5 Things / Absurdity

The heartbreaking fires in the Los Angeles area compound what feels like a quickly intense year. I’m grateful to have something fun to look forward to each week: a standup comedy class for women.

In the first class, we were instructed to spend 10 minutes writing a story from our life. Later, we paired up to exchange stories and then gave our partner feedback on how the ending could be much more dramatic, and hyperbolic. Make it absurd to add humor. We then performed the 3-minute bit and got group feedback. It was fantastic. I’m going to have even more fun in my keynotes.

I don’t know about you but the world already feels kind of absurd to me. I have to laugh so I don’t cry. I asked Chat GPT to write some jokes about the absurdity of anti-DEI agendas.

Some companies are rebranding diversity initiatives as “belonging.” Which is adorable. Like, “We’re not excluding you anymore; you just belong... somewhere else.”

I hope you get some big belly laughs this week.

Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:

1. Planet Fitness Steps Up Relief

   • Planet Fitness is offering free access to showers, locker rooms, Wi-Fi, HydroMassage loungers, and charging stations for residents and first responders affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Available at unaffected locations until January 15, this initiative provides much-needed resources during a challenging time. ♐By using its facilities to support displaced individuals, Planet Fitness highlights how businesses can serve communities beyond their core services.

2. Sweetgreen Serves Up Support

   • Sweetgreen is stepping up during the LA fires, delivering meals to first responders, firefighters, and shelter residents. By addressing this critical need, Sweetgreen exemplifies the power of leveraging resources to support those on the frontlines and individuals in vulnerable situations. Note that in California, many firefighters are actually prison inmates being paid about $5-10/day (read more here), so these fresh meals may be especially welcome. ♐Consider how your business could provide key resources during emergencies.

3. Rides and Roofs for Evacuees

   • Airbnb, Uber, and Lyft are also providing critical support to LA fire evacuees. Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to shelters, ensuring evacuees reach safety. Airbnb.org is offering free temporary housing through its hosts. This is a critical resource given the number of homes destroyed, fire insurance cancellations, and evacuees with a lack of a financial safety net. ♐This collaboration between corporations and local authorities showcases the power of leveraging business resources to meet community needs during crises.

4. Even More Equality

   • The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index reports record participation, with 1,449 companies with 500+ employees committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion. 98% enforce non-discrimination policies, and benefits like gender-affirming care are now standard, offered by 87% of companies. These policies attract and retain top talent, with 20% of LGBTQ+ employees considering job changes if inclusion efforts wane. ♐Ignore the headlines and Robby Starbuck and commit to lasting policies to foster workplace equality.

5. Grindr Builds Families

   • Grindr is setting a new standard for family-building benefits, covering up to $300,000 in fertility, surrogacy, and adoption costs over five years. Employees with 18+ months of tenure can also access hormonal health support through Carrot Fertility. With the average company capping IVF benefits at $20,000, Grindr’s initiative ensures equitable opportunities for employees to build families without financial strain. ♐Offer comprehensive health benefits to foster workplace equity.

Good Vibes to Go:

For those who enjoy standup, check out Michelle Buteau’s latest Netflix special, filmed at Radio City Music Hall…she’s the first woman to film a comedy special at Radio City. I loved it.