Labor Day is here! And we’re here for you…

Labor day is just around the corner… And it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday together! Now is the time for parents to drop those busy schedules and spend time with their children.

But with Labor Day coming up and parents still working… it can be tough to plan an eventful day out, agonizing about what exactly to do— But you don’t have to worry.

This Labor Day, LYLA will help you plan your family’s fun activities with some great ideas.

If you are struggling with what to do this Labor Day weekend with your family, we recommend LYLA as your helping hand! With us, you can get ideas on what to do together with your loved ones during this special holiday weekend.

But it’s a holiday and time for celebration and relaxation. It’s a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, have fun, and eat delicious food.

You can ask us questions about what you could do this day weekend, what are the best activities for kids, where are the best places to go, and so on. We will be happy to answer all your questions and give you some great ideas for your Labor Day!

So what are you waiting for? Get LYLA to plan your Labor Day holiday and see how we can make planning everyday events, a piece of cake!

Let’s get you back-to-school ready!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the thought of getting back to school? Have no fear, LYLA is here! Back to school season always sneaks up on us, and we know how difficult it can be to manage your daily to-do list on top of getting the kids organized. A new school year should be exciting for everyone involved, and with LYLA, you can get everything you need done before the first bell rings.

We’ve put together a list of our top tips for getting ready for back to school, and a few of the many ways LYLA can help you feel prepared.

Back to School Shopping!

One of the most important tasks on the back-to-school checklist is shopping for supplies. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have multiple children. Fortunately, LYLA can help take the stress out of back to school shopping by doing the research, compiling a list, and even doing the shopping for you. Plus, we’ll track down the best deals and coupons so you can save money heading into the new school year.

Staying organized is the key to success when it comes to the chaos of back to school shopping. Before you hit the stores, check if your school has provided you with a list of needs for your student! With LYLA’s help, your student can get back to school without skipping a beat!

Carpool!

One of the biggest challenges during this time is coordinating transportation for your kids. Carpooling with other families is a great way to ease the back to school stress. It’ll save you time and money on gas, and give you an opportunity to catch up and connect with other parents! Plus, riding to school with friends is fun!

If you’re new to the area, this might not be an option- and that’s ok! We can provide you with vetted childcare providers in your area, along with after school programs and everything you’ll need to make sure your kids get to and from school safe and on time!

Whether you’re carpooling with other families, taking advantage of your district’s bus route, or in desperate need of after-school care, LYLA can help take the stress out of coordinating this school year’s schedule. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Doctors Appointments!

Back to school also means it’s time to take your kids back to the doctor! One of the things you might be forgetting in all the hustle and bustle is scheduling those back-to-school check-ups. As kids return to class, it’s important to make sure that your child is up-to-date on vaccinations and discuss any health concerns that might arise during the school year. Plus, it’s one less thing you have to worry about when you’re already feeling stressed about the back-to-school season.

With LYLA, you can easily book doctor’s appointments for your kids without having to search through dozens of websites or call around for availability. If you have a trusted doctor, we’ll help organize your next visit! And if you’re new to the area, we’ll help you find a trusted healthcare provider near you. Let’s get your doctor’s appointments done!

The back to school season can be a stressful time for parents. Between shopping for supplies, coordinating transportation and scheduling doctor appointments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where LYLA comes in. Our virtual personal assistants can help you with all of your back to school needs. Check out our website or download the app today for more ways we can help you prepare for the school year. Don’t let the stress of back to school get you down- let LYLA help get your to-do list done!

It’s Time To Take That Summer Getaway!

With the summer season in full swing, you’re probably ready for a much-needed break from the office. Taking a few days to yourself this summer can do wonders for your mental health- it gives you a chance to reset and escape the hustle and bustle that is your daily routine.

Don’t let the stress of planning a summer trip stand in the way of you prioritizing your mental health. LYLA is here to help you with everything from booking accommodations, coordinating travel and making sure you’re home (and everything in it!) is well taken care of while you’re away. Read on for two LYLA-approved getaways!

