In the Wake of Patagonia’s Decision: Sustainability in Practice

In the wake of Yvon Chouinard’s decision to transfer ownership of Patagonia, the multibillion-dollar outdoor apparel company he founded, to a trust and non-profit organization, there has been a new surge in conversations surrounding sustainability. While decisions around how an organization acts sustainably might be something you think only happens at the executive level, knowing where to find resources can be a key point in helping you become part of that conversation. Here are two websites with information about current trends in the sustainability field and ways you can help become an advocate for your organization.

Conscious Capitalism: This nonprofit organization brings together people from many different industries and fields to educate and create effective tools for developing sustainable business practices. They offer virtual events and articles for free, giving you an opportunity to learn about sustainability at your own pace.

The B Lab: The B Lab is a nonprofit that provides organizations with the tools to assess their business practices, including a certification process that takes into account topics such as social and environmental practices, legal commitments and transparency. At this time over 5,000 companies have been certified as B Corps, including major companies such as Unilever ANZ, Nespresso Global, Athleta and Patagonia.

The practice of sustainability in organizations is something that anyone can address at any time. Whether it’s creating a new business practice that is more equitable for team members, or finding a new supplier that promotes their own ethical business standards, there are many ways to get involved in the conversation. Take some time to look at your own organization and see where you might be able to take one step towards a more sustainable focus.

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Learn more about sustainability through UW-Green Bay’s Sustainability Noncredit Certificate Program offered in conjunction with the Environmental Management & Business Institute (EMBI).

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Sources:

LinkedIn News. Patagonia founder gives company away. Ruiqi Chen. September 19th, 2022.

Conscious Capitalism– www.consciouscapitalism.org

The B Lab– www.bcorporation.net

Writing/Research Credit: Christopher Ledvina, UW-Green Bay Business Development Specialist

 

The Metaverse & Working In-Between

In a post-COVID world, the phrases “work from home” and “remote work” have become a significant part of organizational culture. Related to this trend is the idea of the metaverse, or that space where work takes place between the physical and virtual desks. If you haven’t heard of the metaverse yet, just wait. History shows that the longer a trend continues, the more advanced technology will evolve to become more effective and more efficient. Tech companies are already moving beyond programs like Zoom and Teams to focus directly on creating virtual, collaborative workspaces that allow people to connect in more advanced ways than ever before. Just as access to real-time data and information has become a part of our personal lives, the metaverse augments the workplace and allows for employees to create, develop, and refine information in the professional world.

It is just as critical to consider the importance of the physical location in the workplace and organizational culture. There will always be elements of work that require a physical presence, but it is the location and accessibility of those locations that will become more crucial as time goes forward. The strategic nature of locating your business is just as important as access to any other resource. Considering the advantages of location, combined with access to virtual assets, will allow well-prepared businesses to adapt quickly and effectively, putting them in line for a more successful future.

As technology further blends the physical and virtual workspaces together, how a company responds to the workforce trends will make for critical choices in future development. Is your company culture adaptable to change? Does it offer employees the resources they need to be successful, wherever they are working? The metaverse is going to continue to expand and evolve. How will your company respond?

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Offer employees the chance to develop their skills in the Modern Workplace Skills Certificate program. Enrollment is ongoing and the program is completely online!

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SOURCE:
Harvard Business Review. The Metaverse Will Enhance — Not Replace — Companies’ Physical Locations. Vladislav Boutenko, Richard Florida, and Julia Jacobson. August 16, 2022.

Writing/Research Credit: Christopher Ledvina, UW-Green Bay Business Development Specialist

Why Sustainability Matters to Business

Like many consumers, businesses have sustainability on their minds! Some businesses are taking steps to become more sustainable and are experiencing its many benefits. However, others are hesitant to change. For those who are unsure or want to learn more, here are some benefits of sustainability practices!

Businesses need resources such as people, materials and land to operate. Without a healthy environment, resources will become too scarce. If there are too few resources, the business will struggle. Sustainability practices avoid scarcity by helping to ensure the health of people and the environment.

In addition, a sustainable business uses resources more efficiently. They plan meticulously and use exhaustive efforts to produce their products by wasting very little. According to Forrester, “tech leaders consistently [tell us] that specific efficiency initiatives contribute to sustainability… and sustainability initiatives force optimization.” So, innovation and sustainability work together to optimize and increase the company’s value while helping the world.

