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Longevity &amp; Performance

Longevity &amp; Performance Archives

Longevity &amp; Performance | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Thomas Edison <a href="https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/edison-reading-mary-had-a-little-lamb-1927/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recorded himself</a> reciting “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on his phonograph in 1878. But it wasn’t until the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-first-lps-werent-for-musicthey-were-audiobooks-for-the-blind-44381690/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1930s</a> that audiobooks truly emerged, primarily serving the visually impaired and those recovering from strokes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2010 only <a href="https://scoop.market.us/audiobooks-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6,200 audiobooks</a> were published, and a 2012 <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2012/04/04/part-2-the-general-reading-habits-of-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pew Research </a>report found that just 11% of Americans aged 16 and older had consumed at least one audiobook that year. <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/261185/number-of-audiobooks-published-in-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">By 2021</a>, the number of published audiobooks had surged to roughly 74,000, and <a href="https://www.audiopub.org/surveys#:~:text=Edison%20Research%20conducted%20the%20Audio,have%20ever%20tried%20the%20medium." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edison Research</a> reported in 2024 that 52% of U.S. adults have tried an audiobook—translating to 137 million Americans—with 38% saying they have listened to one in the past year. This <a href="https://themacweekly.com/81686/arts/how-audiobooks-have-changed-the-literary-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant growth</a> is attributed to several factors, such as the appeal of multitasking and technology accessibility with smartphones and streaming services.</p>



<p>However, despite their widespread appeal, audiobooks are sometimes viewed as a lazy means to an end. Traditional reading is often celebrated for its cognitive advantages, but could audiobooks offer similar brain-boosting benefits?</p>



<p>To explore this, I spoke with neuroscientist <a href="https://pauljzak.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul J. Zak,</a> Ph.D., whose <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_stories_change_brain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab conducted</a> extensive research on the effects of storytelling on the brain. Here are some of the benefits of audiobooks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-audiobooks-can-release-feel-good-chemicals">1. Audiobooks Can Release Feel-Good Chemicals</h2>



<p>As social beings, the human brain is wired for storytelling. Our ancestors relied on stories for millennia to share culture, gain wisdom and build relationships. So it makes sense that an engaging, memorable narrative would have a positive effect on our brains, releasing dopamine and oxytocin, as Zak’s research shows. These neurochemicals, linked to pleasure, motivation and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-friends-are-important/">social connection</a>, have what Zak calls a “high social-emotional value.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>In his book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Immersion-Science-Extraordinary-Source-Happiness/dp/1544531958" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness</em></a>, Zak explains that his lab's research discovered audiobooks can have more value neurologically than reading a physical book because the <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2022.846234/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain will simulate</a> “the emotions and actions in a narrative.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The NeuroLeadership Institute states that there’s a link between emotionally powerful stories and memory recall, thanks to the <a href="https://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/the-neuroscience-of-storytelling/#:~:text=The%20motor%20and%20sensory%20cortices%2C%20as%20well,all%20engaged%20during%20story%20creation%20and%20processing.&amp;text=That's%20why%20when%20we%20experience%20an%20emotionally%2Dcharged,easier%20to%20remember%20something%20with%20greater%20accuracy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release of dopamine</a> in our brains. This is similar to how we vividly recall significant personal events, such as weddings or graduations, while struggling to remember mundane information, such as what we ate for breakfast yesterday morning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582440241257357#bibr38-21582440241257357" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies suggest </a>for the listener to emotionally connect to an audiobook, the narrator must skillfully use tone, voice modulation and character portrayal.</p>



<p>In my listening experience, I’ve shelved audiobooks or opted to read the physical book instead due to a flat narrator or storyline. Yet when the plot and narrator align harmoniously, my mind creates vivid mental imagery and forms a stronger attachment to the characters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-they-can-help-us-feel-less-lonely">2. They can help us feel less lonely</h2>



<p>I play audiobooks most when I’m alone because I find another human’s voice comforting. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582440241257357#bibr38-21582440241257357" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies </a>indicate that audiobooks can help us feel less <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/quotes-about-solitude-and-being-alone/">lonely</a> and that readers tend to avoid machine-generated recordings, preferring a human voice.</p>



<p>Zak says this preference is because of the human voice’s timbre and tone variations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665945X24000044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> shows that our brains are wired to recognize and respond to vocal signals, which is part of what makes human voices more compelling to us than that of a robot’s.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-they-can-have-cognitive-benefits">3. They can have cognitive benefits</h2>



<p>Audiobooks <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED607775.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have the potential</a> to improve vocabulary and comprehension. Supporting this, <a href="https://www.the-scientist.com/the-brain-interprets-spoken-and-written-language-the-same-way-66602">a study in TheScientist</a> determined that the brain’s neural activity reacts the same way whether a word is listened to or read.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This has real-world implications, too. Researchers <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304674071_The_Impact_of_Audiobooks_on_Reading_Comprehension_and_Enjoyment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigated </a>whether audiobook technology could improve reading comprehension and enjoyment in adult learners with low-level reading skills. The study focused on 27 adult students working on their GED, with reading levels equivalent to grades 2-7. Participants were divided into two groups: one used an audiobook and text version of a Brothers Grimm fairytale, while the control group used only the text version.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings indicated that audiobook technology helped adult learners improve their reading comprehension skills as well as their enjoyment of reading.&nbsp; In this way, audiobooks, like Gutenberg’s printing press, can democratize access to the written word.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-they-re-good-for-multi-tasking-and-time-optimization">4. They’re good for multi-tasking and time optimization</h2>



<p>The brain can simultaneously process auditory information and visual-motor tasks, according to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10711813241260740" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple resource theory</a>. This is why audiobooks can be well-suited to multitasking: They provide mental stimulation without requiring focused visual attention.</p>



<p>Charvi Agarwal, co-founder of <a href="http://tales.so" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tales.so</a>, an app that transforms bestselling books into podcast-style episodes, points out that audiobooks offer a way to "turn passive time into purposeful learning or inspiration," transforming mundane activities into opportunities for cognitive engagement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downsides-to-audiobooks">Downsides to audiobooks</h2>



<p>One common complaint about audiobooks is the time commitment involved. It’s not always easy to dedicate eight or more hours to a single title, particularly with non-fiction, where repetition or often flat narrative structure can lead to disengagement.</p>



<p>After becoming a mother, Agarwal struggled to find time for audiobooks, so she used her data science and product strategy background to condense them into easily consumable 30-60-minute podcast-like episodes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This reduces cognitive fatigue and helps listeners finish without needing multiple sessions or losing track of context,” she says. “Instead of page-by-page summaries, we focus on the most relevant and applicable insights from a book. Whether it’s a single-host narrative or a dynamic conversation between two hosts, each episode is crafted to be engaging, useful and easy to apply.” Currently, her <a href="http://tales.so" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tales</a> app boasts a library with thousands of titles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another drawback is the tendency to tune out. Zak contends that engaging audiobooks can hold our attention due to the brain's emotional responsiveness. Still, even as an avid audiobook consumer, he admits his own comprehension can sometimes be lower than with traditional reading. His solution is to rewind and re-listen to important sections or a book in its entirety, just as you might rewatch a movie to catch nuances missed the first time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-access-audiobooks">Where to access audiobooks</h2>



<p>Audible is a popular audiobook source, but I recommend exploring the library apps <a href="https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Libby</a> and <a href="https://www.hoopladigital.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoopla</a>. These platforms offer access to thousands of free audiobooks (and ebooks) with a library card. Popular titles almost always have wait times, so this isn’t the system for those wanting instant gratification, but it’s still possible to rotate through a decent amount of content per year. (Here is a <a href="https://www.oppl.org/news-events/digital-learning/tech-tips-how-to-listen-to-audiobooks-in-libby/#:~:text=With%20the%20Libby%20app%2C%20you,and%20Bon%20App%C3%A9tit%E2%80%94and%20more." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tutorial</a> that teaches you how to use the Libby app.)</p>



<p>Spotify Premium also includes 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with a selection of over 250,000 titles.</p>



<p>For those interested in trying audiobooks in a shorter format, <a href="http://tales.so" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tales.so</a> offers 10 free books then $9.99/month or $69 for a lifetime subscription. (Agarwal kindly offered readers of this article six months of free access with the coupon code SUCCESS100.)</p>



<p>Ultimately, the goal is to find an audiobook format and platform that works for you. With so many available options, it really is the golden age of audio.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of ViDI Studio/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Learn why audiobooks have a positive effect on the brain and how you can start reading this one writer's best recommendations.

