Catherine Cooper

On designated office days, employees are expected to be physically present in the office for hybrid work arrangements.  When to report into the office is predetermined and coordinated among team members to ensure effective collaboration and communication.  The problem for many of us returning to the office is that we no longer want the distractions of being around others.  Never mind that we are already frustrated from the morning commute and the loss of work life balance achieved.  Who is going to do the laundry or drive mom to the doctor! Now our shoes hurt and the clothes that we wore to... Continue Reading

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) marked the end of the COVID-19 Pandemic on May 11, 2023. Now that the emergency is over, I wonder will hybrid work end? Hybrid work combines remote work with in-person work. It allows employees to work from home or other locations part of the time, while still having the opportunity to collaborate with team members and clients in-person when necessary.  Many organizations and employees have found it to be a beneficial work model for work-life balance, productivity, and flexibility. Benefits to Employers For instance, hybrid work arrangements... Continue Reading

As we transition into the various forms of hybrid work, how reliable are we?  By we, I am referring to seasoned talent categorized as Baby Boomer’s.  Of course, reliability and seasoned talent can vary greatly depending on the individual worker and their specific circumstances.   However, it is possible that older workers who are experienced with hybrid work arrangements may be more reliable than younger workers who are newer to this type of work. One reason for this is that older workers have more experience with time management strategies. Over the course of their careers,  they have developed... Continue Reading

A hybrid work model is an arrangement where employees are allowed to split their time between working from a physical office space, home, or a remote location.  The topic of culture and hybrid work has come into focus with this type of work arrangement. Culture is about the personality of a business, organization, or company.  It is the values, belief system, how employees behave and customs or norms that define a business and its employees.  Culture is critical for employees in shaping the work environment. Like working in a physical office space, maintaining culture in a hybrid work model... Continue Reading

Individuals born between 1946 and 1964 are approaching the end of their working years.  The question at the top of the minds of this generation is can baby boomers afford to retire?  This is a valid question, as many baby boomers have faced financial challenges throughout their lives.  There are several financial considerations that boomers will need to think about when planning for retirement. First, understanding the current state of retirement savings for baby boomers is important.  A recent study by the Economic Policy Institute found that the median retirement savings for households headed... Continue Reading

The concept of generations in the workplace involves the different age groups that make up the workforce at any given time.  Each generation has its own unique characteristics, values, and attitudes towards work and management.  As the workforce continues to evolve and change, Hybrid Boomers need to understand and respect the different perspectives and contributions of each generation.  Let’s look at the different generations currently in the workforce and discuss the challenges and opportunities of working with each group. Traditionalists (born before 1946) Born before 1946, the first group... Continue Reading

With the onset of remote and hybrid work, the practice of moonlighting has come into focus again. Moonlighting is when employees have a second job in addition to a regular job. Hybrid workers are using time saved from the commute to work and idle time left over from finished assignment to work a second or third job. According to a October 2021 survey conducted by Resume Builder, 7 in 10 remote workers have multiple jobs. And, three fourths of workers with multiple jobs are also running a side business. One remote worker reported having five jobs and using his little sister to help him maintain... Continue Reading

Work from home, remote workers, and those of us working in a hybrid work model often make the mistake of foregoing holiday paid time off.  This time is usually needed to disconnect from work and enjoy holiday celebrations with family and friends. A recent FinanceBuzz survey found that 61% of workers feel that as long as they are making more money they are willing to work through the holidays.  The money might be good, but what about work-life balance?  Employers have become accustomed to employees giving up their time, so in some industries employees are expected to complete work assignments... Continue Reading

In today’s economy, most seniors are doing whatever it takes to make ends meet on fixed or reduced incomes. This includes re-entering the workforce or continuing to work well past the age of 65. This begs the question: I’m Medicare eligible, but still working: What happens now? Many may believe that you can’t enroll in a Medicare plan if you’re still working at or past the age of 65. This is largely because of the options you’re given when you’re a senior working with a large company that offers health insurance. It may seem like you must choose one over the other – Medicare or... Continue Reading

Christmas is a magical time of the year.  What better time is there to give the gift of laughter!  The Hybrid Boomer is pleased to present a list of Fun Holiday Stocking Stuffers to bring holiday cheer.  Click the link to an item below to grab one or two, or even 3 or more for family, friends, and even for you.  Happy Holidays! FEATURED ITEM   The Hybrid Boomer list of Uniquely Fun Holiday Stocking Stuffers Ultimate Hostess – Funny Coasters for Drinks The Original Wine Condoms Bluetooth Beanie Hat Headphones Funny Blanket Makes Life More Comfortable Plaster Hand... Continue Reading