Upscale Outdoor Accommodations

“Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with upscale, safari-inspired accommodations. Experience starry night skies, extraordinary landscapes, healthy cafe-style dining, and unforgettable memories. Our safari-inspired canvas tents boast optional en suite bathrooms, king-size beds, West Elm® furnishings, and wood-burning stoves. Nightly s’mores by the campfire, complimentary camp activities, and adventure bookings all serve to provide an unparalleled experience with a sense of profound connection to people and nature.” – Under Canvas

Under Canvas® utilizes a mindful approach to getaways that fosters connection with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the great outdoors. This ‘glamping’ experience offers incredible adventures in and around national parks and monuments.

If Under Canvas doesn’t fit your budget, we’ll help you find more affordable ways to get the national parks experience! We know all of the best accommodations, travel routes, transportation services and adventure spots!

Kampgrounds of America (KOA)

“Our wide variety of family-friendly campgrounds and amenities provide the perfect place to get away, unwind and enjoy camping in the great outdoors. Whether you need a perfect site to pull into on your next RV road trip or a cozy spot where you and your kids can pitch your tent for the weekend, KOA is sure to have the ideal campsite for you. At KOA, we help people get outside because we know it changes them on the inside.” – KOA

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time- sometimes the best memories are made close to home. KOA has 500+ campgrounds across North America, making it easy to enjoy the beauty of nature and share adventures with family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced camper or looking for a new kind of adventure, LYLA will handle all of the details so you can focus on reconnecting and recharging!

LYLA helps employees get things done, with prioritizing their mental health at the forefront. Whatever your budget or schedule may be, don’t forget to take some time for yourself this summer!

Show your support during Pride Month!

Happy Pride!

Pride month is celebrated every June to honor the progress that has been made in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as to commemorate those who have fought and continue to fight for equality. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that still face the community, and to work towards creating a more inclusive world for all.

There are many ways to participate in Pride month, including attending Pride events, displaying the Pride flag, and supporting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses. However you choose to participate, remember that Pride is about celebrating diversity, uniqueness and standing up for the rights of all people.

Here is a list of ways that you can get involved with, and support, Pride Month!

1. Support LGBTQIA+ art and businesses

The LGBTQIA+ community is home to some of the world’s most talented and influential artists, artisans and performers. You can support them in a variety of ways including purchasing their art, visiting a museum or gallery, or catching a concert, play, poetry reading or drag performance.

LYLA can help you plan a night out, recommend LGBTQIA+ films and literature and connect you with local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses to support!

2. Educate yourself on the history of Pride Month

Pride Month is celebrated every June to coincide with the Stonewall Riots, which is considered by many to be the starting point of today’s gay activism. The first Pride parades marked the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City in 1969.

The protests marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and helped to catalyze the modern Pride movement. This month is about uplifting voices, celebrating culture and supporting the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

3. Display the Pride flag

Perhaps the most accessible way to participate in Pride Month is displaying the Pride flag. The original rainbow flag, developed in 1978, was designed to reflect the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. The Progress Pride Flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018 is currently the most-used and accepted flag, due to the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and current issues surrounding trans people. The Progress Pride Flag is even more inclusive of the greater diverse community. To read more about the Progress Pride Flag, visit this link.

Whether you’re flying the flag outside your home or business, or displaying a sticker on a desk, a shop window, a car windshield or a pin on a jacket, the flag is a symbol of your support and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community.

4. Evaluate your place of work’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

Today, mental health and inclusivity are at the forefront of conversations around workplace culture. At LYLA, we know the importance of these conversations and work with our clients’ Employee Resource Groups to elevate their activities and messages. Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to take the time to evaluate your company’s inclusivity initiatives to create a workplace where LGBTGIA+ employees will feel valued and accepted.

