Akiko Takagi

Woohoo the weekend is here (or it will be soon anyway)! But for workaholics transitioning from work-mode to non-work mode can be a struggle. Sometimes the sheer physical and mental exhaustion of the week can make facing Friday night feel daunting. The idea of unwinding can be intimidating because you’re so tired you might just fall apart. Did I do enough this week? ... Of course there are still those things left on my to-do list...maybe I can crame them into the next 30 minutes.maybe I should just work late. Am I going to get everything I need to get done this weekend, done? My weekend is going to be as busy if not busier than my week was! What’s wrong with me...everyone loves Friday night?! Yup. I’ve heard (and felt) it all. Here are three quick ways to make the transition into a more relaxed mode easier: Breathe. Turn everything off. Sit quietly. Notice your breath flowing in and out of your body. Make the length of your out-breath to the length of your in-breath. Go outside. Notice the sky, the weather, the sounds. If you can, take your shoes off and put your bare feet on the ground. Talk to someone you care about and listen to their day. Really listen. Focus all your attention on what they are saying. Smile at them. Ask questions. #Workaholic #TGIF #AntiHustle #Mindfulness #EmotionalFreedom #BeHereNow #ComeHomeToYourself

While diversity and inclusion are often lumped together in the context of workplace policy, they are in fact not the same. People in inclusive environments feel appreciated for their unique characteristics and therefore comfortable sharing their ideas and other aspects of their true and authentic selves. Lumping them together reduces a team and organization’s ability to improve both. Understanding and addressing them separately is essential. People benefit from this approach. So do companies. #HRToolKit #StrongerTogether #SmallBusiness #HRForSmallBusiness #Diversity #Inclusion #AmazingTeams

Details still pending, but it looks as though the CERB will be extended. https://www.cbc.ca//trudeau-emergency-relief-benefit-1.561

Happy Pride Month! #PrideMonth #HappyPride #June

In addition to COVID and amoung countless other incidences, the questions around Regis Korchinski-Paquet’s death in Canada, the publicity around the racist actions of Amy Cooper, and the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests and rioting in both countries may have colleagues and employees (people) of every race and walk of life feeling overwhelmed and a variety of difficult emotions. It is difficult for many (most) people to speak about race, racism, privilege, and vi...olence. Even though you don’t know what to say, it’s important that you are checking in with colleagues and employees. Here are some things to remember: Do Find more opportunities than normal to start conversations and generally just touch base with employees about projects, their weekend etc. The check-ins do not need to be topic specific related to racism etc. Set aside extra time so you can really listen and engage with people so you don’t feel rushed in the conversation Be more physically present (just walking around, chatting in the hallway etc.) obviously this is challenging with physical distancing but do what is possible If colleagues/employees bring up concerns/difficult emotions, listen without judgement and if appropriate remind them of the support available either locally or through a company support program like the EAP Don’t Target or avoid conversations with visible minorities. The check-ins should involve as many employees as possible and be a cross section of all colleagues and employees Ask people to speak about their feelings about race, racism, these incidences etc. If these topics come up, you are there to listen but the purpose of these check-ins is not compel people to examine their feelings around these topics Think it is your responsibility to fix problems or resolve issues (unless they are specific to the workplace), just remember that you are there to offer support through listening Feel like you need to have perfect clarity on how you feel about these topics or be able to speak to them again, these check-ins are to support morale, not to address race relations I’m here to listen, message me if you want to talk.

With regard to racism, privilege, and the violence against all people and in particular black people. I've been sharing things but have yet to speak directly and then I saw this quote. I am angry. I am fearful. I am frustrated. As a visible minority I feel and want to show solidarity with other visible minorities and to acknowledge my own (and all) unique experiences.... I am disgusted and exhausted by the prevalence of racism. I don't feel neutral but I am concerned about saying the wrong thing. I'm learning from many people but in particular (right now) from @rachel.cargle and @mrjasonowilson and appreciate the wise and important discourse they are leading. #StrongerTogether #BlackLivesMatter #RevolutionNow Image is by @stuffgracemade