Employee Newsletter 7/31/2023

CoCo Reflections from Kyle Ryan:

This Week’s CoCo: Take Care of Your Co-Workers

At any job, caring about your coworkers is a fundamental aspect of building a strong and successful team. Throughout the wide variety of different kinds of workplaces I’ve been a part of, I’ve realized how much effort it takes to understand and acknowledge your team’s unique perspectives, needs, and challenges. A concept that keeps coming back to me is, Sonder. A relatively new word which describes a, “profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one’s own […]”, easier said than done, right? When applied in the workplace, it invokes a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and collaboration with your team members. Empathy becomes the cornerstone of fostering meaningful connections, enabling us to genuinely process the emotions and experiences of our colleagues. This supportive environment encourages open communication and trust, allowing team members to feel comfortable sharing both their successes and struggles.

One of the more straightforward ways of achieving this is through honest and frequent communication. Active listening and clear dialogue build a sense of respect and ensure that everyone’s contributions and opinions are valued. When team members feel heard and understood, it bolsters their self-esteem and nurtures their motivation. Transparent and sincere communication also minimizes misunderstandings and conflicts, promoting an atmosphere where everyone can effectively work together towards common goals.  Embracing individual differences and valuing a wide range of perspectives fosters a richly innovative work environment. When everyone feels valued and respected for their uniqueness, it cultivates a sense of belonging and bolsters creativity, leading to more robust problem-solving and better decision-making. However, taking care of coworkers also extends beyond the professional realm.

Recognizing each other’s well-being, both mentally and physically, is vital for feeling satisfied in your work. Offering support to others during challenging times, celebrating personal milestones, or just going out of your way to show a small appreciation for their efforts. This can create a space where coworkers become more than just colleagues; they become a unified force, empowering each other to overcome obstacles and achieve success collectively. Taking care of our coworkers is not just simply professional etiquette, but a true commitment to creating a positive and fulfilling work experience. 

Next Week’s CoCo: Be Here, Physically & Mentally

Stop…wait….breathe…..now where are my feet? Hold on, what are we talking about? One of my favorite topics of the last few years has been mindfulness and meditation. A quick and easy way to re-ground yourself during the day is through a mental body-scan, simply thinking through the top to bottom of your head to your feet and placing your focus in each part as you arrive to it in your mind. But if that’s too much, simply ask yourself, “where are my feet?,” and focus on whatever your feet can feel at the moment. It may feel strange or uncomfortable at first to take time from your day to reconnect with your body in the space that it’s occupying, however it is absolutely vital in order to start feeling more in control of your thoughts and emotions. Striking a balance between our physical presence and mental focus is also a necessity for achieving success in a modern work environment. The concept of mindfulness has emerged as a powerful tool in fostering a deeper sense of presence in the workplace. Mindfulness entails being fully engaged in the present moment without judgment. This awareness guides us to respond thoughtfully to challenges rather than reacting impulsively. When we are fully present in conversations and meetings, we actively listen to our colleagues’ ideas and concerns, fostering a culture of empathy and respect. 

Since the mind and body go, almost literally, hand in hand, being physically present should not translate to mere attendance. The brain is often referred to as a muscle for good reason, it does a lot of heavy lifting for us. Small mindfulness exercises can empower employees to retrain their brain and regain control over their attention in order to think more creatively and efficiently. One of the key benefits of mindfulness in the workplace is, of course, improved focus and concentration. As technology continues to shape the way we work, our attention span has suffered. The incessant notifications from devices and the allure of social media can easily divert our attention, leading to reduced productivity and increased stress. It almost goes without saying, that social media in particular has become a double-edged sword. While it offers avenues for networking and knowledge sharing, its addictive nature can lead to constant checking and endless scrolling, undercutting motivation and promoting a sense of isolation. To counter this, incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can counteract these effects by training our minds to stay anchored in the present and resist distractions. Mental engagement in the workspace remains one of the most indispensable keys to reaping the full benefits of a collective and shared environment. 

CoCo Heroes:

• Take Care of Your Co-Workers: This Core Commitment Hero comes from the Tosa Bluemound Cafe Team – Matthew Makeever! Matthew has become a pivotal part of Tosa B in his short time with SCC. He continually puts so much care into every single interaction and has built amazing connections with the entire team. He is always willing to stay later, come in early, and pick up extra shifts to support Tosa B. I am so so grateful to have Matthew at SCC!
• Be Here, Physically & Mentally: This Core Commitment Hero comes from the Oconomowoc Cafe Team – Maddy Meyer! She always shows up early for shifts in order to be caffeinated and ready to hop on the floor and provide remarkable customer service or engaging those waiting on drinks in great conversation. Maddy is alway full present when in the cafe and a barista that regulars come in to see. 

Wins & Shout-outs:

Job Openings:

• Join the Whitefish Bay Opening Team: We are so excited for the opportunity to Create Remarkable Care in a new Whitefish Bay Cafe & Kitchen, with a target opening date this summer! We are in the early stages of building a team of Baristas, Line Cooks, and Cafe & Kitchen Team Leaders. If you are interested in joining the Whitefish Bay opening team, either as a permanent transfer or a temporary transfer, reach out to teams@stonecreekcoffee.com!

view all current openings

Employee Discount Codes:
Please don’t share these with non-employees

• 20% Employee-Only Website Coupon Code
  • July: Jul2023sccemp
  • August: Aug2023sccemp
• 40% Employee-Only Mobile App Coupon Code
  • July: Jul2023sccemp
  • August: Aug2023sccemp

Ways to Speak Up:

Do you want to speak up about ideas, thoughts, and more? Send an email to Teams & People (teams@stonecreekcoffee.com) or use the button below to send a note anonymously.