AidEnvironment’s Post

(3/4) A QUARTER OF EMBLAZE    Looking back at some of the highlights from Q3 ↴   The third quarter is typically our busiest, as communication strategies shift from planning to execution. This period coincides with policy-driven mandates in the UK and US, demanding focus, swift actions, and utmost diligence. It’s also annual leave season, bringing our planning and teamwork to the fore. Here’s a look at some standout moments from the quarter:   🟣 We celebrated the first half of the year with our annual summer party in Lincoln, starting with an energising discussion at Mosaic Digital Hub about our goals, followed by a lively gathering with cocktails and great food.   🟣 We welcomed Louise Perfect as Head of Consulting, adding seniority to our team. Louise’s experience in internal communications and leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our consulting services.   🟣 We brought imagination to life by developing a highly personalised digital environment that’s customisable for clients, which also reduces print demands.   🟣 Progressing on our own digital platform, we took our house experience from concept to beta development, aiming for testing by year’s end.   🟣 Working closely with our clients, we provided strategic insights for their growth initiatives and brought one client’s rebrand to life with a striking identity and reimagined digital experience.   🟣 We gathered for a productive Strategy Day at our members club, Eight Club London, sharing progress and building momentum for Q4.   🟣 The most wonderful update: Caroline Thompson, our Creative Director, is expecting a baby and will soon begin her maternity leave.   🟣 Naturally, we enjoyed the summer: Katie Hamilton passed her motorbike test; Molly Dennis, Stephen J Willard, Neil Strong, Katie Baxter, Jessica Pendock (Richards), and Caroline Thompson explored Europe; Merlyn Jeffery attended the Formula 1 Exhibition; and Louise Perfect went on safari (in Wiltshire!)   …and talk of new team members and fresh initiatives for 2025! 🌍 We’re building a business where our own experiences at work inspire what we do every day for our clients. A worklife communications agency grounded in strategy, creativity and adventure, but where real-life relationships win above all else.   There’s a good chance you’ll already know one of the team, but if you’re new to Emblaze® and would like to start a conversation, you can message us here. #makingworkmatter #employeecomms #worklife  #EVP

"Squarespace is dedicated to nurturing parents' career journeys, fostering an inclusive and flexible workplace. The company prioritizes productivity and quality of work while preserving well-being, empowering parents to work with their manager to decide what they need to deliver their best work, allowing them to balance work and family commitments.” – Senior Director of Internal Communications & Employee Experience Dea Fischer shares about the power of supporting parents at work in this latest article from Built In ⚡ https://lnkd.in/gVsUVj2f

There’s been a lot of buzz about @Narayana Murthy’s remarks on a 70-hour work week. In my view, it’s not about the hours—it’s about the hunger and drive to create, execute, and improve. Today’s under-25 generation is arguably one of the most privileged, benefiting from the hard work and ambition of their parents. They are driven by purpose and personal values, seeking lifestyles their parents worked hard to provide. When fueled by purpose, many of them put in extraordinary effort, even working long hours. If we view this through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this generation has largely moved beyond basic survival—food, clothing, and shelter. They are focused on finding community, belonging, and meaning, which is evident in the explosion of social media as a space for connection. For leaders like Mr. Murthy, the real challenge is helping the "average Narayanan or Sudha"—those who value stability and scheduled work hours—discover their purpose. And if they’re content without it, that’s okay too. It’s not about hours; it’s about impact. Let’s build environments that nurture both passion and balance.

Balancing Leadership and Single Parenthood During War I recently returned from a business trip to New York City. The flight itself was like a blur—torn between my professional responsibilities and leaving my 8-year-old daughter back home in Israel, where a war rages on. Every moment away from her felt heavier with the thought of what-ifs. Yet, as a global VP of HR, I wanted to go. I needed to be there, not just for my team, but also for myself. Leadership doesn’t pause for crises. My role demands presence—whether it’s supporting and engaging a global team through challenging times or ensuring we keep moving forward with purpose. But this time, it wasn’t just about work. It was about resilience. It was about showing my daughter and myself that we can face uncertainty head-on. Being a leader and a single mom is a balancing act that sometimes feels impossible. I carry my child’s worries in one hand and my team’s needs in the other. In these moments, strength isn’t about ignoring fear; it’s about navigating through it openly and with heart. II’ll be honest—this isn’t easy. There are tears and doubts, guilt over missed moments, and the relentless pressure to stay strong. But moments like this remind me of the importance of resilience and adaptability, both in my professional and personal life. Despite the challenges, this trip was both successful and impactful. I began building a strong working relationship with our new CRO, spent time with my team to kickstart our 2025 OKRs bond, and had inspiring meetings with managers and employees who are not just colleagues but friends. And what about my daughter, you ask? She was showered with love and, of course, a few extra presents (thank you, Target 😁 ). Here’s to resilience, purpose, and the small wins that make it all worthwhile. #Leadership #HRLeadership #Resilience #SingleParenthood #WorkLifeBalance #GlobalHR #ProfessionalGrowth #Adaptability #PurposeDrivenLeadership #WomenInLeadership

