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A recent survey by online résumé builder ResumeHelp found that 60% of millennials and 58% of Gen Z employees say they sometimes or frequently talk about politics at work. In contrast, only 41% of Gen X and 40% of boomers do the same. In short, the generational divide is stark. But this isnt just about politicsits about identity, inclusion, and the evolving role of work in peoples lives. For many in Gen Z, work isnt just about a paycheck; its a platform. Its where they spend the majority of their waking hours. They want to be seen, heard, and valuednot just for their productivity, but for their principles. I asked my 29-year-old son, Ryan, and a few of his friends why political conversations feel so natural at work. Here’s what I heard: Theyve grown up in a world where expressing opinions online is second nature. They’re passionate about climate change, racial justice, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and economic fairness. They are deeply concerned about increasing war and violence (including political violence). They feel disappointed by political leaders on both sidesand want meaningful dialogue. They believe that silence can be dangerous, and dialogue is the way forward. And most critically, theyre anxious about their future and want to feel empowered in it. Why political talk feels so riskyand so necessary The workplace reality, of course, is more complicated. In MIT Sloan Management Review, Michael Platt and Morela Hernandez explain that political discussions become polarizing for three key reasons: Politics feel moral, not just rational. Political views are often experienced as moral truths, processed through emotion rather than logic. Political beliefs become identity markers. Once moralized, political stances become deeply tied to ones sense of self-worth and moral character. People form moral tribes at work. Individuals tend to seek validation by clustering with like-minded colleaguescreating ideological silos that fuel tension and division. These dynamics contribute to an increasingly hostile work environment. What should be a well-tuned chorus has descended into a discordant melee, often incivil or toxic. Besides making the workday an unpleasant source of stress and even violence, this fracturing can negatively impact a firms productivity and culture. For example, a SHRM survey reports that it takes up to 30 minutes for an employee to resume productive activity following a workplace conflict. Now consider that reported uncivil acts in U.S. workplaces increased to more than 200 million per day following a presidential debate in 2024, per SHRM, and the magnitude of the problem becomes clear. Incivility also has a negative effect on corporate culture and morale. If ignored or handled clumsily, internal conflict can erode a companys identityand even damage its reputationfrom within. These dangers cant be laid at the feet of Gen Z alone: its a problem decades in the making. Today, nearly every human action appears to have been politicized, and we all have a responsibility to address this issue. Many wear their political sympathies on their sleeves, supporting certain politicians and policies in an attempt to capture market share among their target demographic. Atop that, the outcome of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the 2010 Supreme Court ruling that endowed businesses with the rights of people, now enables campaign contributions to be considered a protected form of speech. Knowing all this, it would be strange if the workplacewhere people spend most of their timewasn’t also drawn into the days political conflicts and culture wars. Not surprisingly, a recent survey by Indeed found that 60%of workers overall would favor working for companies with politically sympathetic leadership. Already, 42% of respondents were working for companies aligned with a single party. These numbers may be more stark among recent college graduates, but its clear that the blurred role of politics in the office is already well-established. A teachable moment for leadership Many leaders worry that political conversations will fracture teams or harm productivity. And yes, boundaries matter. But what if this moment isnt just a challenge, but a profound opportunity? The truth is that empathy is not a soft virtueits a strategic one. Empathy, when practiced with consistency and courage, builds trust. And trust is the foundation of any thriving workplace. This is our chance to cultivate the next generation of leaders. Those who will: Understand that disagreement is not a threat to unity, but a path toward it. Learn to listen across ideological and experiential divides. Develop the skills to speak with curiosity, clarity, and respect. Embrace dialogue as a tool for problem-solvingnot conflict. This is how we grow, not just as professionals, but as citizens. And we dont have to do it alone. Grassroots organizations like Braver Angels, Listen First Project, US United, Stand Together, More in Common, Convergence, Living Room Conversations, and Starts With Us offer free, practical tools for fostering civil discourse. As efforts to create multicultural workplaces that leverage rather than suppress diversity have demonstrated, proactive leadership and pragmatic processes are an essential combination. How leaders can respond to politics in the workplacewith grace This isnt about encouraging political debate, its about not silencing it out of fear. Leaders dont have to take sides. In fact, they should avoid taking sides. But they do have an obligation to set the tone. Here’s how: Affirm respect as a ground rule. Accept that employees will have differences, but make it clear that political discussions must remain respectful. No personal attacks. No shaming. No exclusion. Offer dialogue training. Provide employees with tools and workshops that teach active listening, civil disagreement, and conflict navigation. Model thoughtful engagement. Leaders dont need to be apoliticalbut they should be intentional. Share your views with humility, and create space for others to do the same. Create safe spacesnot echo chambers. Welcome diverse viewpoints across the spectrum. Curiosity is contagious. Remember the bigger picture. Helping employees engage across differences doesnt just protect moraleit strengthens democracy. We may live in divided times. But our workplaces dont have to mirror that division. Instead, they can model something better. Political conversations, when approached with care, can be the crucible in which better citizensand better leadersare forged. Lets ot waste this moment. Lets teach the next generation not just how to workbut how to listen, engage, and lead.
