Smarter Not Harder’s Post

Toni’s Top Tips Tuesdays As we enter December, the final month of the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the impact we can create both personally and professionally. Today, on Giving Day, let’s celebrate the spirit of generosity and gratitude that defines this season. ✅ Embrace the Spirit of #Giving: Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply offering a helping hand, let’s make a difference in our communities. ✅ Prioritize Work-Life Balance: As we approach the holidays, it’s crucial to find a #balance between our professional responsibilities and personal lives. Taking time to recharge with family and friends not only enhances our well-being but also boosts our #productivity and #creativity. ✅ Plan and #Connect: Use this time to plan meaningful activities with loved ones. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple get-together, these moments are invaluable. ✅ Reflect and Set Goals: #Reflect on the past year and set #goals for the upcoming one. This is a great time to think about how we can continue to #grow and make a positive impact. ✅ Practice Gratitude: Show #appreciation to your colleagues for their support and #collaboration throughout the year. A simple thank you can go a long way in fostering a positive work environment. Let’s make the most of this festive season by giving back, balancing our lives, and cherishing the moments with those who matter most. 🎅🏻Happy Giving Day and happy holidays! 🎄 #GivingDay #SeasonOfGiving #HolidaySpirit #WorkLifeBalance #ReflectAndGrow #Gratitude #CommunityImpact #FestiveSeason #GoalSetting #HappyHolidays

⭐️Balancing Work, Family, and Giving Back: A Reminder for December💼 As we head into December, the workload can feel intense as we aim to finish the year strong. Add in holiday parties, volunteering events, and all the ways we give back to the community, and it's easy to feel stretched. That’s why I’m grateful for the calendar reminders that keep us on track for family Sundays—whether it's sports or church. These moments help us stay grounded and remember what’s truly important. Work-life balance is key, especially this time of year. Let’s all make it a priority to recharge, connect with loved ones, and give back to the communities that support us. Here’s to a fulfilling and balanced December! What strategies do you use to maintain balance during this busy season? Share your tips below! 🔑 ✅ #GirlDad #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyFirst #CommunityImpact #GiveBack #DecemberGoals #EndOfYearFocus #Recharging #HolidaySeason #Leadership #SelfCare #PrioritizeWhatMatters

We’re back from Trek'in Gazelles - prouder than ever. Having been able to balance performance and wellbeing, we reached an incredible 8th place out of 110 teams! 🔥 We barely connect ‘performance’ & ‘wellbeing’, but when we do, it transforms how we approach challenges. It's about performing today while preserving the energy and resources to keep performing tomorrow. Earlier in my career, I believed working harder (measured in hours) meant greater success. But like many, I learned the hard way that burnout is the result. Last week's adventure was a fantastic lesson in sustainable performance. ⚖️ We prioritised balance: yes, performance was important but so was our wellbeing. This meant avoiding late-night returns to the camp, having time to stretch in the evening, getting enough sleep, and savouring the journey - not just focusing on the results. 🙌🏼 The outcome? We improved steadily throughout the week, finishing in the top 10 of the first timers. Even better, we ended in peak physical and mental shape, proud of our thoughtful approach. 👉🏼 What about you? When was the last time you balanced performance with wellbeing? cc: Julie Chenu Simon, Sophie Spoor The best teammates ever! Note: We also trekked with purpose: raising funds to support Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit dedicated to fulfilling dreams for children with critical illnesses. 💫 Link in the comments #wellbeing, #bienetre, #wellbeingatwork #wellbeingtips, #bienetreautravail #wellbeingcoaching , #stressmanagement #gestiondustress #trekking

✨Happy International Happiness at Work Week! ✨ Why do Mondays always feel like the longest day of the week? 😅 We spend a lot of time at work so it’s important to create a positive atmosphere - easier said than done sometimes! Recently, someone asked me what keeps me motivated, and honestly sounds cliched, but making a difference is at the top of the list. As fundraisers, we know it’s not always easy. There are long hours, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Sometimes, it feels like we’re juggling too much, and you wonder if it’s time to find a "proper job." But when you see the impact of your work—like turning an underused room into a sensory space for kids with neurodiversity—it makes everything worth it. What really drives me though is not just the difference we make, but also seeing my kids aspire to do the same. It's a couple of years old, but here’s my initially reluctant son running his first 10K to raise some cash for charity, helping to make life a little better for others. Here’s to finding happiness at work and making a real difference, and if like me you’ve got to this point with ‘because I’m happy’ playing in your head, be sure to sprinkle some at work this week 😃 🎶🎤 #HappinessAtWork #Fundraising #MakingADifference