Your career isn’t just a sprint; it’s a marathon—maybe even a 50-year one! With people living longer and working well past traditional retirement ages, the way we approach our careers is shifting dramatically. From embracing multiple career pivots to mastering work-life balance at different stages, there's more opportunity than ever to grow and thrive. This thought-provoking piece from Silicon Republic explores how the “100-year life” is changing the workplace and what it means for professionals of all ages. Ready to rethink your career journey? Dive in here: https://bit.ly/4eqpgIX #AgeDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #CareerOpportunities #CareerTransitionsCenter #CTCReadOfTheWeek

Join Us in Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by Empowering Each Other 🌟 As we honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic community, it’s also a time to reflect on the challenges we continue to face in the workplace. If you’re a Latina looking to navigate bias, cultural expectations, and take control of your professional success, we have a space for you. Or if you are a manager of a Latina(s), this is a great professional development opportunity for your Latinas' team. 🎯 Introducing our Peer Support Group: Empowering Mid-Career Latinas: Navigating Bias and Culture A safe, empowering space where we share experiences, strategies, and support to break through barriers and elevate our careers. This group is all about real conversations and actionable advice. 🤝 Why join us? • Connect with other Latinas facing similar challenges • Learn how to navigate workplace bias • Get inspired by success stories from powerful women • Celebrate each other’s wins and grow together Let’s use this month not only to celebrate our culture but also to take action for our futures. Join us today and take action towards empowerment and success! 👉 Click here to join our group: https://lnkd.in/g9eqijGc #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinaEmpowerment #CareerGrowth

Isn't it great when the universe aligns and gives you the opportunity to catch up and reconnect with colleagues from the past. It was so good to see Kirsten White and to reminisce and laugh at ourselves but to also see how much we have both grown as people and progressed in our careers. Such a rewarding catch up. Here's to more rewarding catch-ups in the future! Until the next time. #ReconnectAndReflect #OldFriendsNewGrowth #CatchUpAndThrive

When we launched The INS Group, growing our team was central to our vision for amplifying our impact. We recognized early on that investing in people would be critical to our success, and this decision has directly contributed to our 25 years of growth and longevity. To attract and retain such talented individuals, we prioritized offering benefits that matter—flexible schedules, life-work balance, remote work options, and, most importantly, meaningful projects that align with our mission. Additionally, we invested in systems and platforms to enhance efficiency and productivity, ensuring our team could thrive. Many organizations struggle to justify the cost of growing their team, yet the value of investing in the right individuals for the right roles, paired with the right systems, cannot be overstated. This investment always yields significant returns in terms of impact and sustainability. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are also celebrating our team! We encourage other organizations to prioritize investments in people and intentional team growth to support sustainability. 

Work to live or live to work? 💼🌱 For older generations, like my mom’s, work was life. It wasn’t about passion or enjoyment, it was about survival. 🏠🍞 You worked hard, stayed loyal to one company, and got the job done. But younger generations? They see work differently. It’s no longer life’s purpose but a means to enjoy life. 🌍 They demand: ✔️ Work they’re passionate about ✔️ Flexibility in when and where they work ✔️ Organizations that serve their needs And here’s the twist: When younger employees find purpose and passion in their work, they go all in. They’ll exceed expectations, not because they have to, but because they want to. The future of work isn’t just about showing up. It’s about lighting that spark. ✨ #HR #Work #Generations #Companies #Passion #Skills

"According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace and 15 times more likely to choose to work at a certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, to earn a fair share of the company’s profits, and to have a fair chance at promotion." #WeAreExact #GreatPlaceToWork