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Month: October 2023

Why Social Time with Co-Workers is the Ultimate Office Perk

Posted on by Melissa Brown

The concept of a “workplace” has evolved significantly over the past three years. Remote offices and hybrid work models have disrupted the organic social interactions that once unfolded effortlessly around the water cooler. Employers have also recognized that offering remote working options not only attracts top talent but also grapples with the challenge of enticing employees back to the physical office full-time.

Regardless of whether your workplace is completely remote, fully in-office, or somewhere in between, there is an undeniable magic that occurs when employees come together in person. After all, workers are human beings, and as humans, we possess an innate need for social connection. Continue reading to explore how you can effectively harness your employees’ social needs and foster meaningful connections.

The Importance of Social Connections
Many individuals who work from home miss the social connections that come with working in an office environment. However, simply returning to the office to spend the entire day responding to emails and joining Zoom calls can dampen their enthusiasm. If managers can find opportunities for team collaboration and foster connections, employees are more likely to feel energized and eager to return to the office.

In a Harvard Business Review article, employees listed the following as top reasons to return to the workplace:

85% of employees would be motivated to go into the office to rebuild team bonds.
84% of employees would be motivated to go into the office if they could socialize with coworkers.
74% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their “work friends” were there.
73% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their direct team members would be there.
Humans are inherently social beings, and it is no surprise that the top motivator for in-person work includes other people. Workplace satisfaction experts agree that the days of simply punching the clock are over for modern employees. Work should provide a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging to something greater than oneself, and tapping into team-building and relationships is a great way to do just that.

Workplace Social Time Goes a Long Way
Employees who have grown accustomed to zero commute time and flexible schedules may require more persuasion when it comes to returning to the office. To encourage employees’ desire to be in the office, Sammi Caramela, a contributor to the US Chamber of Commerce, proposes five compelling incentives. These include setting clear expectations, maintaining consistent communication, accommodating family and illness situations, and fostering a workplace culture that values genuine human connections.

Caramela promotes a workplace culture that values social connections and prioritizes employee well-being. This includes integrating activities like team lunches, office birthday celebrations, and casual Friday treats such as bagels and fruit. In addition, Caramela recognizes the importance of granting employees autonomy in determining when they need a break. Whether it’s enjoying lunch at a favorite restaurant or finding solace in a book in the office lounge, these breaks contribute to overall well-being.

Encouraging walks, exercise classes, and empowering employees with more control over their work day will combat afternoon fatigue, improve productivity, even strengthen the immune system. Employers can leverage this opportunity to create a supportive work environment, offsetting the drawbacks of remote working such as distractions and imbalanced work days. Prioritizing rest and movement at work can help workplaces excel amidst the unique demands of work from home.

The Hybrid Work Model Is Likely Here to Stay
Not everyone finds motivation through socializing, and some employees get enough social interaction outside of work. Employers can attract and retain exceptional workers by embracing this trend. By fostering an inviting in-person work environment and allowing remote work flexibility, everyone can feel connected and purposeful in their roles. The key is to enrich the in-office workday while remaining adaptable to the changing landscape of work and the needs of the modern workforce.

The CBICC is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

Regain Control Over Your Calendar with the ‘4 Buckets’ Trick

Posted on by Melissa Brown

In the dynamic world of running a business, where each day brings a cascade of seemingly urgent tasks, it’s easy to pack your calendar to the brim. How do you ensure that your days are productive and contribute to your overall goals? One of the best ways is to look at highly successful leaders who have mastered prioritization and time management.

Bill Gates’ Approach to Reducing Procrastination

Bill Gates, who founded the world’s biggest software company, Microsoft, in 1975, is someone who you would expect to be busy and have many demands on his time. You might be surprised to learn, however, that Gates divides his schedule into 5-minute slots. This methodology is not the only tool Gates uses to accomplish his most important tasks. After all, it is possible to complete tasks throughout the work day and never get to the most important ones, a procrastination phenomenon known as “priority dilution.”

So, Gates uses a trick to make sure his work contributes to his overall goals. He divides his task list into four “buckets,” each taking up 25% of his time. When it comes to your work day, choose categories, or buckets, that apply to you and your organization. For example, you could divide your work up into people tasks, such as hiring, recruiting and time management, company management, marketing and customers. If one of these buckets starts to get too full, it might be time to reorganize. For example, if your “people” bucket is getting overloaded, you might need to look at hiring more HR staff you can delegate to. If your “customers” bucket is taking up too much time, perhaps consider bringing in a customer services manager.

Try Color Coding Your Buckets

Some CEOs use a similar system to Bill Gates’, but with their own refinements. Tobias Lütke, the founder of online retail giant Shopify, has four categories he uses, similarly to Gates, but blocks them out on his schedule by color. Using this approach, he is able to see at a quick glance if the week’s schedule is in line with his overall priorities. Lütke is also a proponent of working smarter, not simply working more hours. As he’s shared in interviews, Lütke believes that everyone gets only 5 creative hours a day. The important thing is to make the most of those hours.