Category:
E-Commerce
How far would you travel in search of a sweet treat? Bakery tourism is on the rise, with more and more people travelingsometimes across the globein search of the perfect flaky croissant or artisan bun they spotted online. Long lines arent a deterrent; in fact, theyre often part of the appeal. A crowd signals youve found the right spot. Jessica Morgan-Helliwell, 26, and her mother, Louise Church, 48, are two self-proclaimed bakery tourists. They visit at least one new artisan bakery every weekend and have even planned entire international trips around bucket-list pastry spots. Having that shared interest is really lovely, and we get to explore lovely places along the wayand eat some really good food, the pair told the New York Post. @loveeatdrinktravel A must-visit bakery in Prague for your pastry and coffee fix! If youre exploring the beautiful streets of Prague, @Artic bakehouse is an essential stop for breakfast or a coffee break. This artisan bakery is known for its sourdough-based pastries, made fresh daily with natural ingredients and a whole lot of love. The smell alone will pull you in from the street! We couldnt resist the classic chocolate croissant (flaky, buttery, and rich) and the almond croissant (sweet, nutty, and absolutely dreamy). Its the perfect quick morning bite before a day of sightseeing trust us, your taste buds will thank you! Multiple locations in Prague, with a cozy, minimalist vibe and top-notch coffee to match. #ArticBakehouse #PragueEats #PragueFoodie #BestBakeryPrague #PragueBreakfast #CzechPastries #CoffeeAndCroissant #EuropeFoodie #PragueTravelTips #WhereToEatInPrague #PastryLovers #AlmondCroissant #ChocolateCroissantDreams #SourdoughBakery #FoodieInPrague #praguecafeculture – R&B SOURCE – R&B SOURCE Theyre not alone. As younger generations swap binge drinking for early morning pastry runs, independent bakeries are having a major moment. Social media drives the trend, with itineraries crafted from viral videos documenting Paris croissant crawls, East London bakery tours, bucket-list eateries in Seoul, and taste tests of classic Filipino pastries. @k8prk v important research mission 1st place always goes to the most unassuming rando spots Bakeries included in experiment: Tranché, Leonie, Mamiche (attempted), Aux 9 bles dor #parisfood #croissant Zou bisou bisou – Gillian Hills The treats themselves are often inventive takes on the familiar: cube-shaped croissants, croissant-shaped cookies, pastries filled with fruit, or ones styled to look like fruit. Most are mouthwatering. Some are clearly engineered for the algorithm. @whatericacraves If you’ve been wondering if those viral fruit pastries you’re seeing all over the internet are actually worth the hype, I’m here to tell you they 100% are and you can grab them over at @Parisien Gourmandise in La Jolla (and they’re GF!!!) P.S. if you enjoy my content, be sure to hit share with your friends & family, and if you’re new here, I’d love to have you follow alongmy foodie journey at @whatericacraves – I so appreciate the support Now I’ve been seeing these fruit entremet’s all over my FYP and I honestly didn’t know if I’d like them, but was really eager to give them a try. If you’ve never had them before, it typically entails a crunchy outside, usually made of chocolate, with a sponge cake, mousse and fruit filling (that goes with whatever fruit shape they are). I saw that Parisien Gourmandises had them over in La Jolla, and If you’ve been you know this is an insanely good bakery, so I had high hopes. Sarah and I headed over and were NOT disappointed. We tried a variety of flavors including a NEW Blueberry one which I’ve never seen anywhere else and they were all fantastic. They weren’t too sweet and had perfectly balanced ratios of fillings. Plus, I love that it all tasted very fresh and natural vs artificial flavors. Them all being gluten free was just a big bonus. Check out all the flavors below and if you’re looking to try these, I highly recommend checking them out! So worth it. Flavors Lime Blueberry Lemon (Sarah’s favorite!) Strawberry Champagne Coconut Mango (my favorite!) Location: 7643 Girard Avenue Suite B, San Diego, California 92037 Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM #entremets #entrement #fruitpastrycake #viralpastry #sandiegopastry #sandiegodesserts #lajollaca #lajollalife #sandiegofoodscene #frenchpastries #frenchdessert original sound – whatericacraves These viral baked goods rarely come cheap. But they reflect our growing appetite for small indulgences, a phenomenon known as the lipstick effect. Even during economic downturns, a splurge on an $8 almond croissant feels manageable in comparison with a pricey dinner out. Spending on small luxuries can also offer emotional benefits. Studies show that doing so can restore a sense of control, ease sadness, and create a sense of accomplishment. According to the British Baker website, 80% of Gen Zers say a daily sweet treat boosts their mental healtha continuation of what journalist Imogen West-Knights dubbed treat brain back in 2021 during the pandemic. Treats can act as a temporary Band-Aid over a deeper need, West-Knights wrote for the Financial Times. When we are very tiredsay, because were juggling homeschooling and a jobwhat we might really need is more sleep. But if we cant get it, a more easily available source of comfort might be chocolate or wine. Or, of course, a flaky, sugar-dusted pastry. Whether youre on a bakery crawl through Copenhagen or just visiting a new viral spot in your neighborhood, getting coffee and a sweet treat has become an event in itself. Any excuse to get out of the house and break bread.