Next, stakeholders care if businesses are sustainable. Consumers and investors are more likely to engage with sustainable companies. Also, according to an article in the Harvard Business Review, a company emphasizing “regular dialogue with stakeholders… is better positioned to anticipate and react… to changes as they rise,” which gives them an advantage over their competitors. However, “when firms fail to establish good relationships… it can lead to increased conflict and reduced stakeholder cooperation.”

Stakeholder support and feedback are invaluable for a businesses seeking long-term success. So, by becoming sustainable, businesses experience increased investment, a competitive advantage and long-lasting support.

Finally, a sustainable business is better for people and the planet. Sustainable businesses provide a healthier environment, better support for their workers and the community. As a result, these businesses have a greater positive impact.

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Learn about sustainable business strategies and make a green difference by enrolling in UW-Green Bay’s Sustainability Certificate Program. Continue your sustainability journey!

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Sources:
Forbes. Why You Should Care About Sustainability. Forrester. November 30, 2020.
Harvard Business Review. The Comprehensive Business Case for Sustainability. Tensie Whelan and Carly Fink. October 21, 2016.

Writing/Research Credit: Benjamin Kopetsky, UW-Green Bay Marketing Intern

Handling Caregiver Burnout

What is caregiver burnout

The Cleveland Clinic defines caregiver burnout as “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.” This could include any number of negative emotions and behaviors. Some examples include fatigue, stress, anxiety, and changes in behavior. These feelings can build upon each other, which may cause negative feelings to worsen. The Cleveland Clinic says that staff members who are “struggling with burnout may make errors in judgement or decision-making ability; these errors could prove dangerous or even fatal” in cases of accidental mistreatment of medications. The feelings also could negatively impact the lives of the caregivers themselves.

Why it happens

Caregiver burnout may happen for many reasons. Caitlin Morgan from the Cleveland Clinic says several factors may influence the development of caregiver burnout. Caregivers handle many responsibilities and may not always have the help they need. Morgan cautions that “Facilities that are understaffed are at higher risk of developing burnout, as are those who face excessively high workloads.”

Prevention and relief

Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent and alleviate burnout. The Cleveland Clinic recommends:

  • Setting realistic goals
  • Taking advantage of respite care services
  • Developing tools for coping
  • Speaking with someone you trust or a support group

Caregivers who set goals, take breaks, find helpful resources and talk with others can relieve stress, find solutions to problems, and will remember that they are not alone in this process. Finally, caregivers should set aside time for self-care as well!

SOURCES

Cleveland Clinic. “Caregiver Burnout.” January 13, 2019

Caitlin Morgan. “Reducing Caregiver Burnout in Assisted Living Facilities.” Caitlin Morgan. May 15, 2020.

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Wisconsin Caregiver Academy takes away the stress of caregiver training with online options. See how we exceed standards of care with ongoing training options.

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Writing/Research Credit: Benjamin Kopetsky, UW-Green Bay Marketing Intern

Keys to a Successful Mentoring Relationship

Without a doubt, mentorships help people improve their knowledge and develop skills for the future. The mentor and mentee both benefit from this relationship. The relationship the two share is vital to creating a successful mentoring experience. So, how do you foster this relationship?

  1. Get to know each other

Like all relationships, a mentoring relationship will improve from getting to know one another. Become more familiar with each other’s interests and goals and talk about your expectations for the relationship. This knowledge will help create a more insightful, efficient and effective experience without any wasteful discussion.

  1. Set a schedule

Setting aside time for meetings is important. There should be some structure and understanding of how, when and how often you will meet. Dedicating part of their days to each other may also help the mentee and mentor stay present and attentive, giving them the best chance to learn and grow together. However, according to APA instruction, “Not every contact need be lengthy or weighty,” they can contain “small talk… necessary for establishing a relationship.”

  1. Prepare

The mentee can get the most out of their structured meeting time by preparing some questions and other ideas to share beforehand. The mentor can do the same by remembering learning situations and preparing to share stories with their mentee. Being prepared will help foster great discussion, and both parties will appreciate it. Farah Radzi of ADPList believes you should “Treat each session like a first date where both mentor and mentee are putting their best efforts to get as much information as possible.”

  1. Feedback

Be honest! Hearing what is good and bad about ideas nurtures better growth. Continually check in with each other. Mary Abbajay from Forbes, recommends asking each other, “How is this going for you? What’s been helpful? What hasn’t? What could I do differently to make this a more rewarding experience?”

  1. Reflect

Between meetings, reflect on what you have learned. Reflecting will help you remember more of the important points of the meeting and apply them later. It may also help you remember something unclear so you can ask for more clarification during the next meeting.

