Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-03-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you dream of a small, intimate wedding or a grand, larger-than-life affair, planning your big day starts with finding the right venue. Barn weddings continue to gain popularity as the ideal location to say “I do,” offering a romantic setting that can be customized for each couple.

After many years of wedding planning at the nearly 170-year-old, fully restored Barn on the Pemi in Plymouth, New Hampshire, the team of “Wedding Whisperers” knows the industry inside and out. Today they share their insights into why barn weddings are in demand with engaged couples and what trends will emerge in 2023.

Custom colors and themes

Barns are known for rustic wedding backgrounds that are inherently romantic. The space itself is neutral, allowing couples to insert their own personality into their wedding, which makes an event feel one-of-a-kind. Couples can incorporate any color or theme without background distractions from the venue, making the setting personalized and memorable.

Farm-to-table menus

Barns frequently have farm-to-table options for couples to choose from when selecting catering. The venue is all about embracing the natural aesthetic and what better way to do that than providing locally sourced food? It’s a destination experience for guests who feel like the event is a getaway, no matter how near or far they live. Plus, the happy couple feels good that eating local is delicious and sustainable, not to mention local food can also be more affordable.

In-season florals and decor

Another trend is to make the event a reflection of the locality where it’s held by choosing in-season flowers and decor. You can even mimic the florals and greenery on the barn property to evoke a seamless aesthetic. This localized strategy produces stunning results and can also help you control expenses. These sustainably sourced decorations can be used in the ceremony and then easily moved to be enjoyed at the reception to save money.

Mocktail bars and sober curiosities

Toasting to the happy couple is a tradition at weddings, and while alcohol is still an important element at most events, mocktail options are growing in popularity as more people are exploring a sober curious lifestyle. As couples request alcohol-free drinks as an option, the Barn has created innovative menus of flavorful drinks for every guest, including freshly made cider, hot and cold.

Indoor and outdoor spaces

A barn wedding stands out from other options because it typically offers indoor and outdoor spaces for events. With 10,000 square feet of climate-controlled event space and seating for up to 300 guests, the Barn on the Pemi also offers an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the White Mountains and a seasonal greenhouse as additional space for a ceremony. Learn more at TheBarnOnThePemi.com.

Year-round events

Climate-controlled spaces in barn wedding venues give couples the option to tie the knot any time of the year. The changing seasons are a gorgeous backdrop for photos and couples can choose a date that fits their preference. Whether it’s a favorite season, a special date or a time that works best for extended family, a year-round venue allows flexibility in planning.

Destination weddings

No need to stick to only local options, because barn weddings are ideal for destination weddings that host guests from all over. The Barn on the Pemi has trolleys available to take guests from their on-site accommodations to the wedding. Part of The Common Man Inn & Spa in Plymouth, guests can choose from 43 cabin-inspired rooms at the main Inn and tiny cabins on the Barn on the Pemi property. Plus, the recently purchased Lodge located just minutes down the road provides 37 additional rooms for guests.

Barns are authentic settings that feel romantic and memorable, providing the perfect atmosphere for flowers, candlelight and, in colder months, fireplaces. Wedding photographers delight at the near endless options for image backdrops. This is one reason why The Barn on The Pemi is one of New England’s most sought-after wedding venues, featuring 10,000 square feet of rustic charm indoors with plentiful outdoor space graced with Mother Nature’s beauty.

Excellent value for different budgets

Compared to large hotels that host conferences and other events in conjunction with weddings, barns provide an intimate space. This is one of the biggest days of your life and you don’t want to share it with another event going on next door, not to mention the noise, added crowds and potential wedding crashers. Also, staying clear of big “name brand” venues can be a money-saving tactic in the long run.

Weekday weddings are big

As there are no corporate events during the week, a weekday wedding in a barn is an opportunity to manage a budget without sacrificing the romance of the setting. In fact, many barns, like Barn on the Pemi, are open nearly every day of the week. One growing trend is Thursday evening weddings, with many wedding industry insiders declaring Thursday the new Saturday for events.

2023-03-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you enjoy time at home these days, you’re not alone. According to TruGreen’s new survey conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, 69% of Americans spend more time at home than two years ago. And because homeowners enjoy being at home, it’s no surprise home improvement remains a priority, with lawns as a top investment in both time and money.

