staff of religious and very small nonprofits and $300 per week supplemental federal payments – through September 6, 2021. These benefits had been scheduled to expire on March 14. Notably for nonprofits, the federal government will cover 75% of the unemployment costs of reimbursing nonprofits from April 1 through September 6; currently, the federal government is only covering 50% of these costs, and the state of North Carolina is covering the other 50%.
Tax Relief for Individuals and Employers. The American Rescue Plan Act provides $1,400 stimulus checks for most taxpayers. It also helps working families by increasing the child tax credit and earned income tax credit. The new law extends the tax credit for nonprofits and other employers that offer paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave through September 30, 2021 (it was set to expire on March 31).
Increased Federal Funding for Various Programs Important to the Work of Nonprofits. The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional funding for child care providers, the Corporation for National and Community Service, arts and humanities organizations, food assistance, housing and homelessness prevention, and nonprofits providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
$340 Billion in Additional Funding for State and Local Governments. This support could help ease financial pressures on cities and counties and provide additional support to state legislators to invest in nonprofits providing COVID relief.
Funding for COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatment, and Testing As Well As Other Public Health Programs. The added investment in these public health measures should significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.
We expect a number of webinars digging into this new relief package to become available from non-profit, camp, and hospitality industry organizations in the coming weeks, and will share what we see and hear.
Here’s another detailed resource on the non-profit implications in the new act, from Candid for Non-Profits.
Last week, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was signed into law. Some highlights of the American Rescue Plan Act for nonprofits, as summarized by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits here, include:
Improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Programs. The American Rescue Plan Act allows many larger nonprofits to apply for PPP loans for the first time by extending eligibility to nonprofits with more than 500 employees that operate at multiple locations as long as no more than 500 employees work at any one location. It also allows performing arts nonprofits to apply for both the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and the PPP with limits on the total amounts they can receive from the two programs.
Extension and Improvement of Federal Unemployment Coverage. The COVID relief package extends various federal benefits for unemployed workers – including coverage for self-employed workers and staff of religious and very small nonprofits and $300 per week supplemental federal payments – through September 6, 2021. These benefits had been scheduled to expire on March 14. Notably for nonprofits, the federal government will cover 75% of the unemployment costs of reimbursing nonprofits from April 1 through September 6; currently, the federal government is only covering 50% of these costs, and the state of North Carolina is covering the other 50%.
Tax Relief for Individuals and Employers. The American Rescue Plan Act provides $1,400 stimulus checks for most taxpayers. It also helps working families by increasing the child tax credit and earned income tax credit. The new law extends the tax credit for nonprofits and other employers that offer paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave through September 30, 2021 (it was set to expire on March 31).
Increased Federal Funding for Various Programs Important to the Work of Nonprofits. The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional funding for child care providers, the Corporation for National and Community Service, arts and humanities organizations, food assistance, housing and homelessness prevention, and nonprofits providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
$340 Billion in Additional Funding for State and Local Governments. This support could help ease financial pressures on cities and counties and provide additional support to state legislators to invest in nonprofits providing COVID relief.
Funding for COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatment, and Testing As Well As Other Public Health Programs. The added investment in these public health measures should significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.
We expect a number of webinars digging into this new relief package to become available from non-profit, camp, and hospitality industry organizations in the coming weeks, and will share what we see and hear.
Here’s another detailed resource on the non-profit implications in the new act, from Candid for Non-Profits.
Camp Staff as Essential Workers & Vaccine Toolkit
Although CDC has recommended that camp workers be deemed as essential workers, each state governor ultimately decides which workers are deemed essential in their state. The language included on the CDC website details the clear intention of CDC to have camp staff included in the vaccination prioritization. The first step is determining in what order essential workers are being vaccinated in your state.
While our understanding is that only day camp staff are named in Phase 1B, with overnight camp staff part of Phase 1C, this is also going to be determined by your state. Please share with us your experience.
This toolkit from the CDC has resources for supporting your employees in getting vaccinated.
Although CDC has recommended that camp workers be deemed as essential workers, each state governor ultimately decides which workers are deemed essential in their state. The language included on the CDC website details the clear intention of CDC to have camp staff included in the vaccination prioritization. The first step is determining in what order essential workers are being vaccinated in your state.
While our understanding is that only day camp staff are named in Phase 1B, with overnight camp staff part of Phase 1C, this is also going to be determined by your state. Please share with us your experience.
This toolkit from the CDC has resources for supporting your employees in getting vaccinated.
Employee Retention Credit Overview
The newest relief package, Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) made significant changes to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) -- significantly that it is now available to PPP borrowers.
Join Gareth Kalfas and your ECCC colleagues to learn and discuss on Thursday, February 25 at 2pm ET.
The newest relief package, Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) made significant changes to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) -- significantly that it is now available to PPP borrowers.
Join Gareth Kalfas and your ECCC colleagues to learn and discuss on Thursday, February 25 at 2pm ET.
Hiring via ECCC's website
Did you know that the Jobs sections of ECCC’s website is far-and-away our most trafficked?
You can submit year-round and seasonal positions through this Google form.