Beyond the buckets, color can also help you visualize your week at a glance. Using color to ‘block time’ on your calendar can illustrate more than tasks or projects meant for work time. Color coding can also be used to indicate breaks, family time, and workouts—all important elements to a maintaining a work/life balance.

The Takeaway
The key to this four buckets system is to align it with the primary goals of your organization or the department you manage. Over time, these priorities may change, as in any kind of business planning, so be prepared to adapt as you go.

The Chamber of Business and Commerce of Centre County is a non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

CBICC endorses Happy Valley United

Posted on by Melissa Brown

The NCAA took a significant step in 2021 by allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This development has opened new avenues for them to secure endorsement deals, make public appearances, participate in social media campaigns, and more. It is a game-changer, and the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County(CBICC) recognizes the importance of nurturing these opportunities for the betterment of Penn State and its student-athletes.

The CBICC is pleased to endorse Happy Valley United (HVU), the official NIL collective that supports over 800 Penn State student-athletes across 31 sports. HVU’s mission is to empower student-athletes to engage with charitable causes, participate in meaningful business engagements, maximize their NIL potential, and further their personal and professional development. Together, we are fostering a unique platform designed to facilitate connections between Penn State student-athletes and businesses seeking to promote their products and services.

As President and CEO of the CBICC, I firmly believe that this endeavor is not just about business or athletics; it’s about supporting our beloved Penn State. The university stands as a cornerstone of Centre County’s economy and cultural identity. The symbiotic relationship between Penn State and the local business community has always been a source of strength, and we are committed to taking it to the next level. As Centre County’s top employer and the driving force behind our local economy, Penn State’s success is intrinsically linked to our own. When Penn State thrives, so do we all.

Supporters of HVU can contribute directly to the sport of their choice through memberships, tax-deductible donations, and corporate sponsorships. For additional information about NIL opportunities at Penn State University and how you can get involved, please visit www.happyvalleyunited.com. Your support can make a significant impact not only on the lives of these student-athletes but also on the future success of Penn State and our community.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this endeavor. Together, we can continue to foster excellence, opportunity, and success in Centre County and beyond.

Geisinger honored by American Medical Association for promoting well-being of health care workers

Posted on by Melissa Brown


DANVILLE, Pa. — Geisinger has earned recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ recognized organization.

The prestigious AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

“While there is still work to do, this recognition is a testament to our commitment to building a culture that allows our Geisinger family to thrive both personally and professionally,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., chief wellness officer. “When we create change at a system level to truly improve our care team members’ well-being, our patients and our entire Geisinger community benefit. We’re excited to join this collaboration of like-minded organizations where the mental health and well-being of our care team members is a priority, and we’re eager to continue this important work.”

Burnout rates among the nation’s physicians and other health care professionals spiked as the COVID-19 pandemic placed acute stress on care teams and exacerbated long-standing system issues. While the worst days of the pandemic are past, the lingering impact of work-related burnout remains an obstacle to achieving national health goals.

“Health organizations that have earned recognition from the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leading a national movement that has declared the well-being of health professionals to be an essential element for providing high-quality care to patients, families and communities,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “Each Joy in Medicine recognized organization is distinguished as among the nation’s best at creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of clinical care teams.”

Geisinger was recognized for its efforts to improve employee well-being through its Center for Professionalism and Well-being (CPW) — a team that offers Geisinger employees a variety of services related to mental health, burnout mitigation, community building, peer support and crisis response. In 2022, Geisinger named Dr. Parisi the health system’s first chief wellness officer to oversee the CPW and guide the implementation of a systemwide strategy to improve the mental health, professional fulfillment and overall well-being of the Geisinger family.

Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Programs recognize more than 100 organizations across the country. In 2023, a total of 72 health systems nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support. 

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program at //ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.

2023 Dr. Billie Willits Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Holidaysburg Grad/Saint Francis Freshman Gavin Ross

Posted on by Melissa Brown

(Altoona, PA)   Gavin Ross, a graduate of Holidaysburg Area High School was awarded the 2023 Dr. Billie Willits Memorial Scholarship from the Skills Foundation.  Now a freshman at Saint Francis University, Ross received $3,000 toward his education from a scholarship fund to benefit the children of employees of Skills of Central Pa.  The annual presentation honors the memory of long time Skills Board Member Dr. Billie Willits. 

Ross maintained a 4.0 grade point average as a Holidaysburg student and was an active volunteer in the community.  As a member of the Key Club, a volunteer for the Women’s Club Food Drive and a volunteer tutor at the Public Library and at his high school, Ross admirably gives back to his community.  In the latest chapter of his academic career, Ross is studying chemistry at Saint Francis University as a full-time student.   

Ross was eligible for the scholarship because his mother, B.J. Johannides, works as a behavior support specialist for Skills of Central Pa in Blair County.  Ross’s application and essay were selected by the scholarship committee of the Skills Foundation, citing several of the factors mentioned above, which made him a deserving recipient. 

The Dr. Billie S. Willits Memorial Scholarship is presented in honor and memory of Dr. Willits who was a member of the Skills of Central Pa Board of Directors for 20 years, including two terms as board chair. Dr. Willits passed away in 2019 and has truly left a void.  She was as a dedicated supporter of the Skills mission as well as the Centre County communities.