While lawns are valuable to homeowners, so is their time. Rather than tackling lawn maintenance, homeowners would rather be with family and friends (49%), doing outdoor activities (36%) or reading a book (33%).

But with spring around the corner and warmer weather approaching, now is the first — and best time for homeowners to prepare their lawns for the season ahead. Homeowners should partner with a professional for their lawn care this season so you can spend more time doing things you love — while still achieving the lawn of your dreams. TruGreen^®, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, breaks down tasks you can do, and those better left to professionals to save time and money.

What to tackle as the homeowner

Here are the top items to have on your spring lawn maintenance checklist:

• Prep your lawn mower for a fresh first cut. After a long winter, your lawnmower needs some love to work at its best. Clean or replace the air filter, change the oil, sharpen the blades and check the spark plug. Once your mower is ready, the first cut is critical to remove dead blades of grass from the past season to wake up the lawn. Always mow grass at the correct height, making sure you don’t cut over a third of its height during any single mowing. Most grass types should be kept at least three inches tall, as longer, thicker turf helps combat weeds and conserve water in the soil.
• Clear debris to allow your lawn to breathe. As temperatures climb, you may discover your lawn is covered in fallen leaves, sticks and other debris. If you don’t remove this debris, your lawn could get smothered and develop unsightly patches, since your lawn and its roots would be prevented from accessing sunlight, air, water and nutrients needed to thrive. Clearing debris also helps professional lawn services be more effective.
• Quench your lawn’s thirst. Every lawn requires a healthy amount of high-quality H2O. While some will come from rainfall, during drier months you may need to use your garden hose or sprinkler system. Aim for about one inch of water per week. An easy way to measure is by spreading a few empty tuna cans across your lawn as you water. When they’re full, that’s an inch.

When to call in the pros

The spring season brings new beginnings and memories with loved ones outdoors. Partnering with the pros for your lawn maintenance lets you maximize your time, so you can do what you love without compromising your outdoor space.

“Research shows 68% of Americans trust and hire professionals for home improvement tasks, and with the winter blues behind us, don’t miss out on this critical season to nurture your dream lawn,” said Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. “Whether it’s clearing weeds or providing a boost of nutrients to your lawn, partnering with a professional service can help ensure you’re on track for a healthy, green lawn all year.”

Let the experienced professionals help, here are three tasks better left to the pros:

• Tackling weeds before they attack your lawn. No one wants a lawn covered in weeds. Preventive treatments are vital to help fend off annual weeds before they start growing. Starting your lawn care at the right time and under the correct conditions — such as temperature and humidity — is crucial to prevent weeds from germinating, so consult a professional to identify when to start treatments.
• Fertilizing your outdoor space. During winter, lawns stay in a hibernating state. Come springtime, they wake up with an appetite, so give your lawn a boost of nutrients with an initial dose of fertilizer. A lawn care professional can ensure this treatment occurs at the best time and in the right amount to bring out the best in your lawn, trees and shrubs.
• Tailoring a plan for pesky weeds. Despite your best preventative efforts in the spring, annoying weeds may still pop up. When this happens, a specialist can tailor a post-emergent solution specifically for your outdoor space.

Questions about recovering your lawn after being dormant all winter? Visit TruGreen.com to ensure your lawn is on track for a healthy spring season.

2023-03-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Life is busy for everyone in different ways. Whether your days are filled with studying, parenting, climbing the career ladder or simply living your best life, days can get long and it can catch up to you. One of the sure signs of exhaustion and stress is when you wake up to find those dreaded dark circles, puffiness and fine lines around your eyes.

Why does this happen? Some people are more predisposed to these changes than others. To learn more about the cause of your dark circles, try the pinch test: Pinch the skin gently around the eyes and lift it off the surface; if the skin stays brown it’s likely a pigmentation issue, whereas if it looks better, it’s likely caused by dilated veins.

People with richer skin tones are predisposed to hyperpigmentation under the eyes as a genetic trait, explains Dr. Wendy Lee, an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon. Environmental factors, like poor sleep and sun exposure, can also contribute to dark circles. As well, seasonal allergies or illnesses like colds can cause dilated veins which show beneath the thin eyelid skin.

