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Dropping Temperatures

When outside temperatures begin to drop, one of the most costly consequences is the increased energy it takes to maintain a comfortable home temperature. Though it may be tempting to simply lower the temperature on a thermostat, family members may revolt and there are several ways to lower your utility bill while staying warm and cozy. With this in mind, consider these tips to reduce your monthly utility bills in the winter

Look for and seal any areas where heat may escape from your home, especially around windows and doors.
Use

It is commonplace for the new year to come with an abundance of pressure. Pressure to evaluate the year we’re leaving, lessons we’ve learned and plan ambitiously for the year ahead. There is even pressure to tie up loose ends so their year can start with a clean slate. It’s a lot of build up for a twenty-four hour period where the only you HAVE to do, is change out the calendar!

Decide What Matters

Bettering yourself is always an admirable goal, but decide now what “better” means to you. As a

The holidays are hard for many people and if you are among them it’s important to remember you aren’t alone in your feelings this time of year. Overwhelming stress, seasonal expectations, and personal loss all do a deceptively good job of creeping in amidst the snow and lights. Taking steps to identify and acknowledge your feelings, before responding with a coping strategy that works for you, can give you the control to feel empowered.

Coping Strategies

Consider the following strategies to help cope with the loneliness and disappointment that comes with celebrating

Working from home on a regular basis poses challenges for employees and employers alike. While many organizations see a boost in productivity with employees at home due to less time socializing, it has an impact that cuts both ways. The lack of socialization can negatively impact employee mental health and team cohesion.

According to Clutch, a data-driven field guide for B2B buying and hiring decisions, 60% of employees have spent less time socializing with co-workers since they began working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic

How to Stay Connected with Co-workers

Although it’s

At the end of the calendar year, workplace holiday celebrations are an experience that many employees look forward to as a highlight of the season. These celebrations are often a long-standing tradition allowing employees to celebrate with their colleagues—and sometimes family and guests.

However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations are evaluating how to engage employees safely this holiday season. Employers find themselves tasked with deciding whether they should cancel, postpone or offer an amended celebration that prioritizes safety—with many choosing to offer a virtual holiday party.

Virtual holiday parties

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidelines for safely celebrating Thanksgiving this year.

These updated guidelines focus on remaining safe during small gatherings, which the CDC points to as being a contributor to the current increase in COVID-19 cases.

As a reminder, the CDC’s guidelines are not meant to replace—but rather supplement—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules and regulations with which all gatherings must comply.

What’s the Safest Way to Celebrate?

The guidelines reiterate that the

We all know what to do when our cars lets out an annoyed chime and a glowing human in a seat belt appears on our dash. Quickly we reach over our shoulder and buckle in. When the telltale gas pump appears we know to be on the lookout for the closest gas station. For many, however, having other lights illuminate on the dash can be panic inducing. Understanding what your dashboard light indicators mean before they are telling you about a problem can impact both your own and your car’s

As is typical New England fashion the snow is falling earlier than any of us would prefer; and as these chilly white flurries drift down to warn us of Old Man Winter’s impending arrival it is time to start thinking about preparing your home for the winter. Winter weather is unpredictable, and cold temperatures, high winds, ice and snow can cause serious damage to your home. To avoid costly weather-related repairs, it’s important to prep your home and property for winter. Consider the following maintenance tips to keep your home

The arrival of the fall and winter months signals many things, including flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity peaks between December and February. It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter.

The flu vaccine is your best chance of preventing the illness, and it’s more important than ever this year. Currently, the CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for anyone over 6 months of age.

In addition to getting your vaccine, there are some

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. During this annual event, government and industry leaders come together to raise awareness about the important of cybersecurity across our economy.

“Do your part. #BeCyberSmart.”

The theme was  selected to empower both individuals and organizations to take ownership of their unique role in promoting cyber security with the key message being, “If you connect it, protect it.” With more employees working remotely than ever before, and in control of their connections and set up, it’s important to highlight how critical it is for each employee to