Around The Cooler

When COVID-19 sent entire nations into quarantine, computer novices and tech nerds alike discovered that the world wasn’t as out of reach as they may have thought. World travelers could still tour museums, groupies could stream concerts, and theater lovers could watch Broadway shows. While some of these experiences charged a fee, many cost nothing, and most of these online adventures remain only a web search away.

Feeling charitable? A vast array of organizations are eager to accept your donations, but not every contribution has to come out of your wallet, pantry, or closet. There are also ways to help others that literally come from you. If you are considering sharing in one of these ways, do your research so you know that you are dealing with a reputable organization and are comfortable with how your contribution will be used.

Your phone pings—you have a new message. A box pops up on your computer screen—you have a new email. A colleague stops by—you want to chat about your weekend. When will you ever be able to get work done? Studies show that today’s workers are being interrupted more than ever, which affects not only productivity but also mental health. Try these tips for getting back in focus and ensuring you’re making the most of your time spent at the office.

All right, listen up! No matter your job, you can bring the gym to work or home by deskercising—engaging in exercises fit for a cubicle or living room. Get your blood flowing and embrace the personal and professional benefits of staying active while working by doing anything from standing up every hour to dancing a modified Zumba routine in your office. Whether you’re a regular gym rat or a newbie to it all, the possibilities for deskercising are endless. Five, six, seven, eight!

The origin of spring cleaning is a little uncertain. It may have started as the process of clearing up winter chimney soot, though others suspect it could be rooted in the Persian New Year or Jewish Passover celebrations.

In the next few months, workplaces across the country will celebrate some of the best-known holidays in North America, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. But many employees will observe lesser-known days—or no holidays at all. Throwing successful in-office festivities that include everyone without making anyone feel compelled to join in can be a challenge. Here are a few things to consider when planning an in-office party.

Today’s office-holding, business-owning, C-suite-level women are fulfilling the dreams of turn-of-the-century activists from the women’s suffrage movement.

The term artificial intelligence may conjure up images of robots whizzing around in the future. But the truth is, AI has already arrived and is impacting our everyday lives by performing tasks normally handled by humans. Chances are you’ve already done something today that was powered by AI, and you didn’t even realize it. And what’s even more surprising, many AI algorithms can actually learn and become even more proficient at the tasks they are designed to perform.

Once barely more than an online résumé site, LinkedIn has become a robust tool for professionals looking to build their personal brands at the confluence of social media and the business world. Now with more than half a billion profiles, LinkedIn’s user base rivals Twitter’s and Snapchat’s in the United States. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, become an influencer, or learn more from top thought leaders, LinkedIn can help. So log in and follow these tips to build your brand.

Learning has never been so entertaining— or so cheap. Whether you’re one of the 67 million Americans who listen to podcasts regularly or are just now tuning in, sorting the many subscription options can be overwhelming. If you’re in the business of business, check out these programs to keep you on the cutting edge of issues, ideas, and innovations. They’re the perfect companions for commuting, finishing weekend chores, or filtering through your Monday-morning emails.

Do you get a daily case of the 3 p.m. slumps? The afternoon drive to drowse can be caused by dehydration, low blood sugar, or a low-protein lunch. But before you reach into your coworker’s candy bowl to spike your energy, beware: high-sugar snacks are loaded with unnecessary calories and can lead to even more fatigue. Instead, fill your water bottle and beat the slump—and the vending machine—with these healthy snack ideas.

Negotiation skills might not bring you everything you want in life, but you can increase your odds of success. To up your game, try a relationship-driven approach for an outcome that helps everyone, says a 2015 study in Harvard’s Negotiation Journal. At work or beyond, navigate your next negotiation—and forge a reputation for fairness—with tips from the study’s authors: Katie A. Liljenquist and Kristen Bell DeTienne from the Marriott School, and M-C Ingerson from San Jose State University.

Marriott School students don’t stop with their diplomas; they continue on to masterful feats—reaching top leadership roles, starting successful businesses, and, in the case of a select few, penning acclaimed page-turners. So power up a Kindle (or dust off your library card) and grab a copy of these seven alumni-authored tomes. Ranging from science fiction to self-help, these books deserve a spot on your summer reading list.

Your valentine shouldn’t get all the attention this February. Amid the red roses, chocolates, and overstuffed teddy bears, take time to show your ticker some love too. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases are more deadly than all other forms of cancer combined.

Debt: it’s a financial swear, and its influence reaches almost everyone. As if continually heralded by fluorescent warning signs, we’re counseled to “stay out!” But we’re not heeding that advice: American consumers collectively owe more than $11 trillion. Dealing with debt responsibly can help you avoid unrelenting creditor calls and financial pitfalls. Take control of your debt and manage it wisely with these seven tips.