5 Things / Breaking Bread
I live in Chicago but spend every Thanksgiving week in New York City with my family and friends. Like many of us, I’ll break bread on Thanksgiving with some family members who voted differently than me. And yet, I know they love me and would be there if I needed help. They’ve proved it. Still, the dichotomy is tough to reconcile.
I’m going to lean into the joy of our Thanksgiving traditions and allow myself to be loved by my big Irish family. However you spend the time, I hope you get a break from life’s intensity and find some joy, gratitude, and peace.
The next 5 Things is in two weeks. Take care of yourself.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
MIT: Affordable Innovation, No Strings Attached
MIT has announced that undergraduates with family incomes below $200,000 will attend tuition-free starting fall 2025. For families earning under $100,000, all expenses, including housing, dining, and books, will be covered. These changes, supported by a $167.3 million financial aid budget, aim to make MIT more accessible. This expansion of financial aid removes cost barriers for talented students, encouraging broader access to STEM careers and promoting diversity in a post-affirmative-action landscape. ♐Advocate for similar need-based aid policies at your organization or institution.
Backpacks That Actually Have Your Back
Nike’s new EasyOn Backpack is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring finger loops, magnets, and velcro-style fasteners for users with low dexterity. The backpack was rigorously tested with adaptive athletes, including the Portland Pounders, and refined over two years using tools like oven mitts to simulate limited mobility. 1 in 4 U.S. adults has a disability. Inclusive design not only supports equity but also reflects a growing market demand for accessible products. ♐Collaborate with end users to refine product accessibility.
Show Me the Money, New Jersey!
Starting mid-2025, New Jersey will require job postings to include salary ranges and benefits, bringing transparency to hiring. Employers must also share promotional opportunities with current employees, reducing favoritism. Pay transparency reduces wage gaps for women and underrepresented groups. Studies show Black women earn $0.64 and Latina women $0.57 for every dollar earned by white men. Transparency is key to closing this gap. ♐Include clear compensation details in all job postings.
Breaking Glass Ceilings: Governors Edition
In 2024, a record 13 women will serve as state governors, surpassing the previous high of 12. This historic milestone reflects progress but highlights the work still needed, as 18 states have never had a female governor. Women governors have historically championed policies like caregiving, women’s health, and military equity, fostering trust in government and inspiring young leaders. ♐Mentor women in leadership roles.
Four-Day Workweek? Stress Less, Sleep More!
Germany’s recent four-day workweek trial reveals promising results: 36% revenue growth, 42% fewer resignations, and 64% less burnout among participating companies. Employees also enjoyed 38 more minutes of sleep and 25 extra minutes of physical activity weekly. Stress dropped significantly, highlighting the mental health benefits. While no difference in sick days was found, Germany’s high absenteeism costs €26 billion annually—and this could be a solution to burnout and retention issues. ♐Pilot flexible schedules in your team.
Good Vibes to Go:
How about some levity? Here are a few comics/performers I particularly enjoy: Sasheer Zamata, Fortune Feimster, and Alok.