Learn why audiobooks have a positive effect on the brain.

Why Audiobooks Are Good for Your Brain | SUCCESS

The Brain-Boosting Power of Audiobooks

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Kris Ann Valdez

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Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Be a team player.</p>



<p>It's a phrase so common we often tune it out. Yet in today’s interconnected workplace, data suggests collaboration has <a href="https://www.zippia.com/advice/workplace-collaboration-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased by at least 50%</a> over the past 20 years. So, how do we cultivate the skills to become a more <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/8-tips-to-improve-team-collaboration/">effective collaborator</a>—or, put plainly, the type of person other people want to work with?</p>



<p><a href="https://benmeer.com/about-ben-meer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Meer,</a> who calls himself the “Systems Guy” for his systems on health, wealth and free time, outlines effective strategies to be a team player in a March 2025 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benmeer_10-workplace-secrets-that-make-everyone-want-activity-7301593175477862400-e64s?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAAbt-QgBMVabQzoR2iDWuje4dFylEe6vL2A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn post</a>. His insights inform the following discussion.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-respect-your-colleagues-time">1. Respect your colleagues’ time</h2>



<p>Meer calls this concept “calendar psychology.” One strategy he outlines is to book 25-minute meetings instead of 30 because you’ve given your colleagues five minutes back—and they’ll likely appreciate you for it.</p>



<p>Within meetings, avoid asking questions that are more appropriately addressed outside the meeting. And keep side conversations and “bunny trails” to a minimum—they interrupt flows, causing meetings to go longer than necessary.</p>



<p>Cultural strategist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretricci/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Margaret Ricci</a>, FRSA, says timeline check-ins are also helpful, offering this script, “We only have 10 minutes left in our meeting and I want to make sure we have enough time to think about XXX, YYY and ZZZ.”</p>



<p>Another way Meer says you can respect your co-workers’ time is to add a one-line summary at the top of a long email. A few concise bullet points work too.</p>



<p>Time is precious, and people appreciate when you value theirs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-attach-agendas-to-meetings">2. Attach agendas to meetings</h2>



<p>Another way to honor your colleagues’ schedules and increase productivity and organization, is to send pre-meeting agendas. A well-structured agenda—including the meeting's logistics, goals, attendees, discussion questions with estimated time allotments and necessary documentation—is indispensable for teams.</p>



<p>Ricci suggests that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/neurodivergence-impact-work/">neurodivergent individuals</a> might especially benefit from the predictable structure of an agenda. They can be helpful for introverts, too. Rather than being put on the spot, it empowers them to form thoughtful responses and contribute confidently, Ricci says. Agendas should also be sent a few days beforehand to allow employees time to prepare, outline expectations and establish communication that benefits everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-create-a-team-based-culture">3. Create a team-based culture</h2>



<p>The next step to being a good team player is to shift the focus away from your individual gains to supporting the team as a whole. When you help others without seeking recognition, your reputation builds naturally, says Meer. Peter Matthies, founder of the <a href="http://www.consciousbusinessinstitute.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conscious Business Institute</a>, believes this approach shifts dynamics away from an ego-based to a team-based culture.</p>



<p>But how do we gain recognition if we focus on supporting others?</p>



<p>Stand out.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One example Matthies shares is to provide a vision and purpose that furthers the team, such as better team connectedness or setting performance goals. Matthies says when we “inspire others to support that vision, the entire team moves into the same direction” and you’re likely to be perceived as a leader.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-practice-the-gratitude-loop">4. Practice the “gratitude loop”</h2>



<p>To further strengthen team bonds and cultivate a more positive atmosphere, actively <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-practice-gratitude/">practice gratitude</a>. As colleagues notice each other’s efforts, show appreciation, and reciprocate, Meer coins this the “gratitude loop.”</p>



<p><a href="https://pvdpsych.com/nicole-issa-psyd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicole Issa Psy.D.</a> says that gratitude plays a powerful role in employee behaviors, because “when people know their efforts matter, they tend to show up with more energy and purpose.” On the other hand, she says when gratitude is missing, employees may feel invisible, which leads to burnout, resentment and disengagement.</p>



<p>When only high-achieving employees receive recognition, this can create division within a team, so Issa advises a broad and fair show of appreciation. Also, appreciation must be tailored to individuals. Some people love public praise, while others prefer a private thank you.</p>



<p>How do you know the way someone likes to receive gratitude?</p>



<p>“Ask. Leaders can create simple check-ins or surveys to learn how team members prefer to receive feedback and appreciation,” says Issa. “Practicing awareness means not assuming one-size-fits-all.”</p>



<p>Issa warns that recognition needs to be authentic—employees will be able to tell when it's forced. “It’s not about flattery; it’s about honest appreciation for real effort.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lastly, be consistent. “Don’t wait for big wins; notice the small things too,” says Issa. “Evidence shows that peer-to-peer recognition is just as powerful as top-down praise. Creating regular moments where gratitude is shared in meetings, newsletters or internal platforms keeps the loop going. Importantly, gratitude should be modeled, not mandated.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-be-a-problem-solver-and-follow-the-plus-one-rule">5. Be a problem solver and follow the “plus one rule”</h2>



<p>A highly-valuable colleague also actively seeks to improve processes and resolve challenges. Meer says, “Every organization has problems. The people who solve them get promoted.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ricci suggests teams create “mitigation plans” at the start of every project, which includes proactively brainstorming what could go wrong and how to fix it. This plan should be reviewed every time a new problem arises.</p>



<p>Meer also believes that every process you are a part of should be made at least 1% better by your efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>People need to contribute according to their strengths, Ricci advises, stating, “Don’t feel badly if you cannot contribute more in other phases of the project; you might have a larger contribution later which is right in your own wheelhouse.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-learn-to-be-a-connecting-link">6. Learn to be a connecting link</h2>



<p>To foster broader collaborations beyond immediate teams, it’s wise to learn the art of connection. Forge relationships with people across departments and introduce them to each other, or become what Meer calls the “connecting link” that builds relationships. Meer explains that being the connecting link helps create opportunities for everyone.</p>



<p>In sociology, Mark Granovetter’s <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/07/strength-weak-ties" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Strength of Weak Ties</em></a> theory argues that casual acquaintances (weak ties) can hold more value than close relationships (strong ties).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Three reasons casual acquaintances benefit us:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>They often provide us new information not found within our inner circle.&nbsp;</li>



<li>They connect us to additional resources and opportunities.</li>



<li>They help us explore new intellectual territory.</li>
</ol>



<p>Drawing on Granovetter’s theory, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, author of <a href="https://a.co/d/bG5H7q5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement</em></a>, says to learn more about what your colleague’s roles include and share about yours. She recommends keeping a spreadsheet to inventory your network, “noting their organizational ties, skills and the ways that you can help each other. If you keep it up to date, it will be there whenever you need it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-help-newcomers-succeed">7. Help newcomers succeed</h2>



<p>Equally important to building connections is forging strong internal alliances. One impactful way to do so—support new team members. Every job comes with a learning curve. It takes time to master new processes, learn names and feel out a company’s culture. When you partner with newcomers as their office buddy, Meer says it’s an “easy way to display leadership without needing an official title.”</p>



<p>It may impact your schedule or routine to work with a newcomer, but chances are they’ll deeply appreciate the gesture. Who knows, they might one day become your greatest ally… or boss. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-become-the-team-player-everyone-wants-on-their-team">Become the team player everyone wants on their team</h2>



<p>Ultimately, integrating Meer’s strategies into your daily work life will require a certain level of self-awareness and commitment to personal and professional growth; but by experimenting with how to effectively embrace these strategies, you’ll likely become the team player everyone wants on their team.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Kzenon/Shutterstock.</em></p>

Want to increase collaboration and build strong working relationships? Here are expert-backed ways to become a more desirable team player.