“The skin around the eyes is unique because it is amongst the thinnest of all the skin on the body. In fact, it’s ten times thinner than many other skin areas,” said Lee. “That’s why it’s important to prioritize a routine that helps keep your delicate eye area refreshed and revitalized, no matter your personal reason for experiencing dark circles and puffiness.”

To help everyone look their best, NYC board certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner shares these tips for helping achieve bright, refreshed eyes:

1. Eye cream

Eye creams are formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes and should be used daily. However, with so many on the market, it can be difficult to know which live up to the hype and won’t cause irritation.

With over 20,000 5-star reviews and clinically proven results, you can feel confident using RETINOL CORREXION^® Line Smoothing Eye Cream from Roc Skincare. Here’s the breakdown of how this specially formulated eye cream treats the top 3 eye concerns at once.

• Visibly reduces dark circles and depuffs eyes in 4 weeks
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines by 50% in 12 weeks
• Powered by pure retinol and an exclusive mineral complex
• Designed for dramatic results but gentle enough for daily use around the eyes

This hard-working cream is formulated with Pure RoC Retinol, America’s No. 1 most awarded retinol. Retinol works deep within the skin’s surface to reveal renewed, fresher looking skin. This unique eye cream is also formulated with vitamin E and oxygen boosters to make it ultra-effective yet safe for daily use.

Using a good eye cream at least once a day is essential, but to maximize benefits it’s important to apply it the correct way. Zeichner suggests following these steps:

1. After cleansing, squeeze a pea-size amount of eye cream onto your middle or ring finger — these fingers are weaker than your pointer finger, which can help to avoid harsh pressure on this delicate area
2. Distribute cream by gently tapping small dots under your eyes, starting with the inner corner.
3. Work product outward and upward by tapping, being cautious to never tug skin or rub too hard.
4. Wait a few minutes for product to absorb.

2. Chill out

By reducing stress and prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep a night, you help your body rest and refresh. This has a big impact on how your eyes appear, not to mention how you feel overall. Plus, your skin makes new collagen when you sleep, so big bonus for looking your best — the more sleep, the more collagen!

You can also chill out more literally by using cool temperatures to soothe swelling and restrict blood vessels. You can do this in a variety of ways, including using a cold compress, a wet washrag, the backside of chilled spoons or special beauty tools like cryo-facial wands. Apply for a few minutes and see the difference.

3. Health check

To help reduce or eliminate dark circles, fine lines and puffiness around eyes, take time to look at your health habits. Getting enough sleep is only the beginning to help you look your best. Do you wear sunscreen every day? Drink plenty of water? Avoid smoking and being around others who are smoking?

What you eat also impacts puffiness and pesky dark circles. Eating too much sodium can cause water retention and puffiness, so watch your salt intake. Alternatively, foods packed with nutrients, like fresh produce, can have a positive impact. For example, tomatoes, apricots, melons, papayas and grapes are some foods high in lycopene, which can boost circulation.

“Effectively treating puffiness and dark circles doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Zeichner. “A few simple steps and mindful changes can help you look your best so you can be your best.”

2023-03-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Massage therapy is known for its relaxing and restorative value, but did you also know that it is a powerful health-care tool for your body and mind? To get the most out of your next massage experience, follow these tips from Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, the leading association representing massage therapists and bodyworkers.

1. Set goals

What do you want to get out of your massage? Do you have any injuries you’d like to target? Are you holding tension in certain areas because of work or stress that you would like to address? Or do you need some general hands-on therapy to help loosen up? What type of massage you’ll need will depend on your goals.

Before you head to your massage appointment, think about the reason for your massage. When you meet your massage therapist or bodywork professional, let them know your goals for the session so they can gauge how to properly address your needs.

2. Prepare your body

On the day of your appointment, make sure you’ve had a light snack beforehand, but nothing too heavy that might create discomfort while you’re on the massage table. Stay hydrated before and after your session, and avoid intoxicants or alcohol.

Massage is a physical activity, and it helps to prepare your body accordingly. Gentle stretches before your session not only get your muscle tissue ready to receive bodywork, they help you detect areas that need additional attention and can help you feel more comfortable as you lay on the massage table.

