Feeling too good to work days

Professional 
  Interests
     Incentive Compensation
 Career
    Experiences




One of the ways companies offer incentives to their employees is in the form of time off.  Most companies offer vacation and sick days, with an average of two weeks for vacation and anywhere from 3-10 days per year for sick days. This is in hope to provide employees a work life balance.  I personally believe the standard two weeks is quite short for the balance I like to have.   I think companies should invoke two additional types of days off for employees.  These would help improve moral and the balance between work and life.   I believe that both of these types of days off should be used on the day of via an email to your manager, no scheduling necessary.  However, with the caveat, they can only used if the work activities of that day are not mission critical. 


The first type of day off is the "rejuvenate" day off, I propose this would be an additional one or two days for each employee per year.  This would be a day taken off to be pampered and or get some sort of relaxation treatment.  In order for this to be a valid day off, employees would have to generate proof that they had, at one point during the day, done or been provided with a service to help them relax.  Perhaps a massage, a yoga class or even a matinee movie receipt.  I believe this would be ideal for the employee who feels overwhelmed but doesn't want to use a vacation day as they normally use all their vacation with the family during the holidays.  This is a day off for the employee to pamper themselves and relax, not a day for vacation.  What is considered proof of relaxation could be different for every company, however I believe it is important to enforce the treatments and relaxation to take this type of day off.


The second type of day off is "It is just too damn beautiful of a day to work"  day off.  Now this would also have to be limited to a number less than 2 or 3.  If the quantity was determined by the employee, it would lead to those in Southern California working less than they already do (no offense intended, but every time I am in San Diego, I see a abnormally large number of people not working during the work week).


The idea behind this revolves around the sun and weather and its correlation to our happiness.  Many times we all experience sitting inside an office when it is a gorgeous day outside during the week, only to get to the weekend for cold, wet and rainy days.   If this happens day in and day out for weeks, it can be quite frustrating and for others even depressing (especially for those in the Pacific NW or San Francisco).  This day off ensures that the employee gets to spend time in the sun, soaking up the vitamin D our bodies crave.   This type of impromptu day off, would once again, show that the employer values the balance between work and life.


Many people say you can either "work to live" or "live to work", I ask why can't you be balanced and do a little bit of both.

Going Costal With a Significant Other

Personal
  Interests
     Travel
  Social
    Significant Other

It has been a long time since I started this blog, and I have been continuing on the path of finding balance.  With a new year comes a renewed intrest in my thoughts and reasoning for starting the blog initially. Please enjoy.

I recently started dating a wonderful woman.  One that can keep up and if not surpass my social drive and desires. We have been to many events with each day and event getting better than the next.  Not because of the excitement of the event, but the increased ability to truly share in the moments.   One of the many pleasures that we share is travel, and next month we are going to hit up both coasts for weekend trips (keeping it balanced of course).

During the month we will first be traveling to a city I love, New York City. While there we plan to attempt to try to find balance in the city that never sleeps, something I have yet to accomplish. We plan on a work meeting or two to start the trip, but then kicking it up a notch for some R&R.  I am not quite sure what we will be doing, or when we will be doing it..but that is the best thing about NY, you can always do anything at any time.  Regardless, it will be enjoyable, because the vibe of NY and the vibe of my newly found significant other.

Later in the month we are heading West.  To the NW to be exact.  One of my true passions, and or hobbies, is drinking beer. Portland, Oregon is a great place for this.  If you are in to beer and haven't been, I highly recommend it.  The last time I was there I went to the Rouge tasting room and came home with a beer paddle and great memories.  This time, however, I am going to find some breweries that aren't national, but local to Portland.  In addition to the beers, we will also need some food.  Portland is a great place for the Farm to Table trend that is been sweeping the nations restaurant scene.   We shall see how many taste buds I have left after two or three IPAs, hopefully enough to taste the flavors Oregon has to offer.

Finding Balance

I feel that throughout all of our lives everyone deals with the struggle of balance. It may be as simple as good and evil and it may be as complicated as time between children or relatives. I have started this blog in my hopes of finding that balance which works for me, knowing it will change over time. I am logical in thought so my blog will be organized as such. Each blog will fall into the structure outlined below. Some of the blogs will be commentary, some will be just stories or questions I have.

If you do choose to provide comments, I ask that you please provide your own stories that have helped you find balance, or areas where you struggle. Feel free to comment on my stories that help you find balance or you can relate to. Thanks and hope you enjoy, gain some benefit or are at least entertained to some degree. I don't care if you are laughing at me or with me, at least you are laughing.

My Structure of Balance:

Personal
  Interests
     Art
     Travel
     Dining
     Libations
  Social
     Family
     Friends
    Significant Other
Professional
  Interests
     Incentive Compensation
     Process Improvement
 Career
    Employment
    Experiences
   Growth Opportunities