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You, too, can nurture career-enhancing relationships at your business or organization with a Mentoring Certificate Program developed by UW-Green Bay to help you establish a mentoring framework designed for success. Only three sessions. Now enrolling. First session starts February 23.

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Sources

Forbes. “Mentoring Matters: Three Essential Elements of Success.” Mary Abbajay. January 20, 2019.

APA. “Getting Your Mentoring Relationship Off to a Good Start.” 2008.

ADPList. “How To Build a Successful Mentor-Mentee Relationship?” Farah Radzi. December 22, 2021.

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Writing/Research Credit: Benjamin Kopetsky, UW-Green Bay Marketing Intern

The Future of Data Science

There’s no question that innovation leads to success. Blockchain technology has business leaders hurriedly analyzing and considering how it might optimize their operations. Is blockchain the future of data science?
To help you get a handle on this emerging technology, here’s a quick summary of blockchain and its potential impact on data science.

What is Blockchain?

York Solutions defines blockchain as “a decentralized database – an electronically distributed ledger or list of records that is accessible to various users.” In other words, it is an automated record keeper that can be commonly used for transactions. Today and future businesses will be exploring how to implement blockchain technology into other record-keeping-required activities.

Why Use Blockchain?

Blockchain advocates have boasted about the many benefits of blockchain. According to Matthew Hooper, former VP of Open Innovation at Barclays and head of Rise New York, businesses will see “greater transparency, enhanced security, improved traceability, increased efficiency and speed of transactions, and reduced costs.”

Who Will Be Using Blockchain?

Many professionals may find blockchain to be helpful in their operations. For data analysts, blockchain will be a powerful tool. By updating records and providing information more efficiently, they will be able review data, apply knowledge and give insight on actions to take and improve businesses.

What’s Next?

Businesses are seeing the potential in this technology and have started to invest. Many companies are already implementing blockchain to take advantage of its benefits. With the addition of investment, blockchain will only see more growth and implementation into expanded operations. In the future, transactions and many more activities are likely to have underlying blockchain technology because of its utility.

Is Data in Your Future?

You can be part of the future of data science. Learn the latest data science practices and new technologies by registering the Data Science Certificate Program. Data science has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing professions with demand for analysts booming. Empower your career!

SOURCES:
IBM. “Top five blockchain benefits transforming your industry.” Matthew Hooper. February 22, 2018.
York Solutions. “The Future of Blockchain Technology.”

Writing/Research Credit: Benjamin Kopetsky, UW-Green Bay Marketing Intern

A New Healthcare Paradigm Reshapes Senior Living

As industries develop recovery plans in the wake of COVID-19, they are informed by the lessons learned in the past year and half.

The balance has especially shifted for owners and operators in the assisted living industry. They have been used to walking the line between healthcare and hospitality, but COVID-19 is refocusing them on health- and safety-first strategies and innovations.

COVID-19 has changed consumers forever in that they can no longer trust the future. This creates anxiety as consumers seek to be assured.

Especially the families of populations vulnerable to infectious diseases, with significant care needs.

As one operator puts it, “COVID-19 shifted the value proposition completely.”

The foundation of care must be protecting the well-being of assisted living residents, and providers are adapting the lessons learned from the pandemic to feature:

  • More outdoor access
  • Ways to isolate residents more comfortably
  • More touchless technology
  • More intensive air purification systems
  • Dedicated telehealth spaces
  • On-site clinics

These changes will herald a new era in assisted living.

SOURCE:
Senior Housing News. “Top Senior Housing Trends for 2021.” Tim Mullaney, January 2, 2021

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Far-seeing assisted living providers are also ensuring they provide opportunities for their caregiving staff, administrators and consultants to gain the necessary and developmental training they need and want. Personnel are more engaged if allowed to grow in their roles, which contributes to the compassion and care residents receive. Wisconsin Caregiver Academy supports the industry with quality instruction, including Train-the-Trainer, Caregiver, Client Group and Specific Task courses.

Celebrate the Rich Culture of Native Americans

November is Native American Heritage Month! The observation was established to celebrate the culture, history and contributions of First Nations people.

As you honor the day, recognize that First Nations lived on this land long before Europeans and others arrived with a long relationship and strong connection to this land. At UW-Green Bay, we are aware that the ground on which we built was land of First Nations people, and we are thankful to enjoy it. You can read UW-Green Bay’s Land Acknowledgement here. Other companies and organizations are making similar acknowledgements.

You may also want to research First Nations history and culture, starting with the cultures that call our region home. Hearing their stories may bring you new perspectives and create a deeper understanding of the people and land around you. If you spend time with First Nations people directly, you are likely to learn a lot about their culture and history. UW-Green Bay offers a fantastic resource through the Center for First Nations Studies Oral Scholars in Residence program. You can find more information here!

