There is no “I” in team!  This is a common statement made to promote teamwork, especially in the business world. But how can a business include everyone to build their team at work? In today’s culture, employers must take into consideration gender, race, ethnicity, etc., when hiring and maintaining these dynamics.  Everyone needs to feel included and involved.  When employees feel they have to hide or mask core parts of themselves at work because they feel unsure, unsafe, or invisible, it can take a toll on motivation, engagement, and (ultimately) employee retention and turnover rates. We all should be respected and made to feel like they can productively contribute to their workplace. Today’s culture needs to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by allowing their employees to voice their needs and concerns and be heard. Different generations view diversity differently.  Millennials view workplace diversity as the combining of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and they believe taking advantage of these differences is what leads to innovation. Gen Xers and Boomers, on the other hand, view workplace diversity as equal and fair representation regardless of demographics.  Inclusion in the workplace should promote a supportive and respectful environment for diversity regardless of age, race, and gender.  Keep in mind – There is an “I” in inclusion and we as co-workers and a society need to embrace diversity, not just in the workplace, but in our own communities.

“Money, Money, Money, Money” …  how many of us know this song?  If you are having money troubles, the old quote, “money makes the world go ‘round” would seem to be the answer to the problem.  How many of us have told our children” money doesn’t grow on trees!”, and then your children went out into the yard to look for the tree?  Trust me, I went out there looking for it, too!..but didn’t find it!  Money troubles can cause stress and stress can cause money trouble.  If you are having financial issues, this can lead to stress, which can affect your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health.  Stress issues related to money can lead to work performance issues that could result in job loss and income loss. Many couples argue about finances and sometimes this leads to separation and eventually divorce, if they can’t resolve the issue.  During the recent pandemic, many people lost their jobs and incomes, making life difficult to manage and very stressful.  Being reduced from two-income households to one or no income household has been a hardship for many. This will continue until our economy rebounds and we start to slowly recover.  Our lives have been affected by the pandemic in so many ways. Financial struggles along with the health and safety of our families are the two biggest fears people are faced with.  EAN can offer suggestions to help you work through the issues and stress related to financial concerns affecting you and your daily life.  To reach us, please call 828.252.5725 or 800.454.1477. You can also contact us through our website at “contact us”.