Georgia Power Company’s Post

The best part about working with Patrick Group of Companies is you become a family <3

Should we cancel Christmas? No this is not a statement from a fringe group who are avoiding the frayed nerves and expense associated with Christmas Shopping, cooking, boisterous children and upset tummies. Christmas is a time where a million and one things must happen and be in place (more or less) by the time presents are unwrapped on Christmas day. To be honest most of us manage it. We enjoy (or tolerate) the influx of friends and family and for once we seem capable of multi tasking i.e. having a drink, fixing the tree, carving the turkey. Using Christmas as a metaphor, why can’t we do all these things in the workplace? Why can’t we encourage diversity, set objectives, plan and execute strategies? A subtle clue might be in where the focus lies. As individuals, who do we focus on at work, who do we focus on at home (especially at Christmas)? Now think about where the most dramatic results are achieved! So far we have considered taking Christmas to work, but what if it were to be the other way around? Here are just a few of the issues that might surface: Tall object with pine needles – removed for health and safety reasons Three Wise Men – disbanded because of contravention of equal opportunities policy Baby in a stable – social services involved, baby now in care, animal rights protesters angry because of displaced donkeys Larger house needed – health and safety dictate that there is not enough floor space per human/animal/present Christmas dinner cancelled – no proper workstation assessment carried out on dining table and various rickety items of furniture that we use No presents – Santa has not been on a manual handling course The list could be endless. There is a serious point to be made though. Yes we do need some frameworks to work within, and for someone to look out for the less fortunate and disadvantaged, but too many rules and too many people saying NO is stifling. So its time to decide whether in 2025 you wish to embrace a more creative and productive way of working or wither away under a pile of rules and red tape. Remember, if Christmas really was like work, it would be cancelled. Long live Christmas!

Day #23 of Shawna's Holiday Countdown After Action Review at the North Pole! Even Santa and his elves know the importance of continuous improvement, learning from each Christmas season, and performing an After Action Review. 🎅 Assess Effectiveness: First, they review the sleigh's flight plan and delivery schedule. Did Santa hit every chimney on time? Did they achieve their objectives? Were there any challenges? 🎅 Identify Gaps: Next, they pinpoint where toy production or gift wrapping fell behind to avoid future delays in the workshop. Did they need more resources? A templated process to follow? 🎅 Document Successes: They celebrate the wins and document what went well, like this year's record-breaking process for mounting up the reindeer and improving their departure time. 🎅 Build Resilience: They also review the plan to make it agile and flexible, developing strategies for unexpected challenges, such as reindeer training mishaps, elf strikes, or weather-related sleigh detours. 🎅 Rebuild Trust: Santa works to ensure families know he's listening if things don't go as planned. After a last-minute gift mix-up, some kids felt forgotten. Through personalized letters and magical visits, he's restoring belief in the North Pole's commitment to holiday joy for all, working to rebuild the lost trust. As often as Santa has made deliveries on Christmas Eve, he knows there's always room for improvement to make the season even better next year! We could all learn a thing or two from Santa. #HolidayCountdown #CrisisCommunications #AAR #CrisisManagement

The magic of Christmas isn’t just in the festivities or the presents; it’s in the thought and care we put into making others feel seen, loved, and valued. If we truly want to make a lasting difference in our communities, we need to begin planning early. Don’t wait until the last minute, scrambling to pull together something hasty or superficial. Start early, and you'll not only have the time to organize a meaningful celebration, but you'll also make space to think through how you can engage with the community in a way that matters. Why wait until December to think about giving? Communities often face challenges long before and after the Christmas season, and starting early allows you to make a more thoughtful and lasting impact. Early planning gives you the opportunity to understand the needs of your neighbors, identify where your help will truly make a difference, and create an environment where generosity doesn’t feel rushed or temporary. You can start by identifying local organizations, food banks, or schools that need help. Then, build relationships and communicate with them about how you can collaborate. The key is to get people involved before the chaos of holiday preparations takes over. A little early effort allows you to mobilize resources, coordinate with others, and encourage people to give, not just in terms of money or gifts, but in their time and talents. Let’s be the community that doesn’t just show up for a few hours and leave. Let’s be the ones who commit to making this holiday season something everyone can look forward to, something that truly uplifts the lives of those around us. The best way to celebrate Christmas is not by waiting for the season to hit, but by planning it with love and purpose from the very start. #geancocommunitycenter #communitydevelopment #Christmas

This is the busiest time of year for Thrivent Action Teams. The spirit of giving is in the air. Loving our neighbors, sharing our resources and doing the good works are just a few things that make this time of year a little extra special. You still have time to apply for your Thrivent Action team! Here are 5 Great Ways to use them: 1. For an angel/giving tree. If you don't know where to find one, use your Action Team to start one at your church, school or office. 2. Help supply a family or two in need with a meal and Christmas gifts. 3. Bring Christmas cheer with Christmas treats, decorations and company to shut-ins or nursing homes. 4. Make your own "Secret Santa" gifts and hand out in your community to spread cheer. 5. Host a Christmas breakfast or treat table for your church, school or favorite organization. If you need more ideas, feel free to call our office 507-637-8139 and ask for Amber. Reminder, you just have to apply for your Action Team by the end of the year not to lose it, you don't have to use it by the end of the year! Hope this is helpful. Looking forward to seeing you Thrivent Action Team in use. www.Thrivent.com/Redwood #livegenerously #ThriventActionTeam See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Some useful advice/tips in this post that deserve a read and a share... #HR #EmployeeExperience