Finally, we hope you’ll be an ally. All peoples and cultures deserve respect, so be sure to support one another whenever possible acknowledge the sovereign rights held by the First Nations and their people and appreciate that we all have ties to this area and that we all share its land and resources. We are community and positive change happens when we work together!

WANT TO DO MORE?

Develop a deeper understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and ensure your business or organization protects and elevates now and future generations. UW-Green Bay is now enrolling in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate Program, designed for HR professionals, business and government executives and leaders, managers and team leaders, parents and nonprofit and community leaders. Starting in January for eight weeks. Learn more and register.

Writing/Research Credit: Benjamin Kopetsky, UW-Green Bay Marketing Intern

Wisconsin Prioritizes Tourism

Governor Tony Evers announced in August that an additional $10 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used to support the Wisconsin tourism industry.

At the press conference, Evers said, “Wisconsin’s tourism industry was one of the hardest hit throughout the coronavirus pandemic.” He continued, “Small business owners and folks in the tourism, lodging and entertainment industries had to stay flexible, innovative and adapt to the challenges brought by the pandemic.”

Despite the pandemic, Wisconsin’s tourism industry supported more than 157,000 jobs across the state and had a $17.3 billion impact on the state economy in 2020. So far in 2021, the industry is seeing recovery above 2020 numbers as travelers make up for missed vacations while reconnecting with friends and family.

Gov. Evers’ announcement is a continuation of the governor’s efforts to support the tourism industry’s recovery and rebound from the coronavirus pandemic. The funds announced are in addition to the governor’s more than $140 million in ARPA funding for Wisconsin’s tourism and entertainment industries,

Sign Up for Communications

Individuals and businesses can sign up to receive more information about the application process. Grants of up to $3.5 million will be given to regional entities to support things like travel infrastructure and convention centers.

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Thrive in Tourism

UW-Green Bay is hosting a tourism event for area destinations, attractions, accommodations and other aligned businesses to explore creative ways they can attract visitors with experiences that are beyond the average tourist experience.

The event is a collaboration with Discover Green Bay and features faculty and destination experts. There is a morning session “Creating Visitor Experiences” and an afternoon session “Basic Social Media for Hospitality Venues.” You may attend the morning or afternoon session, or both for the best value.

Space is limited! Masks will be required for all participants, and social distancing practices will be in place.

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SOURCES:
Office of the Governor, State of Wisconsin.
Urban Milwaukee, “Evers Gives $10 Million to Tourism Projects,” August 3, Angeline Terry.

September is Self-Improvement Month

Self Improvement Month reminds us that we all need to improve. It’s an opportunity for us to assess how satisfied we are with ourselves and to take the necessary steps to become who we aspire to be.

The editorial team at Indeed came up with “20 Project Ideas for Self-Improvement,” and we offer some suggestions about how you might get started.

  1. Play the stock market – Check out Motley Fool’s “Guide to Investing for Beginner’s.”
  2. Volunteer in your community – There are plenty of opportunities at the Volunteer Center of Brown County.
  3. Identify long-term goals and make a plan.
  4. Build an app.
  5. Join community theater or speech club – Our Marinette campus offers vibrant adult and children’s theatre.
  6. Start a journal – Amazon curates their best-selling journals here.
  7. Design a website – You won’t believe what you’re capable of with web creation portals like Wix and Squarespace.
  8. Meditate – UW-Madison’s Center for Healthy Minds offers a free app that tracks your mental healthy journey.
  9. Take a continuing education course – Our “Career” page is a good place to start.
  10. Listen to podcasts – Lifewire profiles 16 of their favorites here.
  11. Read books – Try James Clear’s Atomic Habits, a New York Times best-seller, which has sold over a $1 million copies worldwide. He also offers free articles if you sign-up for his newsletter.
  12. Exercise regularly – Prevention Magazine offers “25 Easy Ways to Fit in 10 Minutes of Exercise.”
  13. Use your mornings.
  14. Learn to cook – The inimitable Gorden Ramsay has created a tutorial “How to Master 5 Basic Cooking Skills.”
  15. Write every day.
  16. Take a walk.
  17. Make a garden.
  18. Start a collection – Good Housekeeping has put together “The Ultimate Guide to Gardening for Beginners” for vegetables and flowers.
  19. Build your brand.
  20. Make a bucket list – Create, track and achieve your life goals at buckletlist.org.