Want to increase collaboration and build strong working relationships? Here are expert-backed ways to become a more desirable team player. | SUCCESS

7 Behaviors That Will Make People Want to Work With You

7 Tips That Will Make You a Better Team Player | SUCCESS

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Trends &amp; Insights

Trends &amp; Insights Archives

Trends &amp; Insights | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.“</p>



<p>This advice, often attributed to author Mark Twain, is to tackle an unpleasant task head-on—but what if delaying it ultimately leads to a more creative solution? Or what if a few mental “appetizers” make the task more palatable?</p>







<p>We all know that procrastination has a bad reputation. Timothy Pychyl, Ph.D., psychologist and author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Solving-Procrastination-Puzzle-Concise-Strategies/dp/0399168125/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1381334891&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=solving+the+procrastination+puzzle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Solving the Procrastination Puzzle</em></a>, even calls it a vice. But could <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-tips-to-be-a-productive-procrastinator/">procrastination</a> have a redeeming side?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-benefits-of-delayed-action">The benefits of delayed action</h2>



<p>Cultural strategist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretricci/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Margaret Ricci</a> says she was born with the “procrastination gene.” But through trial and error, she’s learned to use procrastination as a tool. By setting herself a “drop-dead date,” she knows she’ll conquer a task on schedule. However, the time she spends incubating her ideas before her deep work begins ultimately benefits her outcome.</p>



<p>Pychyl, who calls Ricci’s method “purposeful delay,” argues that delaying a task isn’t necessarily the same as procrastination. For example, a writer isn’t writing only when they’re at their keyboard. “Writing involves thinking. Writing involves having conversations with people [and] talking about what I would write,” he explains. </p>



<p>Similarly, Owen Fitzpatrick, a psychologist and the host of the <a href="https://owenfitzpatrick.com/changing-minds-podcast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Changing Minds</em></a> podcast, claims that procrastination itself isn’t beneficial—it’s the mental drift it fosters that makes a difference. Our brain’s default mode network is busy even when the brain is not, he says, which allows the mind to wander, reflect and daydream, boosting problem-solving and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-ways-to-tap-into-your-creative-self/">fueling creativity</a>. </p>



<p>Ricci adds that procrastination pushes her into a “flow state.” This state occurs when the brain hits a sweet spot between challenge and ability—it’s stretched but not overwhelmed.</p>



<p>If the task at hand is engaging, stimulating and aligned to your skill set, it will intrinsically motivate you, Fitzpatrick says. And when you’re fully absorbed, time seems to fly. </p>



<p>In Ricci’s case, she’s propelled by the external pressure of a deadline, which Fitzpatrick calls “procrastination-driven hyperfocus.” This hyperfocus mimics the intense focus of a flow state and is triggered by the brain releasing noradrenaline to sharpen attention and prioritize the task. Dopamine is also involved, igniting motivation and urgency and propelling the brain into action. </p>



<p>“In the right dose,” he says, ”this works great.” But where does healthy delay end and harmful procrastination begin?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-downside-of-delay">The downside of delay</h2>



<p>For many procrastinators, the pressure of the task they put off becomes too great, causing their brain to shift into stress mode and cortisol to rise. This, Fitzpatrick warns, can cloud the brain and cripple performance.</p>



<p>Ricci agrees that procrastination can be detrimental. Previously in her career, she struggled to pay attention to schedules and protect her time. She also allowed co-workers to constantly interrupt her work with their demands, which resulted in her ignoring project deadlines. When her boss would ask why she hadn’t finished them, she’d have to explain that she let other things take priority and then spend time making up her backlog. “It made me look like a fool,” she admits.</p>



<p>Now, as a seasoned leader of teams, Ricci empowers others who have the “procrastination gene” by introducing them to some of the bumper lanes that help her thrive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-procrastinators-need-structure">Procrastinators need structure</h2>



<p>During the ”<a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-principlesmanagement/chapter/reading-the-five-stages-of-team-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forming stage</a>” of a team, Ricci says, team members should discuss if they are prone to procrastinate and, if yes, explore why. </p>



<p>She suggests asking questions like the following:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Are they disinterested or ill-prepared in their work?</li>



<li>Are they operating outside their comfort zones or afraid to ask for help?</li>



<li>Do they use purposeful delay to compress time and accelerate activity?</li>
</ul>



<p>“Once you understand the DNA of the people inside the team,” Ricci says, “then you can say, ‘OK, how can we work with your procrastination to make this a better team?’”</p>



<p>Having assigned tasks throughout a project can help procrastinators stay engaged, she adds. Like Ricci, some will shine when given the last deadline to piece the unfinished parts into a whole and bring the project over the finish line.</p>



<p>Fitzpatrick agrees that structure is necessary for optimal focus. “When things feel open-ended or chaotic,” he says, ”we lose access to the very cognitive systems we need most to stay organized, evaluate options and follow through.”</p>



<p>But this structure doesn’t have to be rigid. He adds that a short deadline, specific goal or focused work sprint can allow the brain to shift into a functional, creative state and mimic the feel of the urgency that procrastinators crave without the guilt spiral. For neurodivergent minds, Fitzpatrick recommends time-blocking, visual timers and coworking sessions to create external boundaries.</p>



<p>Pychyl also recommends not looking at our tasks as projects but as a series of manageable steps. Each time you’re faced with something you don’t want to do, he says, ask yourself, “’What is the next action?’” It’s likely as simple as opening your laptop.</p>



<p>Kristina Proctor, executive coach and founder of <a href="http://www.neurodivergentventures.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurodivergent Ventures</a>, adds that structure is especially essential in meetings. An agenda should include the order of operations, who is responsible for what, and the ultimate goal to help individuals mentally prepare and avoid dysregulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-play-into-the-workplace">Introducing play into the workplace</h2>



<p>According to Pychyl, we tend to procrastinate because we want short-term rewards or to have fun now rather than later. This often makes procrastination an emotional regulation problem instead of an issue of time management. But what if there was a way to make our tasks more fun?</p>



<p>“Play isn’t the opposite of productivity—it’s a portal to it,” Proctor says.</p>



<p>Fitzpatrick notes that incorporating play can be especially helpful for individuals with ADHD, whose brains struggle to generate enough dopamine to engage in tasks that lack novelty, urgency or high emotional relevance. This can explain the common ‘I know I need to do it, but I can't make myself start’ feeling, which stems not from laziness but from a neurochemical mismatch that triggers stress and guilt.</p>



<p>Wendy Wood, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Habits-Bad-Science-Positive/dp/1250159075" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Good Habits, Bad Habits</em></a>, writes that about 43% of our day is based on habitual actions. Proctor adds that we can become depleted quickly when we rely solely on willpower to complete these actions. This is why many of us—neurodivergent or not—turn to our phones for quick dopamine hits throughout the day. </p>



<p>Proctor’s “Fuel, Focus, Flow” method is an alternative that helps individuals increase their productivity levels through play:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Fuel:</strong> Track your energy levels throughout the day and pay attention to when they ebb and flow. What impacts your energy most? Can you find ways to reconnect with what brings you joy?</li>



<li><strong>Focus:</strong> Reduce the friction of unpleasant tasks by gamifying them. For example, pull out a timer and ask yourself, “How much can I get done in ten minutes?”</li>



<li><strong>Flow:</strong> Use dopamine-boosting strategies like physical movement (fidget tools, walking pads or standing in a meeting) or a curated “<a href="https://www.additudemag.com/dopamenu-dopamine-menu-adhd-brain/?srsltid=AfmBOorLq3ht2G_mQCfCVWkqPmxhXbxM1ulGGisI5KfiT_rAqO7wFkVG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine menu</a>” to stay engaged, ease transitions and increase momentum.</li>
</ul>



<p>One of Proctor’s clients says that she was most energized by a midday workout class. Initially, she felt guilty for sneaking in this activity during her workday, but she soon realized that carving out time for that class increased her stamina and productivity levels. ”That time went from a ’[This is] nice to have if I have time’ to a ’This is a strategic need for me to keep moving my business forward,’” Proctor shares.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-procrastination-the-future-of-work">Procrastination: The future of work</h2>



<p>There’s still much research needed on the correlation between procrastination and flow state, Fitzpatrick says. But as we understand more, we’ll hopefully be able to “design environments and workflows that lean into the natural rhythms of the brain.”</p>



<p>After all, “the goal isn’t to eliminate procrastination,” he adds. “It’s to contain it, learn from it and use it as a signal.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo by Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock.com</em></strong></p>

Discover how procrastination, strategic delays and play can increase your productivity and creativity at work, according to new research.