3. Start the session relaxed

Before your massage starts, try and relax so you can be physically and mentally ready to receive the therapeutic benefits of a massage. One way to relax is by using breathing techniques. An easy technique to remember is Box Breathing — breathe in while counting to five, hold your breath for five counts, slowly exhale for five, hold again for five counts, then repeat. Try listening to relaxing music while breathing to promote relaxation as you prepare for your massage.

4. During the session: Communicate

By having clear and open communication between client and massage therapist, practitioners can create a successful therapeutic massage experience together. Don’t be shy to talk about your level of comfort with the massage table or face cradle, or the level of pressure the therapist is using … even the temperature of the room.

Just like going to your doctor, a massage is a form of health care administered by professionals and should be treated similarly to any other health care experience. For a session to be safe and effective, the practitioner must set clear boundaries and expectations and the client must understand what a therapeutic massage session does and does not include. Open and clear communication is paramount to creating a successful therapeutic massage experience.

5. Post-session: Wind down

After a session, it’s important to let your body wind down and feel the effects of the massage. Here are some ways to wind down after a massage session.

• As you wind down, think about your goals and assess if it was a successful massage experience and what could be done to improve your next session.
• Continue to replenish your body with healthy foods and plenty of water so you can feel your best.
• Relax! Breathe, listen to music or do whatever you prefer to stay calm and let the effects of the massage settle in.

When administered by licensed professionals, massage therapy is a powerful form of health care that provides wellness, self-care, therapy, relief and comfort. Using these tips, you’ll set yourself up for a relaxing and productive session.

To find a massage or bodywork professional in your community, visit MassageTherapy.com.

2023-03-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Is your passport burning a hole in your pocket, but you don’t know where to go? Travel planning can be challenging when there are so many places to see and experiences to be had but so little time! If you need travel inspiration and expert advice on the best experiences and sights worldwide, check out these five indispensable travel tools.

1. 100 Cities, 5000 Ideas

It can be overwhelming to pick your next travel destination when there is a whole world out there to see! 100 Cities, 5000 Ideas offers you hot tips on what to do, see, and eat on your next trip. No matter what kind of traveler you are—a history buff, art lover, foodie, beach bum, or anything in between—you’ll find something for you. Detailed descriptions and gorgeous photographs will immerse you in a variety of metropolitan personalities. Whether they’re big or small, old or new, this expert guide will reveal hidden adventures to inspire globetrotters of all ages and walks of life.

2. Always Ireland

Written by County Wicklow native Jack Kavanagh, this alluring travel guide covers every county of the Emerald Isle, a popular destination for travelers. This ultimate insider’s tour of Ireland’s most iconic places, from the literary pubs of Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, celebrates the beauty of the country’s landscapes and traditions and showcases Ireland’s best sights, bites, and adventures. More than 300 glorious National Geographic images—along with recommended itineraries, practical tips, and insightful histories—will inform and inspire you when planning your trip.

3. The Catch Me If You Can

In this inspiring travelogue, Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world, shares the remarkable story of achieving the ultimate traveler’s bucket list. From ancient monuments in Peru to Carnival in Brazil to the daunting challenges of visiting North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, Nabongo’s open heart and spirit lead her from one adventure to the next. Enjoy her inspiring narrative accompanied by more than 250 gorgeous full-color photos of her journey.

4. National Geographic Adventure Maps

No traveler would be fully prepared for a trip without a good map. Find your way through hundreds of international destinations with Adventure Maps. Each waterproof and tear-resistant map provides travelers with the perfect combination of detail and perspective, highlighting points of interest for those venturing outside city centers. These maps cover the hottest adventure destinations, from the plains of France to the top of Mount Everest. With 220 authoritative maps to choose from, you’ll be ready to tour international destinations like a pro.

5. Food Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition

Foodies rejoice! For travelers who want to explore food through culinary experiences, Food Journeys of a Lifetime takes a trip around the globe to discover the best dishes, markets, and restaurants worth traveling far and wide to savor. This fully revised second edition will help you find the best of the best, whether you’re visiting Tokyo’s famed fish market, searching for the perfect cup of tea in China, or sampling the freshest pasta in Italy. Featuring more than 60 new destinations, this book is the key to building a foodie traveler’s ultimate bucket list.