🎉 Holiday Cheer at the Office: Making Spirits Bright! 🎄 As we wrap up another successful year, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a soulful and cheerful holiday office party! Here are some tips for #leadership to ensure your celebration is both fun and meaningful: Create a Warm, Inclusive Atmosphere 💫 A holiday party should feel like a welcoming space for everyone. From diverse cultures to different preferences, make sure the event reflects the spirit of #inclusion. Let everyone feel celebrated, whether they observe the holidays or simply enjoy the festive season! Focus on Connection, Not Just Celebration 🤝 Beyond the food and drinks, create opportunities for employees to connect. Icebreaker games, team-building activities, or even simple conversation starters can help people bond and strengthen those workplace relationships that make our teams so great. Spread Kindness & Gratitude 🙏 The holidays are about giving, and showing appreciation to colleagues can mean more than any present. A heartfelt thank you or a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way in making someone’s day—and it will elevate the entire celebration. Balance Fun with Professionalism 🌟 It’s a holiday party, so let loose and have fun, but always remember to keep it respectful and professional. A good balance ensures that everyone feels comfortable and valued, making the event a memorable and positive experience. Give Back Together 🎁 Why not incorporate a charitable element into your party? Organize a toy drive, a donation match, or volunteer time as a team. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy beyond the office walls and make an impact in the community. Let’s raise a glass to a successful year and to all the amazing colleagues we get to work alongside. Here’s to joy, gratitude, and many more memories in 2024! 🥂 #HolidaySeason #TeamCelebration #Gratitude #WorkCulture #OfficeFun #CheersTo2024

Let’s be honest, work isn’t just about the work—it’s about the people who keep us sane (and fed) along the way. To those who organize potlucks, office ping-pong tournaments, charity events, team-building lunches, holiday contests, trivia, and every other excuse to get us away from our desks: You are the real MVPs. It’s not lost on me—or anyone, really—how much effort goes into creating a sense of community here in Vancouver and Toronto. Whether it’s festive activities, surprise coffee runs, organizing a charity drive, or even just making sure the snack stash is always stocked, your enthusiasm keeps morale high and relationships stronger. You’ve turned “just another day at work” into moments that make us actually want to be here. Even if I (and others) can’t always participate fully, your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. Honestly, without you, we’d probably just be a bunch of caffeine-fueled robots pretending to collaborate. You remind us that work is more than deadlines—it’s about connection, creativity, and having a little fun along the way. The holidays are a time to celebrate the people who bring us joy, whether they’re family, friends, or coworkers who make our days brighter. Thank you for all you do—it truly makes a difference, and it’s deeply appreciated. So here’s to you—the planners, the snack-stockers, the ping-pong referees, the cheerleaders, and everyone else who helps make this place more than just a workplace. Wishing everyone a happy, festive, and joy-filled holiday season!

As we close out our 25th anniversary year, we’re reflecting on the many ways joy has shaped our journey at OCS. Joy in the workplace comes from more than just success—it’s found in the moments that connect us, inspire us, and remind us why we do what we do.    At OCS, we find joy in autonomy, in the passion we bring to our work, in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and in building a culture where we truly enjoy working alongside one another. It’s this shared sense of purpose, connection, and authenticity that has been the cornerstone of our close-knit team for the past 25 years.    Over the past several weeks, we’ve highlighted the Power of Community Engagement, Flexibility, Connection, Friendship, Authenticity, and Diversity, among others, and it’s only fitting that we end with the Power of Joy—a testament to everything we value as a firm.    In this season of joy, we are reminded of the importance of celebrating not only our milestones but also the everyday moments that bring us together. As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering a workplace where joy, connection, and purpose continue to thrive. #joy #nonprofit #accounting #accountants #power

🌴 Summer Holidays: A True Break or a Mirage? 🏖️ About to have the perfect getaway – sun, relaxation, and not a laptop in sight? Maybe. 😬 I know how hard you work. As much as you know you need that break, it's so hard to take your eyes off all of the moving parts when you're a non-profit leader. So much easier to keep on it, just in case... If you're determined to leave work behind and embrace a genuine holiday, this post is your guide. Let's make it happen! 🌟 5 Essential Questions for a Work-Free Holiday 🌟 1️⃣ Pre-holiday Prep: What absolutely must be done before you leave? Pro Tip: Be kind to yourself. It's okay to leave some tasks unfinished. 2️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries: Define your 'work emergency' and communication rules. Example: Will you check emails once a week, or not at all? 3️⃣ Communicate Your Plans: Who needs to know about how you'll be managing your time away from work? Think: Team members, Chair, family – who else? 4️⃣ Get Support: What do you need from others to stay in holiday mode? Idea: Ask your fellow holidaymakers to give you a firm nudge if you reach for your work phone 😆 5️⃣ Celebrate Success: How will you reward yourself for truly disconnecting? Get creative – you deserve it! 🤔 What are your thoughts? How do you ensure a work-free holiday? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and make our holidays truly refreshing. #WorkLifeBalance #SummerHolidays #ProfessionalDevelopment #NonProfit

This week is International Week of Happiness at Work – a time to reflect on our workplace culture where we try to build a positive and supportive working environment for our teams. At Arden, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated is something we focus on throughout the year. Here are a few ways we work towards that: ⭐ Staff Thank You Cards – A simple way we show appreciation for each other's contributions. ⭐ Employee of the Month – Highlighting colleagues who have made a significant impact. ⭐ Team-building Events – Activities that strengthen our connections and improve collaboration. ⭐ Charity Support – This year the Arden Charity of the Year is cancer support charities, a cause close to our hearts. ⭐ Mental Health First Aiders and Wellbeing Group – Providing support for our teams' mental health. ⭐ Staff Forum – A platform for open discussions and feedback from all our workforce. ⭐ Weekly Reflections – Every Friday, we take a moment to discuss what went well and what we can improve on as a team. #HappinessAtWork #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture #InternationalWeekOfHappiness