Discover how procrastination, strategic delays and play can increase your productivity and creativity at work, according to new research. | SUCCESS

Can Procrastination Actually Boost Your Productivity and Creativity?

Is Procrastination Your New Productivity Hack? | SUCCESS

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Upset businesswoman packing her things with coworkers in backdrop

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

<p>In 2021, Better.com <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59554585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stirred controversy</a> when it laid off 900 employees via a Zoom webinar. In 2023, when Google cut its workforce by 12,000, some employees say they learned of their termination <a href="https://hbr.org/2023/03/shifting-your-perception-after-being-laid-off" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by email</a> or abrupt loss of system access. This detached style of layoffs demonstrates a chilling lack of personal connection, reflected in the often-heard phrase, “It’s just business.” But “you don’t have a business without the people,” points out Sacha Thompson, CEO of The Equity Equation. </p>



<p>Following a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ai-workforce-reduction/">layoff</a>, remaining employees often grieve as they adjust to their new normal, including the inevitable shifts in team dynamics created by the absence of their colleagues, Thompson says. Rather than pretend nothing happened, organizations need to acknowledge this grief period and be transparent, allowing the team to process the loss and move forward cohesively, she says.</p>







<p>Thompson warns that treating people as disposable, their contributions and presence easily replaced, can cause the remaining employees to disengage and withhold their best efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Brent Herman, director of talent solutions at Hanover, echoes this sentiment, stating that employers have “a duty of care to employees.” How this duty plays out across cultures and legal frameworks may vary, but the underlying principle of treating employees with dignity remains universally applicable.</p>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/layoffs-without-harming-company-culture/">Effectively handling layoffs</a> and building a future for the remaining employees demands care, communication and commitment. Organizations succeed best at this by following several strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-layoffs-should-be-a-last-resort">Layoffs should be a last resort</h2>



<p><a href="https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A10%3A28843226/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&amp;id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A47934585&amp;crl=c&amp;link_origin=none" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Some research</a> suggests that organizations downsize to cut costs and increase efficiency, but the long-term impacts may contribute to worker turnover, disengagement and dissatisfaction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Marc Vollebregt, founder of AVEC, a company to help people work better together, says layoffs should be the “absolute last resort.” Before choosing to lay off an employee, Vollebregt recommends asking the following questions:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Are there single-earners with a family who really can’t lose their job?</li>



<li>Are there employees who have a partner with a well-earning job so they can work fewer days and rely more on them for the coming months?</li>



<li>Can we park or reduce the bonuses for a certain period?&nbsp;</li>



<li>Can some employees work less?&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p>These are difficult conversations but are “far more powerful than one-sided decisions,” says Vollebregt. “If you trust your people with the truth, they’ll often surprise you with their willingness to help find alternatives.”</p>



<p>Sometimes, however, layoffs are inevitable. How do you handle them in a way that reflects well on your organization?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communicate-ahead-of-time-and-offer-outplacement-services-nbsp">Communicate ahead of time and offer outplacement services&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Though it seems counterintuitive to give advance warning of pending layoffs, Herman says it’s better to be open and create awareness to not catch employees off guard and break trust. “Communities are small, and word gets around,” he says. “Your brand is only as strong as your employees’ marketing of your business to the external environment.”</p>



<p>When <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/us-retail-layoffs-career-strategies/">laying off employees</a>, it’s best to conduct a meeting with HR present, recognizing the value the employee brought to the team, thanking them for their dedication and hard work and assuring them the decision doesn’t reflect on their value as a professional, Herman states. He adds that this should be followed up with written communication because most employees will be too overwhelmed to take it all in during the meeting.</p>



<p>It’s best practice to offer outplacement services to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/conduct-successful-exit-interviews/">exiting employees</a>, which include the following:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Resume/CV writing and review</li>



<li>LinkedIn profile optimization</li>



<li>Career coaching</li>



<li>Job search assistance (access to job boards or networking events)</li>



<li>Interview skills training</li>



<li>A letter of recommendation (or share one on LinkedIn)</li>



<li>Counseling services</li>
</ul>



<p>Treating employees with care during a layoff means they are more prone to return to a company if rehiring occurs (saving the organization money on training costs) or recommend their qualified connections to apply, Thompson says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equip-managers-with-talking-points-and-provide-eap-services">Equip managers with talking points and provide EAP services</h2>



<p>To effectively navigate this transition period, employers should be open about why the layoffs are necessary, reaffirm the company’s mission and be transparent about the future, Herman says. He recommends companywide town halls, manager-led team meetings and ongoing email updates. This approach allows companies to address the issue head-on, field questions and thoughtfully respond.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Herman provides this script:&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Today has been a difficult day, and we recognize the impact this has on everyone. Saying goodbye to valued colleagues is never easy. These changes were necessary for the long-term health of the company, but we know they bring uncertainty. We are committed to keeping you informed and supporting you through this transition. Your work remains critical to our mission, and we appreciate your dedication during this challenging time. We will continue to listen, support and navigate these changes together.”</p>



<p>Managers are not often equipped to handle conversations surrounding layoffs. They can feel nervous or skittish to answer questions if they don’t know how much information they are allowed to share or if they are unaware of the reason for changes. Thompson suggests it’s best to provide managers with talking points to help them succeed. When she was a manager, she found it helpful to ask her employees, “How can I best support you?”</p>



<p>Sometimes, that means connecting employees to external sources, such as employee assistance program (EAP) services, which can provide counseling and other resources to help them cope with the changes. It can also mean checking in with employees for several months following the layoffs too. It’s about creating a community of care, Thompson says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-long-term-benefits-of-humanizing-the-process">The long-term benefits of humanizing the process</h2>



<p><em>Newsweek</em> produces a “Most Loved Places to Work” list every year. In 2024, KCSA Strategic Communications placed 34th <a href="https://mostlovedworkplace.com/americas-top-most-loved-workplaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on that list</a>. KCSA’s chief human resource officer, Katie Roland, says the way “a company says goodbye to employees directly affects the culture of those who stay. When you take care and support those who have to leave, you signal to the ones who remain that they are important and your company is worth toughing it out.”</p>



<p>Contrary to what employees may think, no one wants to conduct layoffs, she says,&nbsp; because “leaders and HR professionals would much prefer to see their companies grow and thrive. When… necessary to protect the company and remaining jobs, HR has a responsibility to do so with care and humanity.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Roland says even a simple call or text to former employees can help them feel valued and reduce possible feelings of inadequacy.</p>



<p>Companies can provide a more compassionate offboarding experience through services such as <a href="https://www.forwhen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">When</a>, an AI-powered health insurance marketplace that supports exiting employees by finding affordable alternatives to COBRA insurance and provides other services, including resume building, career coaching and financial advice. Co-founder and CEO Andy Hamilton says 93% of exiting employees report satisfaction with When’s support during their transition, and company representatives say it allows them to “actualize their promise to support their employees at every stage of the employee life cycle.” </p>



<p>Hamilton says that in 2024, one of his clients, a leading business and technology firm, “faced a reduction-in-force due to external market conditions. As a people-first organization, the client recognized that conventional solutions fell short of their commitment to fostering a resilient and empowered workforce.” Partnering with When helped 61% of their exiting employees lower their health care expenses by an average of $2,300, says Hamilton. The client benefitted, too, estimating the alternative solutions saved them $1.4 million.</p>



<p>Though harder to quantify, Hamilton believes his company helps clients reduce negative publicity, improve employee morale and protect their reputation.</p>



<p>“As someone who has personally been impacted by a layoff while responsible for raising a family in a high cost-of-living city,” Hamilton says, “I can say with confidence that any support employers provide to their exiting employees can go a long way.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Media_Photos/Shutterstock</em></p>

After layoffs, trust takes a hit. Discover ways leaders can support teams, preserve morale and rebuild a resilient workplace culture.