Research on the best Christmas experience for children✨🎄 During the holiday season, we’re diving into what makes Christmas magical for children! 🧸🎅 According to recent studies, the best Christmas experiences aren't just about the presents; they’re about creating lasting memories, fostering family traditions, and spreading kindness. 🌟 Top findings: *Family bonding: The most cherished moments often come from spending quality time with family, from baking cookies to decorating the tree. 🍪🎄 *Acts of giving: Kids who participate in giving (whether it's handmade gifts or helping others) report feeling the true spirit of Christmas. 🎁❤️ *Magical surprises: It’s the wonder of Christmas morning and the excitement of Santa’s visit that leave a lasting impression. 🎅🎁 What are your favorite Christmas memories with your little ones? Share below and let’s celebrate the magic of the season! ✨ #ChristmasMagic #FamilyTraditions #HolidayResearch #BestChristmas #CreatingMemories #ChristmasJoy

As we approach Independence Day, let's think about ways to celebrate that are safe for our families, pets, and communities. Fireworks can be dangerous and stressful for many, so here are four fantastic alternatives for a memorable and safe 4th of July: Host a Backyard BBQ 🍔🌭 Gather your family and friends for a classic backyard barbecue. Grill up some delicious food, play lawn games, and enjoy each other’s company. A fun cookout is the perfect way to celebrate our nation's independence while ensuring everyone stays safe. Patriotic Movie Night 🎬🍿 Create an outdoor or indoor movie theater experience. Set up a projector in the yard or arrange a cozy movie night inside. Choose patriotic movies or family favorites, and don't forget the popcorn and red, white, and blue snacks! Creative Crafts and Decorations 🎨🖌️ Get crafty with your family by making patriotic decorations. From DIY American flags to red, white, and blue tie-dye shirts, there are plenty of creative projects to enjoy. This is a great way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. Neighborhood Parade 🚲🎉 Organize a neighborhood parade with bikes, scooters, and wagons decorated in patriotic themes. Encourage everyone to dress in red, white, and blue and enjoy a festive parade around the block. It's a fun and safe way to bring the community together. Let's make this 4th of July a celebration filled with joy, safety, and togetherness. How are you planning to celebrate? #GulfStatesInsurance #IndependenceDay #Happy4th

As a kid, Christmas was magical, but it was also... intense. My mom never did anything halfway, especially the holidays. A few days before Christmas, our house would turn into a whirlwind of chaos. She’d clean every nook and cranny, move furniture, organize closets, she'd always bake 20-30 intricate French pastry recipes (because simple wasn’t in her vocabulary), cook multi-course meals, and decorate for Christmas—all while raising ten kids under ten! She went all in, every time. I see so much of her in myself. It’s like this drive to take on everything at once is written into my DNA. Case in point: this Saturday. Instead of simply pulling out the Christmas decorations from the garage, I decided it was the perfect time to reorganize the entire space, clear out old toys, make several trips to the local donation center, tackle everything that had been sitting there for years, and decorate the inside of the house while the kids decorated the tree, and also the outside. By the end of the day, I was beyond exhausted, my mood wasn’t festive, and late at night I realized I’d missed the chance to truly enjoy the moment. I turned into my mom—a general barking orders instead of someone soaking in the joy of the holidays. While I deeply admire her dedication and drive, this was a major lesson for me and a reminder: sometimes, it’s okay to take a step back, simplify, and savor the season. Hoping to remember that Christmas decorations (and the memories we make putting them up) are meant to be enjoyed, not endured, and next year when the drive to do everything at once will once again kick into gear to make better choices. Here’s to learning how to rewrite this part of the story—because while I love my mom dearly, I’m determined do better and embrace a little more joy and a little less “all-in” this Christmas. 👇 Anyone else find themselves unintentionally becoming their parent during the holidays? #holidayseason #holidaytraditions #personalpost

🎄 Creating Joyful & Inclusive Christmas Traditions for Children with Special Needs The holiday season should be magical for everyone—but for families with special needs, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. 🌟 That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you create meaningful, inclusive, and sensory-friendly traditions this Christmas. Inside, you'll find: ✔️ Sensory-friendly activity ideas ✔️ Practical tips for making traditions accessible and stress-free ✔️ Creative ways to build lasting memories that work for your whole family This season, let’s focus on connection, joy, and what truly matters. Together, we can make this Christmas one to cherish. 💡 #SpecialNeedsParenting #InclusiveHolidays #ChristmasTraditions #FamilyFirst