We have entered an era where millennials are doing things that make us scratch our heads and wonder what exactly they are trying to accomplish. It started with them abruptly resigning from their jobs, a phenomenon dubbed The Great Resignation. Then, in what is known as quiet quitting or taking it easy at work, they refused to perform beyond their minimum expectations. 

A growing number of Millennials are transitioning to gig labor as a way to escape the "ennui" of the 9 to 5 nonsense, which they deem monotonous. According to the most recent labor statistics, Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly working for numerous companies at once, contradicting the stereotype of loyal and dedicated workers. 

So what exactly is happening, and is there an underlying connection between great resignation, quiet quitting, and moonlighting? 

The Great Resignation

Early in 2021, when people first started quitting their jobs in droves, most experts thought that the "Great Resignation" was a direct result of the pandemic's uncertainty and chaos.

The situation right now is strange. Despite a lifting of Covid restrictions and a subsiding pandemic in many countries, resignation letters are still flooding in. Even though there are widespread predictions of a slowdown, workers are actually quitting their jobs in large numbers. Many who have not left yet plan to do so soon as well.

Nevertheless, even a severe financial catastrophe, which many believe is imminent, may not be enough to prevent the Great Resignation and retain current employees. In the unlikely event that we experience a recession, we will need to wait and see how things unfold. Companies must adjust to accommodate employees and understand their needs through corporate wellness programs as long as employees know what they seek. 

Quiet Quitting

The majority of people are back to work, though they are doubtless unhappy to be there. As they have become accustomed to remote work, they are reluctant to quit, so they are happy to embrace the concept of quiet quitting. 

Rather than working late, participating in team-building activities, or volunteering for new initiatives, quiet quitting individuals move away from work and avoid the above and beyond. They are stepping away from the hustle and bustle culture.

Psychologists refer to the behavior as 'occupational citizenship behavior.' Quiet quitters keep up with just enough work at work, then leave on time and avoid slack. According to experts, the increase in quiet quitting has correlated with higher job dissatisfaction levels. 

Moreover, a sudden shift has occurred in the way we question the job and, most importantly, being at work. As a result, there is also a rapid change in expectations and job satisfaction. Corporate wellness programs can help companies better understand their employees' needs and why they are not satisfied at work by performing some activities with them. 

Moonlighting

According to another survey, almost 65% of IT workers say they or someone they know moonlights or looks for part-time work while working from home.

Considering how young the workforce is and how big and developing the industry is, it should be no surprise that this is the case. IT companies with large staff have a difficult time creating a sense of loyalty and ownership. 

Young tech workers fully embrace the hustle culture, which often costs more to advance financially than one job does. So while salaries in Bangalore, India's IT hub, are relatively high, living expenses are also high. 

Along with increasing their income, many workers aim to advance their skills or pursue their passions. Furthermore, working from home has made it easier to combine a secondary job with a primary job while reaping both benefits.

The bottom line

Employers should not overlook the importance of moderation in behavior, even when great resignation, quiet quitting, and moonlighting have helped employers to understand the paradigm shift in worker demands. Employees who follow these trends will only betray their jobs if they break corporate policy. However, the corporation will not, under any circumstances, tolerate a decline in productivity.

Therefore, both the workers and the employers must increase their communication channels in a situation like this, where a change in all areas is required, so there is a clear understanding. Additionally, employers should pay their employees fairly, appreciate their efforts, and recognize their abilities in order to retain workers.

^Have you ever felt that spark of excitement when you're fully engrossed in a task, losing track of time and feeling a deep sense of fulfillment? That's the "flow state," and it's not just a fleeting feeling - it's a sign of a brain firing on all cylinders. Recent research suggests that finding your purpose in life isn't just about happiness or fulfillment; it's also a key factor in maintaining a healthy, resilient brain.  

Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a Brain Care Score (BCS) card, a tool to assess your brain health based on lifestyle habits and physical and emotional well-being. Surprisingly, one of the most influential factors on this score isn't diet or exercise - it's having a clear sense of purpose.  

Dr. Andrew Budson, a neurology expert at Harvard Medical School, explains, "Determining one's 'meaning of life' has the potential to supercharge each score on that BCS card." In essence, finding your "why" can improve your lifespan and, more importantly, your healthspan – the years you live in good health and vitality.

The Science of Purpose and Brain Health

Purpose isn't just a philosophical concept; it has a tangible impact on your brain. Studies have shown that individuals with a strong sense of purpose experience:

• Improved cognitive function: Purposeful individuals tend to have better memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: A clear purpose in life provides a sense of direction and control, helping to buffer the effects of stress and promote emotional well-being.
• Enhanced sleep quality: Purposeful individuals often report better sleep, which is crucial for brain health and overall well-being.
• Strengthened immune system: Studies have linked a sense of purpose to a more robust immune response, helping to fight off illness and disease.  

The underlying mechanisms are still being explored, but it appears that purpose triggers a cascade of positive effects on the brain, promoting neural connections, reducing inflammation, and enhancing resilience.

Assessing Your Brain's Well-Being

Now that we've explored the powerful connection between purpose and brain health, let's turn our attention to a practical tool that can help you assess your current brain health and identify areas for improvement. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a Brain Care Score (BCS) card, a simple yet comprehensive way to gauge how your lifestyle choices and health factors might impact your brain's future.