After layoffs, trust takes a hit. Discover ways leaders can support teams, preserve morale and rebuild a resilient workplace culture. | SUCCESS

How Organizations Can Rebuild Trust After a Layoff

Rebuilding Trust After Layoffs: Employer Strategies That Work | SUCCESS

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group of co-workers laughing and drinking coffee

Coffee Break at Comfortable Office

Culture &amp; Workplace

Culture &amp; Workplace Archives

Culture &amp; Workplace | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Humans are hard-wired for connection—we want to belong to something greater than ourselves. And for many people, that “greater something” is the workplace, says Beth Kaplan, author of <em><a href="https://amzn.to/3FJRLWj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point</a>.</em></p>



<p>With new work structures established in the 20th century, including the 40-hour work week, minimum wage requirements, and the rise of labor unions, people began to view the workplace as a “stable source of community,” Kaplan says. Because the workplace plays a significant role in our lives and gives us a sense of purpose, it’s no wonder we seek fulfillment there, but are often left disappointed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to a 2024 <a href="https://www.gallup.com/467702/indicator-employee-retention-attraction.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gallup report,</a> half of U.S. employees would jump ship if they had an opportunity, the main reasons cited included “engagement and culture” (37%) followed by “wellbeing and work-life balance” (31%), meaning people are four times more likely to leave for these reasons than the pay or benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2023, disgruntled employees cost U.S. organizations an estimated <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/608675/new-workplace-employee-engagement-stagnates.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$1.9 trillion in lost productivity</a> with many employees admitting they felt disconnected from their organization’s mission or that they weren’t cared for as a person.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Most employers don’t learn about their employee’s dissatisfaction until their exit interviews, says Kaplan, because people are often too cautious to share their grievances when their livelihoods are at stake. Interestingly, <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/646538/employee-turnover-preventable-often-ignored.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">42% of employees</a> who voluntarily quit their organizations say something could have prevented them from doing so, Gallup also reports, citing they would have stayed if they’d felt valued, had a stronger manager-employee relationship, or if organizational issues, scheduling or workload had been addressed.&nbsp;</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workplace-trauma-leads-to-disengaged-employees">Workplace trauma leads to disengaged employees</h2>



<p>In her book, Kaplan offers a list of common workplace traumas that undermine employee happiness and resilience, including: bullying, gaslighting (manipulation), physical or verbal abuse, high-pressure environments, unrealistic expectations and illegal practices.</p>



<p>The American Psychological Association’s <a href="https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44202-024-00143-4.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Work in America Survey</a> (2023) found that 22% of workers say their mental health was negatively impacted by a workplace trauma. With a U.S. workforce of <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/191750/civilian-labor-force-in-the-us-since-1990/#:~:text=This%20graph%20shows%20the%20civilian,amounted%20to%20about%20167.12%20million." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">170 million people</a>, that equates to 37.4 million people—more than the entire population of Canada.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When trauma occurs, an employee’s sense of belonging is often damaged or destroyed. Sometimes these traumas occur because of the unconscious behaviors that shape workplace interactions, or what Human Capital Strategist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthawasserman/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samantha Wasserman</a> calls “social rhythms.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Every day we create and respond to social rhythms when we knowingly or unknowingly exclude people. The words we use, our demeanor, the rhythm or pace at [which] we operate—it all signals whether we are open to receiving someone or closed,” says Wasserman.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unaware leaders often create non-inclusive rhythms that hurt relationships. For example, a leader prone to quick decision-making often relies on people who think similarly or hold similar beliefs to them, leaving little time for differing opinions, says Wasserman. For instance, in a meeting, this leader might use a patronizing tone, interrupt, or shut down the ideas of people who are not in their “dominant group,” she explains.</p>



<p>According to Wasserman, discrimination largely occurs because these “behaviors are widespread, rampant [and] tolerated throughout the culture.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-companies-establish-a-safe-culture-where-employees-thrive-nbsp">How do companies establish a safe culture where employees thrive?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Certainly, it’s about more than hanging a “You Belong Here” sign on the door, performing lip service about inclusion or calling your organization a family. After all, a workplace is not a family, it’s a professional environment, Kaplan says.</p>



<p>Psychological safety refers to the belief that employees won’t be punished or humiliated for taking interpersonal risks, such as speaking up with ideas or questions. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachathompson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sacha Thompson</a>, CEO of the <a href="https://theequityequationllc.com/about-the-equity-equation/">Equity Equation</a>, believes organizations need to see people as individuals, not as cogs in the wheel and that every person requires something different to be successful and to feel psychologically safe. </p>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/everything-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-great-leader/">Leaders set the tone</a>, she says, and they need to “understand the shadow that they cast.” She suggests leaders practice introspection and learn techniques to better respond to their team. For example, instead of patronizing, interrupting or shutting down ideas in a meeting, Thompson says a leader might ask, “Can you help me understand how you got from point A to point B?”&nbsp; or, “Whose perspective might we be missing here?” These questions can shift the social rhythms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-qualities-of-a-positive-work-environment">The qualities of a positive work environment</h2>



<p>Thompson recommends performing quarterly, or at least bi-annual, 360-reviews so employees can provide honest, anonymous feedback without fear of retribution and allow organizations to gauge what’s happening across demographics and departments.</p>



<p>The number-one thing Thompson sees in workplaces with low psychological safety is lost or broken trust. “You lose trust when actions and words are not in alignment,” she says, adding that it’s important to be consistent and communicate clearly. Communication needs to come through various modes (e.g., a meeting, an email or one-on-one settings) because people process information differently, she says.</p>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/disc-assessment-team-dynamics/">Team dynamics</a> matter, too. Thompson says we need to make sure everyone feels valued, safe and connected because your organization loses the ability for innovation when people don’t feel their contributions matter—if they don’t feel they belong, they won’t give you the best of who they are.</p>



<p>Some <a href="https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3850810/v1/c00d4511-3d13-4e5a-b762-367738b5f113.pdf?c=1704958113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies suggest</a> innovation, creativity and productivity increase when a company supports their employees and provides them with a safe and understanding workplace. It could also positively impact the company’s bottom line.</p>



<p>Paolo Gaudiano, chief scientist at <a href="https://aleria.tech/paolo-gaudiano" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aleria</a>, an organization that measures inclusion to help companies understand how to foster employee happiness, says that his work reveals how unequal treatment of any group within a company leads to decreased representation of that group and significant financial losses due to reduced productivity and higher turnover. Disrespecting any part of your workforce directly harms your bottom line, regardless of the specific demographic, says Gaudiano.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-belonging-is-an-employee-s-choice">Belonging is an employee’s choice</h2>



<p>Your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-a-thriving-culture-at-work/">workplace culture</a> is responsible for creating a safe environment, fostering inclusion and providing the opportunity for belonging, but the feeling of belonging itself is something we decide for ourselves. We do this best when we brave the workplace by showing up as our best selves, says Kaplan. This could include setting healthy boundaries, communicating needs clearly and seeking out supportive colleagues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many modern-day workers struggle with identity dysmorphia, placing their self-worth solely in their work and the desire to be accepted, which can cause an unhealthy reliance on workplace validation and blur personal boundaries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Work was never meant to replace community, family or self-worth—yet, when it tries and fails, the emotional cost is steep,” Kaplan says, citing ailments including disengagement, physiological distress and burnout.</p>