5. Volunteer or Donate

Pride Month is a time to come together and support one another by getting involved with charities and organizations that work to improve the lives of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These organizations provide vital services like counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy while also working to create inclusive environments where all people, especially young people, can feel safe and supported.

By donating to and volunteering for LGBTQIA+ charities and organizations, you can help create a more inclusive world for everyone. Let LYLA help you find causes to support in your area!

6. Have open conversations

There are myriad challenges that still exist within the LGBTQIA+ community, and it’s important to have open conversations about them and how we can work together to create a more accepting world. It provides an opportunity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to come together and share their stories. These conversations help to build understanding and acceptance and are an opportunity to ask questions and educate others.

If you’re looking for ways to initiate these conversations within your workplace, with your friends or even in your home, LYLA can help! Visit our app for a list of curated resources that can help you to host open, productive discussion!

There are many ways to show your support during Pride Month, both big and small. Be sure to check out the LYLA app for more ideas on how you can make a difference.

Are EAPs Effective? Let’s Break It Down

EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) are offered by more than 97 percent of large companies in America. These programs are put in place to address work organization productivity issues, however, traditional EAPs face a huge issue: EAP utilization consistently hovers below 10%.

How is it possible that the majority of large companies offer EAPs, yet less than 10% of their employees actually use them? Well, there are several structural barriers that explain why EAP utilization continues to remain low, including limited accessibility, poor user experience and lack of confidentiality. At LYLA, we noticed these shortcomings, so we created an app that provides solutions that actually work for employees.

Accessibility is key when it comes to employee support. Oftentimes, employees are faced with unexpected challenges that leave them with little to no time to prepare. While traditional EAPs do provide solutions for employees, it can sometimes take up to 10 weeks for initial actions to be taken, leaving employees feeling lost and unsupported. To combat accessibility issues, we came up with a simple solution: 24/7 virtual assistance. That’s right, no matter what time of day, or day of the week, LYLA provides employees with round the clock access to solutions and support.

Poor user experience is another barrier associated with low utilization of EAPs. Many employees aren’t even aware that their companies offer EAPs, and if they do, they aren’t sure how to take advantage of the benefits. LYLA differs compared to traditional EAPs in that we offer an app that employees can download and customize to accommodate their most personal needs. It’s easy to onboard, and as a result, keep your employees on board.

Mental health awareness is a hot topic of conversation in the modern workplace. According to Mental Health America, over 47 million Americans experience mental illness, ranging from 16% to 25% of citizens depending on the state. There are several ways to support the mental health of employees in the workplace, and initiating positive conversations is a great place to start. But how can you take it a step further and ensure that your employees feel comfortable and supported when they come to work? Provide them with an employee support resource that they trust.

Confidentiality is arguably the most important barrier to traditional EAPs. When it comes to personal challenges and mental health experiences, employees often avoid seeking assistance for fear of their employers finding out. Whether it be due to a connection through HR personnel, or directly through management, many employees believe that their EAPs lack confidentiality. LYLA is a third-party support platform that connects with employees directly to help them find doctors, therapists and other mental health resources. With LYLA, you can give your employees a safe, confidential, 24/7 solution to their everyday needs.

LYLA isn’t a traditional EAP, it’s an Employee Assistance Platform that goes above and beyond employee expectations when it comes to support. We help employees feel supported and get things done, and we help companies retain their greatest asset: their team.

Warm up for the New Year!

The holiday season is officially over but cold weather is here to stay. Catch a different type of chill this January. Whether you’re looking for a warm-weather vacation, or a quick way to reset after a busy December, LYLA is here to help you stay calm, cool and collected.

Take me somewhere far, far away!

Ready to use up those vacation days? If the only thing holding you back from a week in paradise is actually planning a week in paradise, we’ve got you covered. There are tons of LYLA-approved places to relax, reset and unwind after a busy holiday season.