Category:
E-Commerce
One of the most positive legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic stretches across 26 blocks in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens. The 34th Avenue Open Street emerged out of a New York City-sanctioned program in the early days of the pandemic that allowed neighborhood groups to temporarily close streets to car traffic and use the space for outdoor recreation and other purposes. In Jackson Heights, one of the early epicenters of the pandemic, the open street that emerged from this program became a kind of lifeline for the neighborhood. Now, after running strong for more than five years, a plan is taking shape to make the project on 34th Avenue, now known as Paseo Park, permanent. Paseo Park Current Residential Block [Image: Alliance for Paseo Park] The concept for the park was commissioned by the Alliance for Paseo Park, a volunteer group that has overseen the open street since the beginning, when it was little more than metal barriers at the end of each block. The group hired the architecture and urban design firm WXY to envision a more formal park space along the 1.3-mile length that includes a mix of recreational areas, seating and meandering zones, multiuse playspace for the 10 schools on and near the street, dense landscaping, paths for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as required emergency vehicle access areas. And because New York Mayor Eric Adams’s administration allocated $89 million in funding in 2022 to permanently build out the 34th Avenue Open Street, there’s a good chance this design concept will take shape. It could be a model for other neighborhoods in New Yorkand other citiesfor how to thoughtfully turn streets into neighborhood amenities. “There’s so many streets that are doing one thing, serving cars and parking,” says Rob Daurio, a senior associate and director of urban sustainability at WXY who led the 34th Avenue design project. “This is a big opportunity to really think ambitiously about how to provide more significant public space.” Paseo Park Conceptual Residential Block [Image: Alliance for Paseo Park] The need is acute. A report from New York City’s Independent Budget Office found that Jackson Heights has as little as two square feet of park space per resident. “It’s one of the lowest amounts of park space in the city,” says Daurio. The creation of the open street during the pandemic “did start to serve this really important and meaningful role for the community,” he says. WXY worked directly with the Alliance for Paseo Park on deep community outreach to learn what neighbors and users of the space wanted from a permanent version of 34th Avenue’s open street. The main priority was to ensure that the linear park would be safe and pedestrian first, provide room for the schools in the area, and use its planting to combat the effects of climate change. WXY interpreted those priorities in a range of active, passive, and school-centric areas. “We tried to come up with not just one solution, but a range of different block typologies that really did respond to the needs of the individuals in those particular areas,” Daurio says. The design concept is based on two main typologies that can define each of the 26 blocks in the park. WXY calls them the Super-Median and the Super-Sidewalk, and they essentially stretch out either the existing median in the street’s center or the sidewalks on its edges to create more usable public space. “Neither the sidewalk nor the median are big enough to actually take on a more significant use,” Daurio says. “But if you just widen them to enough space that you’re still allowing for your emergency access lanes and drive lanes, either of those options are viable to really create a more significant open space.” These designs also balance the need for the street to remain a viable path for transportationjust not for most cars. In the years since 34th Avenue became an open street, it has become a highway for cyclists and, to the chagrin of some residents, delivery drivers on fast-moving electric bikes, mopeds, and other alternative forms of mobility. It’s particularly a problem for the youngest users of the space. According to a survey of children that was conducted by a local Girl Scout troop, 66% of children said that the thing they wanted most to change about the open street was for there to be fewer cars and mopeds on the street. WXY integrated these concerns into their design by looking beyond the edges of 34th Avenue, proposing streetscape changes on another nearby arterial street, Northern Boulevard, which could be redesigned to handle more of the cross-neighborhood non-car traffic that has dominated 34th Avenue. “It’s a little bit of a Swiss Army knife of a street right now, where it’s a park, and it’s also a place for school drop-offs and a route for delivery people,” Daurio says. “We’re thinking about other opportunities to help take the burden off of 34th Avenue for doing everything.” Luz Maria Mercado, board chair of the Alliance for Paseo Park, says people in the neighborhood are enthusiastic about the design concepts. “Our neighbors see their feedback reprsented in ideas like creating a front yard for the six public schools that line Paseo Park, the addition of green space, and the flexibility of different design types for different blocks with different needs,” she says. Right now the design is still just a concept, and one that, despite official support from the Alliance for Paseo Park, is subject to input from the broader community. Claire Weisz, founding principal of WXY, says permanently closing any street to traffic, even one that’s had such a long and successful pilot stage, is going to be a challenge. “It’s not without its controversies, because, well, people love cars,” she says. This design concept is a hopeful wager that people will realize they love public space even more. “Were trying to do something thats never been done before in New York City, but is being done around the world,” Mercado says. “It is hard, but it is not impossible.”
Category:
E-Commerce
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