<p>How do we belong to an organization without letting it become our identity? Kaplan defines belonging as the “innate human desire to be part of something larger than us without sacrificing who we are.”</p>



<p>Kaplan urges employees not to try to fit into a box. “<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/bring-your-whole-self-to-work/">Be yourself unapologetically</a>,” she says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ask-not-what-your-employee-can-do-for-the-mission-but-what-you-can-do-for-your-employee">Ask not what your employee can do for the mission, but what you can do for your employee</h2>



<p>Historically, workers prioritized their companies’ missions, often sacrificing personal values and needs. But Kaplan argues sacrifice doesn’t make you “belong harder.”</p>



<p>The COVID-19 pandemic caused many employees across generations to re-evaluate their work-life balance, with many seeking organizations that would better support their well-being.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some companies may have a difficult time placing their employees’ needs above their missions. “When you consider that, for virtually every company, people are the most valuable asset and by far the largest budget item, it is shocking that leaders are satisfied to treat human resource management as a ‘soft’ problem,” says Gaudiano. “Learning how to manage your human portfolio should be the top priority of every company and failing to do so is, in my opinion, not just a failure to employees, but also a failure to shareholders.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>Pekic/iStock.com</em></p>

Discover how to move past superficial inclusion in the workplace and build a culture where employees belong and organizations prosper.

Discover how to move past superficial inclusion in the workplace and build a culture where employees belong and organizations prosper. | SUCCESS

Transforming Workplace Culture Starts with Belonging

Transforming Workplace Culture Starts with Belonging | SUCCESS

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Recently laid off employee carrying cardboard box with her belongings, leaving office building after layoff, reflecting economic challenges of corporate dismissal and unemployment

Sad business lady carrying box belongings leaving office after layoff

<p>My husband’s layoff from a startup company came nine weeks after we had our third child. Since I’d relinquished my part-time work at the end of my pregnancy, he was our sole financial provider. His company offered him a one-month severance, so we hoped he might secure a new job quickly.</p>



<p>However, when he received an offer within the month, my husband opted to keep looking because the work didn’t align with his skill set or values. Since he landed one offer so quickly, we gambled that he would secure a second offer soon.</p>



<p>Instead, he spent six more months job hunting. He consistently made it through successive rounds of rigorous interview processes only to receive an email informing him they had gone with another candidate.</p>



<p>In the end, he found an excellent job with a supportive team, but during those seven months of unemployment, we often wondered what the future held. Reflecting on that time, I believe we took steps that helped him <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/job-seekers-resort-song-and-dance-to-stand-out/">stand out in a competitive job market</a>, but there are also several things we would do differently.</p>



<p>Here are seven tips we would use to navigate unemployment.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-update-your-online-presence-and-resume">Update your online presence and resume</h2>



<p>My husband created a strong online presence and he polished his resume. Often, interviewers told him they had sifted through more than 500 resumes and that his was one of a handful to land an interview.</p>



<p>How do you build an online presence and an effective resume to help you stand out in a competitive job market?</p>







<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brand-yourself-on-linkedin">Brand yourself on LinkedIn</h3>



<p>LinkedIn, described as the world’s largest professional business social networking site, is an essential tool in today’s digital world. If your LinkedIn profile isn’t updated, it can reflect poorly on you as a professional, shares <a href="https://www.morethanwordscopy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danielle Hughes</a>, a personal branding expert.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Her first word of advice: Take a professional headshot. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you should “dress appropriately, smile and have a clean background where your head and shoulders take up most of the circle,” Hughes says. She also recommends setting your LinkedIn banner to a personal background—one that is branded with what you do, or a meaningful image to spark conversation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Next, LinkedIn allows 220 characters for your title–use them. Hughes says adding industry keywords, your expertise and a hobby (to personalize yourself) are all important features of a good LinkedIn title. The “About” section is the place to sell your career narrative—make sure it’s specific to you, says Hughes. Highlight your accomplishments in a way that helps the algorithm find you. The more you share who you are, the more likely you’ll land the right role that aligns with your values and skill set.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lorraine K. Lee</a>, instructor for LinkedIn Learning and the author of <a href="https://a.co/d/drrrMg8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career</em></a>, recommends detailing accomplishments. Rather than writing, “I led a team of 10 engineers,” she suggests: “I led a team of 10 engineers that reduced product launch time by 30%, driving a $5M revenue increase.”</p>



<p>Lee encourages staying active on LinkedIn by posting and commenting on posts, as this accomplishes a few things: “[It] shows your expertise and thought leadership; helps you form new connections and [it] keeps you top of mind with your network for when that ideal role opens up.”</p>



<p>And don’t be afraid to use the “Open to Work” feature on LinkedIn and to share a post with your network that informs them you’ve been laid off. “There’s no shame in this and it could lead to interviews since people want to help,“ Hughes says. “Be gracious to your former employer, mention some things you proudly accomplished there and then share what you’re looking for next.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-your-resume-shine">Make your resume shine</h3>



<p>Most recruiters spend no more than seven seconds reviewing your resume, so it’s important to describe your skills and accomplishments in a digestible, easy-to-read format, advises <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwri321/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sam Wright</a>, head of partnerships at <a href="https://huntr.co/product/ai-resume-builder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huntr</a>, an AI resume builder and job search platform. Your summary section needs to stand out, starting with your career highlights, Wright says. AI is good for helping bullet point your achievements, but fine-tune it to fit your voice, since many companies have installed trackers to weed out AI-generated resumes, Wright cautions.</p>



<p>If you create your resume in Word or Google Docs, your margins will likely be off. So, it’s a good idea to use a resume builder—there are many free tools online.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polish-your-interview-skills">Polish your interview skills</h2>



<p>Before an interview, research the organization to ensure your values align with theirs and pay attention to the job description to see how your skills align, says <a href="https://www.kate-bishop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kate Bishop</a>, a confidence and career transformation coach.</p>



<p>When preparing for an interview, she proposes the<a href="https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/alumni/assets/docs/star-story.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> S-T-A-R method</a> to answer questions in a clear manner that highlights your relevant skills and experiences. The acronym stands for “Situation, Task, Action and Result,” but Bishop adds an “I” for the long-term “Impact” your work had in each scenario you present. It’s acceptable to bring notecards into an interview and reference them as needed, but avoid reading directly from them during the entire interview, Bishop says.</p>



<p>And experts emphasize role playing, too. Ask a friend, partner or mentor to rehearse with you. My husband and I did this before his interviews so that he could polish his answers.</p>



<p>On the day of the interview, focus on releasing tension. Include breath work, walking or meditation. Bishop advises, if you make a mistake in the interview, make a joke of it. The person interviewing you is human too and they understand you’re nervous, she adds. The best thing you can do in an interview?</p>



<p>Smile.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remember, “you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you,” Bishop says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assess-your-financial-situation">Assess your financial situation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apply-for-government-assistance-if-you-re-eligible">Apply for government assistance if you’re eligible</h3>



<p>When my husband was laid off, I immediately started an application for government assistance, but the process involved detailed paperwork and long waits in the call center queue. We put the application on hold as he job hunted through the summer months.</p>



<p>At the two month mark, with his applications pending and a dwindling bank account, my husband and I finally finished the application. The unemployment assistance helped us to stay afloat financially, and I wish we’d completed the process sooner.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-a-budget">Create a budget</h3>



<p>We updated our budget in the <a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/everydollar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Every Dollar</a> app to reflect only our necessary expenses and cancelled our subscriptions and memberships to various services. Thanks to our low overhead expenses, it amazed us how little we could survive on when we cut out frivolous spending.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communicate-with-creditors">Communicate with creditors</h3>



