Engage
Dive deep and get active. To know is one thing. To do is another. We've included challenging questions to start discussions, offline activities to get you moving, and creative outlets to stretch your brain in new ways. No right or wrong answers here -- just space for the curious mind.
Challenging questions
For collaborative conversation or independent contemplation.
How do you feel about the traditional 40-hour workweek? Is it outdated, or does it still hold relevance? ?
Discuss the pros and cons of Maternity/Paternity Family Leave. How does it impact both the employee and the employer?
How do different companies approach safety standards, and why might they vary?
Debate the merits of "Work from Home" vs. "Office" vs. "Hybrid" models. Which is the future?
How do dress codes impact workplace culture and individual expression?
What are the ethical implications of monitoring employees through technology at work?
Discuss the case of Netflix's unlimited paid time off policy. Is it truly beneficial for employees?
How does compensation relate to job satisfaction? Is a higher salary always better?
Conceptual connections
Offline and active. Bring your knowledge into your environment.
Work-Life Balance. What is the ideal number of work hours per week. Get the opinion of 3 different adults -- do they all agree on the reality of "work-life balance?"
Home Office Dynamics. Some employers (and schools) require a dress code to maintain professional standards. Should the same be true of working from home (or homeschooling)? In your environment, what examples do you see of each viewpoint? How do you personally approach this concept?
Business Ethics. Visit your favorite neighborhood business and analyze its workflow. Do the employees seem content? Does the environment seem welcoming? What exactly is this business doing (or not doing) to stay relevant to its customers? (Bonus points if you engage workers/owners in discussion!)
Creative content
Do. Make. Share.
Video debate. Team up with a family member or friend to discuss the pros and cons of unlimited paid time off, using real-world examples like Netflix and Best Buy. Record the discussion, share your reflections about what you've learned, and submit your video to Synthesis for feedback.
Workflow diagram. Who does what in a business? How do decisions (and ideas, complaints, feedback) move through different levels? Interview 2-3 adults and diagram the way their organizations are structured. Is it what you expected, or did the results surprise you? Pick your favorite one and submit it here.
Compensation challenge. Offer to do work around the house (or neighborhood) in exchange for compensation. Here's the challenge: you won't say what the compensation is. Leave it entirely up to the "employer." Will it be money? Will it be something else? At the end of the month, create a short video summarizing your experience, what you've learned about compensation, and share it with Synthesis by submitting here.