Using these books, your next trip will be one you won’t soon forget. You can find these educational and inspiring books from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books wherever books and maps are sold.

2023-02-28T22:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know how much a power outage costs? When the power goes out, it affects more than just your ability to watch TV or read with the lights on. Food and medicine in your refrigerator and freezer can go bad. Your basement may flood if the sump pump goes out, and you may need to relocate to a hotel for your family’s safety and comfort. If any home systems fail, you may be looking at costly repairs.

An easy way to protect your home and avoid power outage-related costs is to invest in an automatic home generator. To help you understand the benefits of owning your own automatic home generator, Kohler expert Melanie Tydrich offers the following seven most commonly asked questions.

1. What is an automatic home generator? How is it different from a portable generator?

An automatic home generator provides backup power when you need it and stands by when you don’t. Like an air conditioning unit, the generator is permanently installed outside your house. When the power goes out, it turns on. The unit shuts off when the main utility power is restored.

Portable generators are useful when you don’t have utility power available, like camping, tailgating or at a work site. However, you’ll need to refuel them regularly, so you’ll have to remember to safely store fresh fuel in your home. Also, you’ll have to operate them outside, which means running outdoor-rated extension cords.

2. How does an automatic home generator work?

Your generator runs on your home’s existing natural gas or liquid propane system, which makes it incredibly convenient. When the power goes out or drops below an acceptable level (brownout), your automatic transfer switch (ATS) signals the generator to start. In just 10 seconds, the ATS transfers your power from the utility grid to the generator. It powers your home until utility power is restored, then transfers power back to the grid.

3. What can it power?

A home standby generator can power corded items like electronics, cell phones, refrigerators and freezers. More importantly, it can power products hardwired to your home, such as central air and heating systems, sump pumps and lights. Security systems and even garage doors are sometimes difficult to operate when you don’t have power.

4. Do you need to be home to operate the generator?

You don’t need to be home to operate the generator. An automatic home generator is just that, automatic. This completely hands-off unit turns on during a power outage and turns off automatically.

5. What features should a quality home generator have?

Because your automatic generator will power your home during a power outage, you’ll want a durable and reliable engine. Generators from Kohler, for example, are equipped with heavy-duty, commercial-grade engines that fire up quickly and can handle heavy electrical loads.

Even though generators are working hard to supply power to your home and appliances, you don’t have to settle for a noisy model. Look for a generator that has been designed and built to operate with minimal noise. Remote monitoring via an app is also a helpful feature to have because you can see the status of your generator when you aren’t home and a power outage hits.

6. What size generator do I need?

The right size generator for your home depends on your power needs. Kohler has a handy Generator Selector tool to get a ballpark cost. However, if you’re serious about buying one, you’ll want to receive a detailed estimate from your local Kohler Generators dealer. These professionals will analyze your home’s electrical load and specify and install your generator system.

7. Is installing an automatic home generator a DIY project?

Installing an automatic home generator isn’t a project you’ll want to do yourself. Because it requires working with gas and electrical connections, you’ll want to hire a qualified professional who can make sure it’s installed properly.

Automatic home generators aren’t a luxury. They are an investment in keeping your family safe and secure during a power outage. They give you the ability to live life uninterrupted because they can power anything in a home, from lights and HVAC to appliances and tech. These generators provide peace of mind — and more importantly — they provide resilience for you, your family and your community. To learn more and find a dealer, visit KohlerGenerators.com.

2023-02-28T11:49:00

(BPT) – Two years ago, NASA’s Perseverance Rover landed on Mars, an aerospace feat helping prepare the mystery planet for potential human exploration. While many companies are proud to have contributed to the project, a large part of the mission’s success is thanks to Airborne Systems (a TransDigm company) who supported the design and production of the parachute which brought the Rover safely to the surface of the Red Planet.

“Percy,” as the spacecraft is affectionately called at mission control, launched back in July 2020 and landed on Mars in February 2021. One of the principal objectives of the mission was so-called “astrobiology” — the search for possible signs of life on the Red Planet.

Perseverance’s parachute measured 70.5 feet (21.5 meters) in diameter and deployed about 240 seconds after atmospheric entry — all at a head-spinning altitude of about 7 miles (11 kilometers) and a mindboggling velocity of about 940 mph (1,512 kph). All told, the parachute inflated at about Mach 1.75.