<p>What happens when your savings won’t last long during an unemployment? Or when you’re up to your neck in credit card debt?  CPA and fractional CFO Ariel LaFond says to prioritize your essential bills first and your high-interest debt. If you can’t pay your bills, communicate with creditors for payment plan options or deferrals. And keep your credit card spending to a minimum—try not to max them out.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roll-over-your-401-k">Roll over your 401(k)</h3>



<p>Cashing out your 401(k) during an unemployment season is tempting, but LaFond advises against early withdrawals before age 59½ because you’ll usually face a 10% penalty. Instead, she advises looking into an IRA rollover.</p>



<p>If you desperately need money, “Determine if a short-term personal loan is more cost efficient than taking money from retirement. Give yourself some time to think things through, and don’t rush into decisions. Talking to a financial adviser can help you stay on track. It’s also good to check in on your goals regularly to remind yourself of the bigger picture,” LaFond says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-network-network-network">Network, network, network</h2>



<p>My husband leveraged his connections. He reached out to friends in industries that interested him and asked if they would keep him in mind. He also attended networking luncheons. Based on his efforts, we estimate that at least a third of his interviews came from those connections.</p>



<p>Besides family and friends, think about past and present professional relationships. Don’t be afraid to set up coffee days or virtual chats, says Bishop.</p>



<p>Networking doesn’t have to be confined to your own circle either. <a href="https://www.pathrise.com/guides/how-long-does-it-take-to-find-a-job/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Data</a> from Pathrise, a career accelerator, indicates an introductory email sent to a potential employer can triple your odds of hearing back.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identify-new-opportunities-or-possible-career-changes">Identify new opportunities or possible career changes</h2>



<p>Unemployment afforded my husband and I a chance to strategize potential career changes that might better fit our family <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/build-life-aligned-with-values/">values</a> (eating dinner together, having weekends off and flexible PTO) and then revised our resumes for each of those possible new paths. We invested time to assess our skills and strengths to determine which of them were transferable to a new career path.</p>



<p>Wright also says it’s a good idea to tailor your LinkedIn profile to the career you want to transition into. For example, if you want a content marketing role, then your profile should reflect that.</p>



<p>Don’t live in the “open-to-anything” gray zone, Wright warns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-develop-new-skills">Develop new skills</h2>



<p>We vowed to build multiple income streams, starting with my husband's hobby to establish a more lucrative side business. Using my writing background, I built him an SEO-friendly website, asked his old clients for Google reviews and re-announced his brand to friends and family.</p>



<p>You don’t have to go back to school for years to develop new skills. Career strategist <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davondastclair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DaVonda St. Clair</a> encourages upskilling to advance in a field or adapt to trends. Many free online courses exist from platforms such as Coursera, Google Career Certificates and LinkedIn Learning. Some courses can be completed in a few weeks. (Don’t forget to add these certifications to your LinkedIn profile.) And learn job relevant AI tools, St. Clair says, such as ChatGPT, Google Bard or Notion AI, because companies want to hire candidates who can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ways-to-get-comfortable-using-ai/">use AI</a> in their roles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintain-a-positive-mindset">Maintain a positive mindset</h2>



<p>I found a positive mindset easier to hold in the first few months of my husband’s unemployment. By months six and seven, with the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-handle-job-layoffs-before-the-holidays/">holidays in full swing</a>, it became increasingly difficult to maintain a hopeful outlook.</p>



<p>Some <a href="https://www.pathrise.com/guides/how-long-does-it-take-to-find-a-job/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a> suggests that it will take the average job seeker 294 applications to land a job, or around eight months.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Surrounding ourselves with supportive, empathetic people helped us cope. My husband also relied on the mentorship of his career coach and the camaraderie of a fellow unemployed friend.</p>



<p>Another beneficial tip to maintaining a positive outlook is to find an activity that grounds and anchors you, says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnberger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lynn Berger</a>, a career counselor coach and mental health counselor. That could include cooking, exercising, artistic endeavors, meditating or reading. She counsels looking at this as an opportunity to expand yourself.</p>



<p>Set actionable goals too, such as applying to at least one job per day or networking with someone new each week.</p>



<p>“Think of your job as applying for jobs, growing and learning new skills,” says psychotherapist <a href="http://www.sagebrushpsychotherapy.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ciara Bogdanovic</a>. “Play with rejection in a way that can reduce its heaviness and intimidation factor.” She also recommends treating yourself to ice cream after a job interview that goes south, “Laugh and marvel at the experience. Listen to dramatic music and dance after receiving a difficult email.”</p>



<p>Unemployment is often unpredictable and overwhelming, but hopefully these tips help you emerge from this period with greater resilience.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Prostock-Studio</em>/<em>iStock.</em></p>

Unsure how to navigate a sudden job loss? Whether you were laid off or let go, read on for expert advice on what to do if you lose your job.

Unsure how to navigate a sudden job loss? Whether you were laid-off or let go, read on for expert advice on what to do if you lose your job. | SUCCESS

Laid Off or Let Go? Here Are 7 Immediate Steps for Your Career, Finances and Personal Growth

7 Immediate Steps To Take if You Lose Your Job | SUCCESS

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<p>Thanks to inflation, most of us are looking for ways to reduce our grocery spending. I have a family of five and in the last few years, my grocery budget has risen at least $200 a month. Of course, I’m not the only one feeling this change. Food prices in 2022 were <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">9.9% higher</a> than the year before and are predicted to increase 2.3% more for 2024.</p>



<p>Most of us are feeling the effects of our budgets expanding. That’s why I spoke with experts to strategize tips and tricks for keeping our grocery spending in check. Here are 10 great suggestions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-purchase-seasonal-produce">1. Purchase seasonal produce</h2>



<p>In-season produce is typically cheaper. Since it’s often local and more abundant, Avery Zenker, a registered dietician with <a href="https://everflexfitness.com">Everflex Fitness</a>, says stores offer better prices because they require fewer resources for transporting and storage. “In-season produce is recently picked, often at peak ripeness and peak nutrient content,” she says. “Nutritional value slowly degrades over time and with exposure to elements. This means you can get more nutritional bang for your buck.”</p>



<p>Hopefully, buying in-season produce will inspire you to cook more at home too—another money-saving tactic.</p>



<p>Hope Ware and her husband teach people practical frugality skills on their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/underthemedian">YouTube channel</a> and website, <a href="https://underthemedian.com/">Under the Median</a>. Ware advises to pay attention to national sales cycles. Once crops ripen, farmers will sell their abundance at a discounted rate to grocery stores, who, in turn, pass those savings on to you. </p>



<p>Ware also tells me that sale prices are influenced by national holidays, so blueberries and strawberries go on sale for the Fourth of July, while cabbage and potatoes are cheapest around St. Patrick’s Day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Tanya Peterson, VP of Brand at <a href="https://www.achieve.com/">Achieve</a>, a digital personal finance company, says you can save at least 15% and up to 75% off normal produce prices by purchasing what’s in season and on sale. “When working with a budget—which every household should be—this can make a sizable dent,” Peterson says.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-buy-local">2. Buy local</h2>



<p>Buying seasonally is great; the only drawback is that some of the produce from far away may have been picked when it was under-ripe to make it to the grocery store in time. That’s why buying seasonally should ideally be paired with buying locally. Knowing when fruits and veggies in your area ripens will give you access to the best-tasting produce at the best price.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We live in the Midwest, where summer squash is a prolific producer,” says Ware. “That means that every August, produce stands will offer zucchini at prices as low as 50 cents to $1.00 each.”</p>



<p>Supporting local agriculture also keeps money in the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/jairek-robbins-on-the-importance-of-building-a-community/">community</a>, which leads to a more robust local food system, Zenker says. <a href="https://cfokathy.com/">Kathy Gilchrist</a>, a fractional CFO for several entrepreneurs, shares how she buys corn off the back of a farmer’s pickup truck. She frequents local organic berry farms too, where she can pick her own blueberries and raspberries from the bushes. This eliminates the extra cost of harvesting, transportation, and store markups.</p>