Think of the BCS as a report card for your brain. It tallies points across twelve key areas, ranging from physical markers like blood pressure and cholesterol to lifestyle habits like sleep and exercise, and even social-emotional factors like stress management and a sense of purpose. The higher your score, the better equipped your brain is to ward off cognitive decline and age-related diseases.

Let's break down the components of the BCS:

Category - Factors

Physical - Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI)

Lifestyle - Nutrition, alcohol intake, smoking, aerobic activities, sleep

Social-Emotional - Stress management, social relationships, meaning in life

Each factor is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, with a maximum total score of 21. While every aspect contributes to brain health, the study found a particularly strong correlation between higher BCS scores and a reduced risk of dementia and stroke.

Interestingly, the study also revealed that the benefits of a high BCS were more pronounced in younger participants, suggesting that early intervention and proactive brain care can have a significant impact on long-term cognitive health.

So, how does your brain measure up? While the full BCS card may not be readily available to everyone, you can still use its principles as a guide. Reflect on your lifestyle choices and health habits. Are you prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet? Are you managing stress effectively and nurturing meaningful social connections? Do you have a clear sense of purpose in your life?

Finding Your "Why"

So, how do you find your purpose? It's not always a straightforward answer, but it often involves looking beyond yourself. Many people discover their purpose through contributing to something larger than themselves, whether it's a cause, a community, or a creative endeavor.

The Okinawans call it "ikigai," the Nicoyans in Costa Rica call it "plan de vida," but the essence is the same: "why I wake up in the morning."

If you're unsure of your purpose, start by exploring your values, passions, and dreams. What activities make you lose track of time? What problems in the world do you feel compelled to solve? What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks. As the saying goes, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle."  

The Power of Flow

Purpose isn't just about grand ambitions; it's also about finding joy and meaning in everyday activities. When you're fully engaged in a task, you enter a state of flow, where action and consciousness merge, and you experience a heightened sense of focus and enjoyment.

This flow state is a powerful brain booster. It activates various regions of the brain, promoting creativity, problem-solving, and learning. It also releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, reinforcing the positive experience and encouraging you to seek it out again.

Whether it's pursuing a passion project, mastering a new skill, or simply enjoying a hobby, engaging in activities that bring you into a state of flow can have a profound impact on your brain health and overall well-being.

Purpose-Driven Activities for Your Corporate Crew

In the corporate context, finding purpose isn't just a personal journey; it's also about aligning individual goals with the company's mission and values. When employees feel a sense of purpose in their work, they're more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive.  

Companies that foster a culture of purpose often experience lower turnover rates, higher employee satisfaction, and improved overall performance. By creating opportunities for employees to contribute to something meaningful, you're not just boosting their brain health; you're also fueling the success of your organization.

Here are five dynamic activities to infuse your workplace with that flow, fostering a culture where purpose and well-being intertwine:

1. "My Why" Mondays: Kick off the week by inviting employees to share a short story or reflection on their personal or professional "why." This could be a rotating 5-minute spotlight during a team meeting, or even a dedicated Slack channel for sharing throughout the day. It reminds everyone of their individual motivations, creating a sense of shared purpose and inspiration.
2. "Innovation Incubator" Fridays: Reserve a dedicated time each week for employees to pitch ideas outside their normal scope of work. This could be a new product idea, a process improvement, or even a creative solution to a community problem. It encourages out-of-the-box thinking, taps into individual passions, and can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
3. "Mentorship Match-Up": Pair senior employees with newer team members for regular one-on-one sessions. This not only facilitates knowledge transfer but also allows for meaningful connections and the passing on of wisdom, giving both mentors and mentees a sense of purpose and growth.
4. "Brain Breaks with a Twist": Instead of just stretching or taking a walk, incorporate activities that challenge the mind and spark creativity. This could be a quick team puzzle, a brainstorming session around a company challenge, or even a 5-minute guided meditation. It helps to keep minds sharp while also promoting team bonding.
5. "Community Cause Champions": Identify a cause your company is passionate about and empower employees to champion it. This could involve volunteer days, fundraising initiatives, or skill-sharing with the community. It reinforces your company's values, fosters a sense of collective purpose, and makes a tangible difference in the world.

These activities are designed to tap into the intrinsic motivations of your employees, connecting their personal passions with the company's mission. By fostering a sense of purpose, you're not just promoting brain health - you're creating a workplace where individuals are engaged, energized, and excited to contribute their best.

We at Power8 understand the unique challenges and opportunities of creating a purpose-driven workplace culture in India. Our team of experts can help you design and implement wellness programs that go beyond the physical, fostering a sense of belonging, meaning, and fulfillment among your employees. From team-building workshops to personalized coaching, we're committed to helping you unleash the full potential of your workforce.

Embrace Your Purpose, Elevate Your Brain

In a world filled with distractions and demands, finding your purpose can feel like a daunting task. But remember, it's a journey, not a destination. It's about exploring your passions, contributing to something larger than yourself, and finding joy in the everyday moments.

As you embrace your purpose, you'll not only enrich your life but also nourish your brain, setting the stage for a long, healthy, and fulfilling future.

So, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. What's your "why"? Once you discover it, hold on to it tightly, for it has the power to transform not just your brain, but your entire life.