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Happy August! Great company culture is built and reinforced by its people — that's you! No matter what your level is, your contributions can significantly influence the workplace environment.There are several meaningful actions you can take to actively shape a culture that you can be proud to be a part of:
Meet your fellow team members. In this remote environment, new team members may feel isolated or uncertain. Being friendly and welcoming can create a sense of belonging and support within the team.
Show appreciation for your colleagues' work and accomplishments. Recognizing something small like a work anniversary or something big like a significant life event fosters a sense of camaraderie and care within the team.
Accept additional tasks with positivity and without harboring resentment. This is all about setting healthy boundaries while leading with empathy. A willingness to help and collaborate enhances the overall team spirit.
Anyone at any level can do this. And know that you are building a positive and supportive culture when you do.
– Danielle Alavian
Noteworthy
Announcements, happenings, tidbits, and other notables
Employee Profile/GP Success Stories
Zach Mader's 8-year work anniversary is August 3, 2023
Joe Tornatzky's 5-year work anniversary is August 6, 2023
Angela Hay's 2-year work anniversary is August 17, 2023
Jack Seemer's 9-year work anniversary is August 18, 2023
Johnny Brayson's 1-year work anniversary is August 29, 2023
Let's give them a big round of applause — thank you!Coming Up
August paydays will be the 15th and 31st
August Town Hall will be on August 16th
Birthdays
Mary Singler's birthday is August 3rd
Nancy O'Connor's birthday is August 6th
Megan Prettyman's birthday is August 10th
Fast Five with Sean Tirman
This is from when my wife surprised me with Star Wars night tickets at Disneyland.
Where do you live now and where are you originally from?
By the time this goes live, I’ll be living in my new apartment in Rochester, NY. Originally, however, I’m from Southern California — I was born north of LA but most of my childhood was spent in San Diego.What's your favorite thing to do on Saturday morning?
I used to sleep in but lately my body won’t let me rest past eight-or-so in the morning, so I typically get up, have some coffee and do one of three things: play video games, work out, or write some fiction.
From left to right: archery competition, leg tattoos, and me and my wife Tristen in NYC
Is there something you've been obsessed with lately?
Tattoos. I’ve gotten more tattoos over the last year than any other point in my life. I think I’ve gotten at least 12 in as many months and I’m very far from being finished with them. My body is quickly becoming a Where’s Waldo-style collage — actually, I might have to get a Waldo tattoo now…How do you stay motivated or energized for work?
Music makes a big difference in my ability to focus and stay energized. And it can transmute negativity into productivity, so long as I pick the right playlist for my mood. On any given day it could be anything from death metal to folk music to chiptune and everything in between.Do you have any secret skills or talents we should know about?
I can snap with my index, middle, and ring finger on both of my hands. And I can do it really fast. It’s a completely useless talent, but it makes for a fun party trick (and a way to annoy my wife). Oh, and I’ve recently taken up archery as a hobby — even placed second in a small contest.
Where are you currently working from?
I'm actually moving the last couple weeks of July, from San Diego to Rochester, NY. Here is a picture of my old set up!
Inspiration: Conversation DecksJennifer Siripong Mandel and Anika Chabra advocate for understanding family stories and traditions, especially across generations and diverse backgrounds. Root & Seed's conversation deck focuses on family history, inherited memory, and preserving traditions — a perfect addition to your next family reunion. Like any other time, but especially since it is summer, I encourage you to take a PTO day and play this card game with your loved ones.Any Inspiration requests? P&C is on it. Ping Danielle.