<p>Another way to cut out mark ups is to purchase a weekly produce basket from a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). They often offer me extra goods as a courtesy because we’ve established a friendship. It’s important to get to know your farmers. Ware says her favorite farmer sends her home with free samples of new produce he’s growing in exchange for an honest review. She’s even bartered for produce by working on his farm!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-strive-for-zero-food-waste">3. Strive for zero food waste</h2>



<p>I’m guilty of having a messy fridge. It’s not something I’m proud of, and I’m working to improve my <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/11-things-organized-and-productive-people-do-every-day/">organization skills</a>. I often find wasted food crammed in the back that we forgot about—a moldy piece of fruit, a half-eaten tub of hummus. Not only does this contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but it hurts my pocketbook.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the United Nations Environment Programme’s <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1086402#:~:text=Wasting%20food%20just%20feeds%20climate%20change,%20new%20UN%20environment%20report%20warns,-4%20March%202021&amp;text=More%20than%20930%20million%20tonnes,of%20food%20is%20never%20eaten.&amp;text=The%20study%20represents%20the%20most,UN%20Environment%20Programme%20(UNEP)." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Waste Index Report </a>2021, one-third of all food produced is wasted.</p>



<p>Imagine if you stopped wasting one-third of the food you purchased—it would save you money and be better for the planet. So how do we manage our food more efficiently? We learn the rules of better storage.</p>



<p>Did you know the middle shelves of your fridge have the coldest, most consistent temperature? This is where you should store dairy products that spoil easily, like eggs, cheese, and milk, while the crisper drawers should be reserved for fruits and vegetables. I highly recommend reviewing <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/8316531/how-to-organize-foods-in-refrigerator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this fridge storage guide </a>from Martha Stewart’s website.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-make-a-plan-for-using-perishables-and-leftovers">4. Make a plan for using perishables and leftovers</h2>



<p>One idea from Ware is to create a perishable food inventory, i.e., the items with the shortest shelf life go at the top and you use those in recipes first. I’ve done this before when I buy meat on sale, knowing it’ll spoil if I don’t use it within a day or two.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Frances Kellar, a recipe developer and food writer at <a href="https://cookingwithourcsa.com/">Cooking with Our CSA</a> says she reduces food waste by freezing vegetable scraps to make her own vegetable or bone broth later. I, too, keep a bag full of scraps in my freezer for this purpose, especially in the winter months when a hot bowl of broth is comforting. </p>



<p>For scraps you won’t reuse, consider putting them in a compost bin. If you don’t have space for one, many cities now offer a weekly pickup option so they can compost for you.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While I only add to my compost bin infrequently, I’m glad I have one because it’s turned our scraps back into rich fertilizer for our trees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And of late, whenever I notice we aren’t going to finish something that week, like a block of Parmesan cheese or a loaf of bread, I stick it in the freezer for later, or share it with a neighbor. That way, the product will be used, not wasted.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-create-a-grocery-price-book">5. Create a grocery price book</h2>



<p>I keep a mental price list of a few staple grocery items. For instance, I know that my favorite milk brand is nearly a dollar cheaper at Whole Foods than at Sprouts. And Tillamook cheese is much more affordable at Costco than anywhere else.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But Ware suggests a more detailed approach: Keep a price book that compares the exact same items at competing stores. She does this for the top 15 items she regularly buys and updates it every quarter. “The advantage of a price book is you can instantly know whether an advertised price is a great deal,” she says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-shop-at-locally-owned-ethnic-grocers">6. Shop at locally owned ethnic grocers</h2>



<p>My neighbor and I love the Indian market near our homes. The naan there is authentic—and affordable. We find so many interesting foods that would cost a lot more if we got them at a high-end grocery store.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ware says that’s because small, locally owned ethnic food stores are a treasure trove of specialty ingredients. She says they often have the cheapest prices in town on organic produce too. You can score deals here you would never find anywhere else!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-buy-in-bulk-and-stock-up-at-sales-nbsp">7. Buy in bulk and stock up at sales&nbsp;</h2>



<p>It’s a good idea to shop at bulk warehouse stores when the items on your list are truly cheaper there. Just be careful you don’t fall into the trap of buying unnecessary things—warehouse spending adds up fast. I try to stick to my list and not veer from it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Stock up on sale items, even if it costs you more up front. Using her price book, Ware says she identifies when an item falls below average and calls this the “buy price.” When it’s ultra-low, she stocks up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Every summer, when strawberries are at their cheapest, I buy extra packages and freeze them for smoothies. It saves me considerable money over the frozen fruit packages I typically buy at Costco. You may also dehydrate and can produce too.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I find many grocery stores have a sale section in the back—it’s worth a meander. I’ve found organic peanut butter tubs for $1 a piece and deals on vitamins, snacks, and dinner staples, including pasta and beans. These can be stock-up items too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-plant-a-garden-and-or-fruit-trees-nbsp">8. Plant a garden and/or fruit trees&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This might seem daunting if you don’t have a green thumb or lots of space, but it need not be. I suggest growing herbs at the very least. Kellar agrees your herb plot need not be “lavish or large”—a countertop herb garden is a fantastic start.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There you can grow thyme, rosemary, parsley, chives, cilantro, and even basil, near a window that receives direct sun. They’re always wonderful to cook with and you save money keeping them on hand.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lindsey Chastain of <a href="https://waddleandcluck.com/">Waddle and Cluck</a> is a mother of six and a homesteader. She says you don't need expensive raised beds or a greenhouse, just outdoor space or pots. She even grows vegetables in her front yard flower beds. </p>



<p>“Planting from seeds is the most economical way to get started with gardening,” she says. “Many libraries have seeds that can be checked out. They just ask that you bring some new seeds back after harvesting. Seeds can even be bought with EBT cards. You can grow vegetables on an apartment balcony, which is where I started vegetable gardening, or even indoors with plant lights if you are low on space.”</p>



<p>Another alternative I’ve found to maintaining a full-fledged garden is planting fruit trees. But this is an initial investment. Fruit trees and vines need well-draining soil, full sun, and lots of nutrients, Chastain says, and take a while to start producing.</p>



<p>My peach tree started producing in year two. Now every spring, I receive a good crop, which I can, freeze and bake with for months to come. If you are renting a home or have an outdoor area in an apartment, some smaller trees and vines can be potted and kept on the porch too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-embrace-imperfection">9. Embrace Imperfection</h2>



<p>You can find imperfect produce at farms, orchards, and farmer’s markets in specially marked bins, or even through online grocers such as <a href="https://www.imperfectfoods.com/">Imperfect Foods</a>. Peterson says to be on the lookout for “B” or “No. 2” produce, which means it doesn’t look perfect like “A” or “No. 1” produce, but is just as good. </p>



<p>In my city, I’ve found discount grocery stores have become more popular in recent years. They offer clearance food, which is about to expire or already expired, at a fraction of the price than regular retailers. (Many canned goods have a shelf life of <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">up to five years</a>, according to the USDA, well past the expiration date on the cans.) It’s a good idea to check your local area to see if there’s one by you. I promise you these places are like food oases for bargain hunters who don’t mind food a little past its prime.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-start-small">10. Start small</h2>



<p>It can be overwhelming to synthesize all of the advice presented here at once, so I suggest starting small with just one or two ideas. After speaking to so many experts, my main concern is the food waste in my house. I want to work on eliminating that first.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Where do you feel most compelled to start?&nbsp;Wherever it is, I hope the suggestions here inspire you to make lasting changes towards supporting your local food economy, preventing food waste, and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-save-money-on-groceries/">saving some cash</a>.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Stokkete/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Prices just keep going up at the supermarket. We spoke with experts who offer their best tips for keeping your spending in check.

Prices just keep going up at the supermarket. We spoke with experts who offer their best tips for keeping your spending in check. Find out more. | SUCCESS

10 Expert Tips to Help You Save Money on Groceries

10 Expert Tips to Help You Save Money on Groceries | SUCCESS

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