Going forward, we will be strongly encouraging all job posters to include a salary range in posts; it’s an equity issue, and it helps you get more viable candidates. Here are five more reasons why to include salary range in job postings.
Did you know that the Jobs sections of ECCC’s website is far-and-away our most trafficked?
You can submit year-round and seasonal positions through this Google form.
Going forward, we will be strongly encouraging all job posters to include a salary range in posts; it’s an equity issue, and it helps you get more viable candidates. Here are five more reasons why to include salary range in job postings.
Beyond the PPP: Federal Relief for Camps & Conference Centers
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) program may now be another option for additional financial relief for many camps and non-profits.
Many ministries have already applied for additional COVID-related payroll support. Consider your camp or retreat center's needs and eligibility with this resource roundup.
Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Nonprofits Act (from InsideCharity)
Employer Retention Credit for Camps (from JCamp180)
Financial Relief For Your Camp in 2021 Webinar, (from JCamp180)
Learn more. Are you applying? What have you learned?
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) program may now be another option for additional financial relief for many camps and non-profits.
Many ministries have already applied for additional COVID-related payroll support. Consider your camp or retreat center's needs and eligibility with this resource roundup.
Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Nonprofits Act (from InsideCharity)
Employer Retention Credit for Camps (from JCamp180)
Financial Relief For Your Camp in 2021 Webinar, (from JCamp180)
Learn more. Are you applying? What have you learned?
Staff & Director Evaluation Samples
We've gotten several requests lately for examples of staff and director evaluations. Here are some generic versions of evaluations.
We've gotten several requests lately for examples of staff and director evaluations. Here are some generic versions of evaluations.
How To Support Working Parents as Employees
With many schools across the country starting the school year with hybrid or virtual-only classes, working parents are still scrambling to deal with childcare. Lisa Frydenlund, a knowledge advisor for the Society for Human Resource Management, had some tips for employers wanting to help staff facing childcare struggles. Because work situations vary greatly, Frydenlund said the key is going to be flexibility.
With many schools across the country starting the school year with hybrid or virtual-only classes, working parents are still scrambling to deal with childcare. Lisa Frydenlund, a knowledge advisor for the Society for Human Resource Management, had some tips for employers wanting to help staff facing childcare struggles. Because work situations vary greatly, Frydenlund said the key is going to be flexibility.
Beyond remote work: Bringing serendipity back to the office
So how do you create a digital water cooler? The issue is one of trying to replicate, or simply transpose existing rituals into the virtual realm. “We have to relearn everything entirely that we haven’t had to before,” said Klaassen.
So how do you create a digital water cooler? The issue is one of trying to replicate, or simply transpose existing rituals into the virtual realm. “We have to relearn everything entirely that we haven’t had to before,” said Klaassen.
American Camp Association PPP Survey
Have the recent modifications by the US Treasury impacted your camp's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan due to a restrictive clause in the Form 1502 filed by your lender? Take this short survey to help the ACA’s advocacy efforts to have this restrictive language changed.
Have the recent modifications by the US Treasury impacted your camp's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan due to a restrictive clause in the Form 1502 filed by your lender? Take this short survey to help the ACA’s advocacy efforts to have this restrictive language changed.
How to Ease Back-to-the-Office Anxiety
A recent survey from Best Practice Institute found that only 13 percent of employees want to return to the office full-time, with many expressing concerns about safety. Michelle Paul, psychologist and director of The PRACTICE Mental Health Clinic at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said it’s natural to be anxious about returning to work. However, employers can help anxious staffers by being proactive.
A recent survey from Best Practice Institute found that only 13 percent of employees want to return to the office full-time, with many expressing concerns about safety. Michelle Paul, psychologist and director of The PRACTICE Mental Health Clinic at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said it’s natural to be anxious about returning to work. However, employers can help anxious staffers by being proactive.
The 6 Traits of Inclusive Leadership
Creating a work environment where employees report a sense of genuine belonging is more than just a feel-good initiative. The human connections amongst employees, as well as a connection to the company mission, are crucial for businesses to thrive in today’s economy. A diverse workforce does little, however, without an inclusive leader who can leverage the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences. Organizations with inclusive leaders are more likely to attract and retain top talent, create innovative solutions, and appeal to changing markets.
These six traits of inclusive leadership come from using Rhodes Perry’s book, “Belonging at Work”:
Commitment
Courage
Cognizance
Curiosity
Collaboration
Cultural Intelligence
Read the detailed explanations here. Contact ECCC for intercultural competence consulting.
Creating a work environment where employees report a sense of genuine belonging is more than just a feel-good initiative. The human connections amongst employees, as well as a connection to the company mission, are crucial for businesses to thrive in today’s economy. A diverse workforce does little, however, without an inclusive leader who can leverage the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences. Organizations with inclusive leaders are more likely to attract and retain top talent, create innovative solutions, and appeal to changing markets.
These six traits of inclusive leadership come from using Rhodes Perry’s book, “Belonging at Work”:
Commitment
Courage
Cognizance
Curiosity
Collaboration
Cultural Intelligence
Read the detailed explanations here. Contact ECCC for intercultural competence consulting.