With Percy weighing in at over 2,200 lbs., about the weight of a car, this was the heaviest Mars landing to date and required the strongest parachute ever flown on Mars or any other planet except Earth. What makes this landing even more special is that it’s the first time anybody has seen a parachute perform in the Mars atmosphere. In the past, parachute performance on Mars has been deduced or inferred based on data, but this time high-speed video captured the parachute in action. Now, scientists and engineers have video that they can pore over frame by frame to aid future missions to Mars and other celestial frontiers.

The parachute, weighing approximately 180 pounds, deployed from the back of the aeroshell and inflated in less than a second. In the blink of an eye, Perseverance’s parachute transformed from an 18-by-26-inch cylinder of nylon, Kevlar and Technora compressed to the density of wood, into a fully inflated, 70.5 foot nominal diameter parachute. The tens of thousands of pounds of force that the parachute generated during this supersonic inflation stressed both the parachute and the vehicle.

Perseverance reached Mars after a nearly 300-million-mile journey that lasted more than six months. Perseverance and her teams lived up to the rover’s namesake by overcoming the challenges of preparing for the journey’s final stages during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to Airborne Systems’ parachute, Perseverance was able to send back its first images of the landing site immediately after touchdown.

The mission also carried the Ingenuity helicopter to Mars. The Ingenuity helicopter can fly short distances in Mars’ thin atmosphere, which has a density of less than 1% of Earth’s. Ingenuity is the first craft to conduct powered flight outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

After Perseverance used its cameras to share the first video of a mission landing on Mars and capturing some of the first sounds humans have heard on the red planet, Perseverance reused those same cameras to capture the inaugural flight of Ingenuity as it lifted through the Martian atmosphere.

Thanks to the Perseverance, Earthlings can see for the first time a panorama of its recently completed sample gathering. These samples and accompanying photos represent a big milestone for the Perseverance mission, as they are humanity’s first collection of rock samples from another planet. The panorama, stitched together from 368 images that were sent to Earth, captures more than a month of careful placement and mapping of 10 titanium tubes.

Besides keying researchers into the planetary science of Mars — how the composition of its regolith varies and how the planet has changed over time — the Perseverance mission is looking for astrobiological clues. Researchers hope to find ancient microbial biomarkers, which would show that the now-hostile world once held life.

Extraterrestrial missions require a whole orchestra of support from partners on the ground, including companies like Airborne Systems and TransDigm Group Inc., whose work extends from the American communities that play host to its facilities, to commercial flight paths, all the way to the edges of outer space.

2023-02-28T09:01:00

(BPT) – Talent wars. Great resignation. Quiet quitting. Hiring, retaining and inspiring employees to be their best is no small feat these days. Leadership at companies big and small are looking for ways to improve their workforce and professional development is a hot topic.

The high cost of turnover

Hiring good people and keeping them is a challenge. Stakes are high and the cost of employee turnover is significant. Companies can lose time, money and resources, not to mention it can be a blow to workplace morale and brand reputation.

According to the Society of Human Resources Management, direct employee replacement costs can reach as high as 50%-60% of an employee’s annual salary, with total costs associated with turnover ranging from 90% to 200% of annual salary. That means if an employee makes $50,000 it can cost up to $30,000 directly and $200,000 total.

A people-first workplace

Looking closely at benefits and company culture can provide important insights into employee relations. To help attract and retain talent, many organizations are taking a people-first approach. Putting employees first means prioritizing things like work-life integration, career pathing and professional development.

“Tuition benefits programs are sought after by employees and can be a great way for companies to invest in their future while encouraging skills development,” said Dave Barnett, DeVry University’s chief human resources and university relations officer. “Whether it’s training to learn a specific skill, earning a certification or completing an entire degree, tuition benefits programs show employees you’re willing to invest in them so they are invested in you.”

Employer tuition benefits

Employees are eagerly seeking out organizations that offer tuition benefits. According to an EdAssist survey, 84% of respondents cited these programs as an important factor in their decision to join their organizations. In fact, 71% rated tuition assistance among the best benefits offered by their employers after health care.

