Lights, Camera, Action It’s been three years since videoconferencing became an integral part of our work routines, and in that time we’ve learned a lot about how to maintain our professionalism in the virtual meeting space. But if you’re still worried about the impression your Zoom background is making on colleagues and clients, here are the dos and don’ts that can make the biggest difference. Do try to schedule on-camera time. Because seeing someone face-to-face can help to forge a connection and enhance a relationship, “I always join calls with my camera on even if it’s just to say hello ini ..read more

With everything you have to think about at work, you don’t need the added pressure of figuring out what to wear. If your wardrobe is calling for a refresh, pick up a few on-trend pieces this summer. Wide belts make a statement • Belts aren’t just functional pieces. They can flatter the figure, dress up an outfit, and provide drama. Accentuate an understated outfit with an eye-catching oversize belt this summer. Ground yourself with earthy shades of brown • If you’re trying to decide on a color to give verve to your wardrobe, think chocolate brown. Add cocoa, toast, or earth tones in a bla ..read more

Feeling underappreciated isn’t necessarily grounds for changing jobs. At least that’s one of the insights from a survey conducted in November 2023 by the Diversity Woman Network, a membership community for women leaders. When asked to name a negative aspect of their current job, • 42 percent of women leaders said they wanted to earn a better salary, • 16 percent said they were not feeling valued or appreciated, and • 11 percent said they felt burned out. Yet only 11 percent said they were actively contemplating leaving their current job, while another 21 percent said they might consider doing ..read more

Think you can’t do much in 15 minutes? Finding time for these quick tasks can help you get more done in the day. Take a brisk walk. A stressful work environment often leads to burnout. A 15-minute walk can lead to less stress and happier emotions. Go through email. Most people check their email too often, wasting on average 21 minutes per day simply in the act of checking and getting off track. Instead designate 15 minutes multiple times a day to go through new messages and respond. Create or update a to-do list. Those who create—and adhere to—a to-do list are less likely to pro ..read more

Dear DW, I’ve noticed some of my colleagues talking about the upcoming elections. I know that in the past, talking politics and religion was frowned upon. Has anything changed? Signed, Politically Hesitant Dear Hesitant, You have good reason to feel uneasy about joining the conversation. Talking about politics can be OK if it ties into your job and impacts your day-to-day work, says Kristen Fowler, vice president of HR and practice lead at global executive search firm Clarke Caniff. “For example, if you work in a highly regulated industry such as oil and gas, or the clean energy spac ..read more

By Eddie Lee With the third-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the United States, Atlanta has long been an important corporate hub. But it’s not all business. Atlanta is also a bustling city with a vibrant culture, standout attractions, deep history, and distinctive dining. All of which means that a trip to the ATL is sure to leave you entertained, enlightened, and eager to return. What to see The largest aquarium in the United States, the Georgia Aquarium—located downtown—contains more than 11 million gallons of water and is home to thousands of marine animals; for an extr ..read more

Savvy travel pros share their recommendations on products that can ease the way By Carrie Kirby Robin Wilson-Beattie, a sexuality and disability educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area, took 45 trips by air last year. Since she has a disability that prevents her from walking long distances, Wilson-Beattie carefully choreographs her journeys. “I have a system,” she says. It all starts with good pockets. Because she usually receives wheelchair assistance to the gate, Wilson-Beattie needs to be able to access her most important items without reaching into a bag, which might be behind he ..read more

Eight ways to increase your chances to live long and well By Leslie Pepper Most of us are perpetually on the hunt for the fairy-tale fountain of youth—a pill, a meal plan, or even an exercise that will launch us into our 90s or beyond feeling healthy and happy. Unfortunately, the search for that fountain is futile. “There’s no miracle cure that’s going to single-handedly optimize your health,” says Poonam Desai, DO, a lifestyle medicine physician and assistant professor of emergency medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. “Longevity, wellness, and health optimization are all about adop ..read more

What if we’d had the Equal Rights Amendment in the Constitution for the past 50 years? by Zakiya Thomas As a Black woman in the United States, I’ve always known that my rights are precarious. The patchwork of laws intended to protect against discrimination isn’t enough. We need a foundation that can be guaranteed only by the Constitution; we need the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). We all stand to gain from the ERA. With equal pay, Black and Brown families could have more financial security, and we could combat the sexism and racism at the root of maternal mortality. LGBTQAI+ communities could h ..read more

Establish a culture where transparency is the norm, not the exception. by Minda Harts In the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace, trust is the invisible thread that binds teams together, enabling them to navigate the complexities of today’s hybrid work environment. Our new working normal is a vibrant cacophony of generations, cultures, and digital interfaces that often stretch trust to its limits. When this fabric tears, the onus falls on leaders to stitch it back together, ensuring that the team’s tapestry remains intact. Restoring trust requires more than superficial gestures and ..read more