DECEMBER 2021

“Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been.”

I'm not much of a Deadhead, but as we approach the end of 2021, I can't help but hear the band’s lyrics in my head.

After all, we kicked off the year with a violent insurrection at the Capitol and COVID showing few signs of letting up. Then came vaccines and a slew of return-to-office plans (and revised, and re-revised plans).

At Brilliant Ink, it's been our most successful year to date, but we've faced an array of challenges from personal losses to the lack of in-person team collaboration. 2021 has been a long, strange year indeed! Still, I'm feeling excited about the year ahead.

Prioritizing and protecting mental wellbeing at work is becoming more and more common. Increasingly, companies are realizing and acting on their responsibility to dismantle racism. The "Great Resignation" is finally pushing employers to pay more careful attention to their peoples' experiences at work (see the McKinsey research below). And if these don’t feel like reasons for IC, EX and HR pros to toast to 2022, I don’t know what would!

I’ll go back to the words of the Grateful Dead to close us out: “Nothin' left to do but smile, smile, smile...” Here’s to a healthy, safe and successful 2022 for us all!

Happy Holidays,
Ann & the Brilliant Ink Team

P.S. If you still need a gift for that special team member, or just want fun gift ideas, check out 12 Gift Ideas for your Brilliant Team!

'Great Attrition’ or ‘Great Attraction’ The Choice is Yours – McKinsey (Research)
With record numbers of employees either quitting or thinking about doing so, organizations are fighting to have an edge in attracting and retaining talent. So, will you sink or swim? THE CHOICE IS YOURS. ►

The 22 Best Internal Communications Blogs for 2022 – Bananatag (List)
With countless sources for Internal Communications news available, we were thrilled to be included in Bananatag’s top 22 IC blogs for 2022. Find out who made the list, maybe even check out a blog or two. DIVE RIGHT IN! ►

Unilever is Blending Aspects of Full-Time & Contract Work into Something New – LinkedIn (Article)
While increased workplace flexibility has been popularized, many orgs have yet to strike a balance between freedom and stability. Find out how Unilever’s new work initiative could be an act others may soon follow. MEET U-WORK! ►

The State of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts: Priorities, Progress & Opportunities – Lever (Report)
DEI has grown significantly as a crucial factor in sustainable employee experiences. Lever has the latest insights into various orgs’ DEI efforts and how they are perceived by their employees. GET THE FACTS. ►

8 Predictions for 2022 Employee Engagement & Internal Comms Trends – Sara Forner Howland (List)
As we try to make sense of this long strange trip called 2021, we're forecasting how the world of work will respond in 2022. Read on for our predictions for what trends will dominate employee engagement. LOOK AHEAD. ►

Why Inclusive Mental Health Language Matters – Nicole Ng (Article)
While mental health language is an important consideration in building inclusive workplaces, it can have a negative impact on employee experiences if used incorrectly. Let's start making connections, NOT GUARDRAILS. ►

22 Employee Experience Stats You Should Know in 2022 – Becky Sennett (Resource)
Need additional data-y inspiration or insights to support your 2022 planning? We’ve got you covered. From company culture to career growth, here are 22 key industry stats to help you tell your story. GET COOKING. ►

It's Your Lucky Day! Brilliant Ink is Hiring:

Senior Strategist (full-time): We're looking for someone brilliant to lead major client engagements, provide strategic oversight and counsel to our project teams, and develop knock-your-socks-off materials.
Project Manager (full-time): Our PM's view problems as opportunities. They manage budgets, scope and deadline compliance, establish and maintain project charters, and account for the quality of project delivery.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Between the myriad of holidays, birthdays, trips and occasions taking place between Thanksgiving and New Years, we just want to take a moment to recognize all the special moments we share with loved ones near and far during this season.

We view our employees first and foremost as people – people with friends, families, personal challenges, priorities and goals – and we're thrilled to see all the ways our team is refueling during this time of year!

DID SOMEONE BRILLIANT FORWARD YOU THIS EMAIL?
SUBSCRIBE HERE. WE THINK YOU'LL LOVE IT. ►