December 29, 2021

In 2021, many workers returned to the office for the first time in more than a year. And others are getting ready to head back in the new year. No matter if or when you go back to your OG desk, the workplace will look a lot different than it did pre-COVID. Including when it comes to...

Working from home…is here to stay. As many businesses started to reopen their office doors this year, they realized: Nearly two years of WFH worked...so why not keep the trend going? And have implemented more flexible policies that give workers the option to do just that, full-time. It’s given employees more of a work-life balance, including for many Skimm’rs. Earlier this year, we polled our audience and found that 65% of millennial women had a better balance when working remotely. Plus, nearly two-thirds of millennial women view remote work as a priority.

Hybrid-work models…aka the best of both worlds. In our polling, we also found that two-thirds of millennial women believe they’re missing career opportunities by not being in the office. And not everyone wants to be forced to work from home (or their bed, or their couch) or commute to work every day. Enter: the hybrid option. Which many workers are into: One study found that 83% of workers prefer the mix-and-match method.

Vaccine mandates...could prevent some workers from coming into the office IRL. Vaccines became widely available throughout the US this year. And as a result, many employers — from small businesses to Big Tech and the federal government — required their workers to get a shot. The goal: keep the office as safe as possible and prevent the spread of COVID-19. But employer vaccine mandates have faced pushback. Some argue that employers and governments are overreaching by imposing them. And that they shouldn’t be forced to do something when it comes to their personal health. There have also been concerns that vaccine mandates in the workplace have led to...

Labor shortages…are disrupting businesses around the country. In recent months, job openings hit a record high — but employers have still struggled to find workers to fill those roles. There are a few reasons for all of this (see: above). And shortages have even given union workers leverage to demand better pay, benefits, and work conditions. Time will tell if we’ll see more shortages in the new year.

This past year has been a challenging one for women at work. On our career podcast "9 to 5ish," we got the work advice you need, from women who've been there, to help you navigate the tough and not-so-tough work moments. And this year, our guests brought their A-game. Thinking about your big career goals for 2022? Here are three episodes to revisit during your holiday downtime. 

Shawna Thomas, Executive producer, CBS Mornings: Shawna is an executive producer on morning TV. And she got that job by working her way up in the media business. She told us: she’s made herself stand out by leaving "Easter Eggs" on her resume. Think: interesting fun facts, out-of-the-box jobs, or non-traditional hobbies.

Julianna Margulies, actress: You know Julianna from "ER," "The Good Wife," and "The Morning Show." But even though she’s a highly awarded actress, Julianna’s always had a backup plan in case acting, or whatever job she was doing, didn’t work out. Tune in to this ep for her advice on knowing how to start making your backup plan — and how to say "no" to certain jobs. 

Esther Perel, psychotherapist: Esther Perel is the expert on relationships — including workplace dynamics. From tense relationships with coworkers to a boss who won’t quit micromanaging, Esther shared how we can all start to communicate better, build meaningful relationships with our coworkers, and have empathy for each other in the workplace.

67%

The percentage of women who reported having trouble sleeping at least a few nights a week in a National Sleep Foundation poll. 46% said they have trouble almost every night. Eek. 

If this is hitting close to home, you’ll wanna hit up Beam. Their CBD Dream powder can help you fall asleep faster and live your healthiest life in 2022. In fact, 99% of people surveyed said they got better quality shut-eye after taking it. And since it tastes like a delicious cup of hot cocoa, we just know you’ll love adding it to your bedtime routine. The best part? Skimm’rs can get up to 35% off. New year, more Zzz? Sign us up.

As the year winds down, we’re looking back on the most popular items Skimm’rs purchased in 2021. And today, we’re shining a spotlight on the things that helped you say ‘buh-bye’ to your small everyday annoyances. From stubborn jars that won’t open to glasses that fog up while you’re wearing a mask, these best-selling problem-solving products have got your back. We’ll take one of each, please.

Psst...check out even more Skimm Faves here. We’re talking clothing, home-org essentials, and lots more.

We had a lot going on in 2021. And we're sure you did too. So we made this list, just for you:

For when you're looking for a new podcast (or three)...Listen to our favorite episodes of the year: We've got an ep of "9 to 5ish" with Gayle King, where we spoke to the queen of confidence (and of morning TV) about the importance of knowing your worth. An ep of "Pop Cultured" that covers society's obsession with space travel. And a deep dive on the US's childcare and nursing shortages from "Skimm This." 

For when you've read all our newsletters...Take a peek at some of our best articles. Like the one where we break down the reality of childcare in America without paid family leave. The one where we give you the context behind QAnon and its conspiracy theories. The one where we answer the question of, 'can employers mandate vaccines?' And the one where we explain how to be an ally in the fight against racism. 

For when you're looking for a money tip...Invest. Because women need bigger balances in retirement, but many are behind. And you might not be able to count on a lot from Social Security. Bonus: A well-diversified portfolio — aka a good mix of stocks, bonds, and other investments — could give you a chance to earn more than inflation is taking out of your budget. 

For when you're feeling burned out...Audit your calendar. Keep track of the activities that energize you and the ones that leave you drained. Once you figure out what fuels you, make sure you stagger those throughout your day and treat them as non-negotiable appointments that are vital for your health and wellbeing. Because they are.

For when you can't stop scrolling through TikTok...Try our videos instead. Where Priyanka Chopra shared her cozy quarantine hobby. Vice President Harris sat down to talk US paid family leave. President Obama Skimm’d his book. Matt Damon revealed he’s a Swiftie, while Mindy Kaling told us about her love for Zendaya. Jennifer Hudson deserves all the R-E-S-P-E-C-T, while Ziwe declared the Empire State Building to be “iconic."  Sue Bird shared where she keeps her Olympic medals and Kesha told us her best songs to listen to for any occasion. Emilia Clarke spilled her hot take on biker shorts. And Secretary Buttigieg opened up about parenting. While Dr. Fauci told us if he'd plan a vacation in 2022.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. How to start the new year right. No matter what “healthy” means to you. This brand’s got tons of organic groceries, supplements, and personal care products. And they’ll deliver ‘em all right to your front door. Here’s 40% off your first purchase.*

2. One way to handle a scary credit card balance. Find it a new home. The Ascent recommends this balance transfer card. Because it doesn’t charge interest for up to 21 months. And there’s no annual fee or late fees. Check it out.*

3. How to make the most of your money. Your remaining FSA money, that is. Because *grabs loudspeaker* if you don’t use it by Dec 31, you’ll likely lose it. Luckily, FSA Store has over 4,000 eligible products. And Skimm’rs get a special offer. Get going.*

4. A better bed. No notes. This brand’s luxury platform bed frame is made with eco-friendly materials. It’s simple to put together (like, five-ish minutes simple) and ships in two to five business days. Major bedroom upgrade, coming right up.*

We might be saying ‘see ya’ to 2021, but this week on “Pop Cultured,” we look back at which pop culture moments twenty-twenty-won this year. Plus, we talk with Tan France of “Queer Eye” on his top tips for developing personal style (without breaking the bank). Listen now.

And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...

• Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.

• Tune in to our career podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to build your resume and “Pop Cultured with theSkimm” for the latest in entertainment and culture.

• Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.

• Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.

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• Check out our career openings to join our team.