However, a DeVryWorks Talent Outlook Study found leaders ranked tuition benefits as the least frequently offered form of professional development at their organizations with just 69% indicating it’s available to employees. According to the study, here are some top reasons organizations offer tuition benefits:

• 62% helping individuals grow professionally
• 53% retaining individuals at the organization by offering development opportunities
• 51% improving quality and execution of work

The good news is the Wall Street Journal reported that 90% of large and midsized companies offer some kind of tuition reimbursement. The bad is less than 10% of workers use the tuition reimbursement.

Filling the skills gap

“Aligning impactful development opportunities with future career pathways is becoming an expectation for employees as early as the first interview,” said Clark Barber, vice president of DeVryWorks, the workforce solutions team at DeVry University. “While training and developing frontline workers is a top priority for HR leaders, few are leveraging a typically passive benefit like tuition reimbursement as a proactive tool to attract, retain and grow talent.”

Barber said the key for business leaders is to ensure their tuition programs are equitable and accessible for employees. Organizations should consider how their policy is structured and measured to ensure inclusivity.

But where are leaders seeing the biggest skills gaps? The DeVryWorks Talent Study asked business leaders about the most in-demand skills and opportunities for employee improvement. The results: leadership, data-driven decision-making and digital fluency are the three critical skill gaps leaders are looking to address.

These skills and more can be learned through programs supported by a company’s tuition benefits program. For example, nontraditional learners — like part-time adult students — benefit from an educational option like DeVry University. The school strives to close society’s opportunity gap by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change.

“As critical skills continue to emerge, expand and expire, there’s an ongoing need for professional development,” added Barnett. “Establishing and promoting tuition benefits programs is critical to the vitality of the organization and the professional journey of employees. It’s an untapped resource with endless potential.”

2023-02-28T13:45:00

(BPT) – As we’ve learned, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted many people’s mental health, which intensified the need for more behavioral health services across the country. Mental health is defined as an overall state of well-being that includes biology, emotional health and habits while behavioral health examines how habits impact a person’s overall physical and mental well-being.

While the pandemic created mental health challenges for many people, it also spurred advancement in health care services in America. Behavioral telehealth is one example. It is a growing area of care that is helping to deliver greater access to mental health care for patients across the country, including those in rural and underserved communities.

Here are three innovative ways to use behavioral telehealth services that patients can access safely, privately and conveniently from home.

Individual Teletherapy

Individual, one-on-one teletherapy is the most common form of telebehavioral health and may be able to be performed through video or audio-only telehealth services. It can offer privacy and convenience, including reduced travel and disruption to daily activities like work and childcare, in addition to easing the stigma of going in-person to a clinic or office. You can access individual teletherapy in multiple ways:

• Virtual Talk Therapy helps address both your emotional and psychological concerns.
• Telepsychiatry is where you can get prescriptions and manage your medications.
• Online Apps can help with tracking and monitoring your mood.
• Text Therapy allows you to communicate with a health care professional at any time with relative anonymity.

Group Teletherapy

Group teletherapy involves a few people who meet with one or more therapists remotely. This effective and affordable alternative to individual therapy offers the added benefits of community support, reduced feelings of isolation and new perspectives. There are several options for group teletherapy:

• Live Talk Therapy is where you can virtually interact with several other individuals at the same time via video or phone calls.
• Asynchronous Communication is when individuals elect to interact by group chat or email. You can share your thoughts and respond to other group members at your convenience.
• Online Applications is the creation of a group of people who interact through social media or chat rooms, in real-time or asynchronously. Sessions typically do not involve a clinical provider and are not covered by insurance, but it may be helpful if you prefer anonymity.

Substance Use Disorder Telehealth Treatment

When used in combination with other treatment methods, behavioral telehealth interventions can be part of a co-occurring, integrated approach to treating substance use disorders. You can get care from your home instead of a public clinic, have access to providers who understand substance use disorder, and choose to continue care with your regular individual or group therapist or provider while receiving treatment. Speaking with a health care provider while at home can also allow your provider to see how you are managing treatment in your home environment.

Telehealth.HHS.gov has patient resources to help you learn more about what behavioral telehealth services are available, find out how to access telebehavioral health services and determine associated costs, so you can use telehealth to manage your health care needs effectively.