Orphoz, a McKinsey company’s Post

"We know summer is the height of being alive."  ~ Gary Shteyngart How will you enjoy being alive this summer?  Will you take time off from work?  I hope so!  Time off is so important.  It’s good for our mind, body, and soul. Taking time off increases the opportunity for rest.  It reduces stress hormones, allows the immune system to recover, declutters the mind, and boosts creativity.  It also provides the spaciousness necessary to tap into our intuition and get clarity around the bigger questions in life.  You know, questions like who we are, what we want, and why we are here.    Time off is good for us personally and professionally. Studies show that after taking a vacation employees think more clearly and are more focused and productive, increasing their performance and chances of getting promotions and raises. For many years, I took the weeks of Memorial Day and Labor Day off, creating bookends around my summer. Combined with my “summer bucket list”, it helped me to live a little more, or at least a little differently, in the summer months. What tricks, tips, and traditions do you have to make summer more fun? #taketimeoff #burnoutprevention #creativerest

After taking a much-needed break this summer, I’ve found that resetting at work is key to getting back on track and hitting the ground running. Here’s what works for me: Reflect 🧘♂️: I like to start by reviewing my goals and the progress I’ve made so far. It’s important to recognize the wins and identify areas that need a little extra focus. Prioritize 🎯: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after time off, so I prioritize the tasks that will make the biggest impact. This helps me stay focused and productive without burning out. Reconnect 🤝: Reconnecting with my team is a priority. I love catching up, sharing summer stories, and aligning on our next steps together. Express gratitude to the colleague who backed you while you were enjoying the time-off. It’s all about rebuilding that team spirit! Pace Yourself 🐢: Jumping back into work too quickly can be tempting, but I’ve learned that pacing myself is key. Easing back in helps me sustain my energy and keep productivity high. Starting fresh after a break is a great opportunity to refocus and set myself up for a successful second half of the year. What do you do to reset after time away? 🌟 #HolidayMode

Disconnecting is reconnecting. MY summer break has finally arrived! 😁☀️ Taking time to change scenery and disconnect is crucial for recharging and gaining new perspectives. I can’t wait for : 🧠 the mental recharge 😌 the fresh perspectives 🥰 the quality time 💫 the new experiences 🍷 the wine, the food, the sun 🏃🏽♂️ the runs All those things bring the best out of me to tackle the second part of the year! 🚀 #NewPerspectives #DisconnectToReconnect 

🌞 Embracing the Summer Vibes! 🌞 As we step into the vibrant and sun-kissed days of summer, there's a unique sense of excitement and renewal in the air. This season is not just about warm weather and vacation plans, but also a fantastic opportunity for growth, inspiration, and connection. Summer brings with it: 🌱 New beginnings - A perfect time to set fresh goals and pursue new projects. 💡 Creativity - The bright, long days can spark innovative ideas and creative solutions. 🤝 Networking - Summer events and gatherings are ideal for expanding our professional and personal networks. And let’s not forget the treats that make summer special! 🥤🍿🍬 Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, or enjoying a picnic at the park, you can now easily order all your favorite summer snacks. From refreshing soft drinks and delicious juices to crispy chips and sweet treats, everything you need for a perfect summer day is just a click away. Whether you're diving into a new venture, revisiting a passion project, or simply recharging and enjoying the sunshine, let's make the most of this dynamic season. Here’s to a summer filled with productivity, creativity, meaningful connections, and delightful snacks! What exciting plans do you have for this summer? Share your goals and let’s inspire each other to make this summer truly unforgettable! 🌟 #Summer2024 #ProfessionalGrowth #SummerGoals #SummerTreats #SoftDrinks #Snacks #BrandDistribution

Summertime has always been interesting to me in terms of work and creativity. I find that the breaks that come from the different cadence of our work—due to vacations (us or others), holiday weekends, kids at home (or at camp), travels, and general changes in 'vibes' among people—compound over time. It's not just my breaks but those of the people I work with and collaborate with. It's at this time that I most clearly witness the benefits of a culture of rest, refreshment, and the new perspectives that come from travel or time away from the computer for me and my team and collaborators. My question -- and I'd love your thoughts -- is that (if you see something similar or agree, or even disagree): is this effect more pronounced because of its seasonality (i.e., summer only), or is it something we can design into the rest of the year? Would that still produce the same magic? I'd welcome your thoughts. Happy creating and happy summer. #organizationdesign #creativity

Stop Watering What Should Wither As we enter this new work week think about this. Sometimes, we pour our energy into situations that were never meant to grow. We cling to things God is calling us to release—relationships, habits, or opportunities that no longer serve His purpose for our lives. It’s a hard truth, but growth often requires letting go. Some things aren’t meant to be nurtured; they’re meant to die out. By holding on, we waste the precious resources—our time, energy, and peace—that could be invested in what truly aligns with His plan. Sometimes, we have to utterly destroy what hinders us: self-doubt, toxic connections, or distractions. Only then can we create space for the new blessings God has in store. Be intentional with what you water. Not everything is meant to bloom, and that’s okay. Trust the process, let go of what no longer serves you, and move forward with faith.

The sun will come out... ☀️ Keep this as a mantra not just for the weather but for a positive work ethic and the invigorating summer vibes! As we embrace longer days and warmer nights, let's harness this seasonal energy to fuel our professional endeavors. Summer is synonymous with growth and vitality, a perfect metaphor for personal and career development. Embrace the positivity of the season to set fresh goals, or rejuvenate existing projects. Let the extended daylight be a reminder that there's always more time to achieve and innovate. Consider the summer bloom—nature doesn't hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Adopt a similar approach in your work. Stress less, plan more, and remember to thrive at a pace that ensures quality. Let's foster a summer work ethos that emphasizes well-being alongside productivity. Stay hydrated, take breaks to soak in the sunshine, and don't forget to celebrate the little victories. How will you channel summer's positivity into your professional life? #SummerVibes #PositiveWorkEthos #ProfessionalGrowth 🌱🌟💼

Summer is a season often associated with relaxation, but it can also be a time of incredible productivity and growth. While it's important to recharge, I've found that summer can be a great opportunity to focus on intensive workdays that drive results and set the stage for a successful second half of the year. Embracing a period of concentrated effort allows us to tackle big projects, think creatively, and build momentum. It's about finding the right balance—enjoying the season while also making significant strides in our work. By being intentional with our time, we can achieve a lot during these months without sacrificing the joys of summer. It’s not about working harder for the sake of it, but about working smarter, setting clear goals, and staying committed to them. As we move through the summer, let's make the most of our workdays and continue to push toward our goals. After all, the progress we make now will be the foundation for success in the months to come.

As we approach the end of summer, it's a great time to pause and celebrate our achievements while preparing for the new season ahead. 🌻 Let's take a breather from our busy routines, soak up the sun, cherish special moments with loved ones, and embark on new experiences. It's the perfect opportunity to make the most of the remaining summer days! 🍂 What are you looking forward to the most in the coming weeks? #LastMonthOfSummer #ReflectAndRecharge #NewOpportunities #LinkedInCommunity 🌸 #EndOfSummerGoals #NewSeasonNewChallenges"

Let's discuss the not-so-sunny side of summer vacation. While a break is necessary, the change of pace can bring its own challenges. How do you navigate summer break? What hurdles do you face? What victories do you celebrate? Share your summer experiences below!