Spend a week sightseeing, sunbathing and spending time with the ones you love! There’s plenty of things to do, or not do, on a week-long vacation. We’ll take care of everything from finding a pet sitter to helping book your stay, so all you have to do is pick out a bathing suit.

Let’s get cookin’!

Sometimes the kitchen is the perfect place to escape the craziness of a new year. January is national soup and slow cooker month, which makes cheffing up your favorite recipes the most timely way to unwind. Listen to music or throw on your favorite tv show while you relax over a great meal. We’ll be sharing some of our favorite recipes all month long.

If cooking sounds like the last thing you want to do, LYLA can help with reservations or takeout so you can stay warm, well-fed and relaxed in a restaurant or at home.

Treat yourself!

Self-care looks different to everyone. However, one thing we can all agree on is that it often gets pushed aside when life gets busy. We can help you make the time and find the best way to treat yourself.

A massage, facial or day at the spa can help you feel, and look, refreshed for days. Looking for a quick relief? Try a face mask or meditation! Visit the LYLA app for tons of ideas that fit your lifestyle.

New year, new you….?

New year, new you. That’s something we’ve all probably said before. A new year means many things, including busier schedules and less time to focus on you. The key to making a great new year’s resolution (one that really sticks) is finding one that works for you.

The first step is making sure your resolution is doable. The best way to determine if your resolution is realistic is to make a plan. Start with a specific goal and ask yourself, how am I going to get this done?

When you are able to envision how your resolution fits into your life, you’re more likely to stick with it!

If you don’t have a specific resolution in mind, or even if you do, let’s commit to making 2022 the year we get your to-do list done!

“A new year is the best time to show gratitude for the past, accept the present moment with joy, and get ready for the change to begin again.”

― Debasish Mridha, MD

LYLA is a 24/7 virtual personal assistant that seamlessly fits into your busy life. Whether it’s connecting you with the right resources to help make positive changes in your life, or just freeing up your schedule, LYLA can help you with the little, and big, things life throws your way.

Getting Through December With Zen

The holiday season is officially here! This time of year brings about colder weather, holiday shopping and calendars packed with festive activities. Between getting your home ready for the cold, planning holiday trips and finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, the most wonderful time of the year also tends to be the most stressful.

LYLA can help! LYLA is a 24/7 support system that can help you with the little (and big) things so you can spend the holidays doing what you love, with the ones you love!

Below are a few ways LYLA can help you get your holiday to-do list done:

Planning holiday activities!

December marks the beginning of a month full of holiday activities. From planning secret Santa to finding the best spots for winter fun, LYLA is here to help you and your loved ones make the most out of the holiday season.

Getting your home ready for the holidays!

Bring LYLA home for the holidays! The weather is getting cooler, which means it’s time to winterize your home! You can schedule cleaning services, window repairs, snow removal and much more through simply making a request in the app!

Travel plans!

Heading somewhere for the holidays? Beat the dreaded ‘holiday travel rush’ with help from LYLA! LYLA is here to make your travel experience a seamless one. Whether it’s planning your stops, overnight stays or booking reservations, let LYLA do the planning, so you can arrive safely!

All things gifts!

One of the best things about the holiday season is giving gifts to your loved ones. However, the gifting experience can also be stressful. Let LYLA help take the stress out of gifting during the holidays! We’ve got you covered from finding last minute gifts to wrapping them all up. Simply make a request through the app!

New Year’s Eve!

No matter how you plan to ring in the New Year, LYLA is here to make sure you start 2022 off right! We can help you plan family activities, make reservations and find the perfect recipes all through a simple request in the app!

Be The Master Of Your November

Happy Fall! Thanksgiving always means a full plate (of food, and when it comes to making plans.) Between cooking, getting your house ready and scheduling fall activities, this time of year can be exhausting. LYLA is here to take the stress away from planning, so you have more time to spend with family and friends!

 

Below are a few ways LYLA can help you get your Thanksgiving to-do list done:

Planning Fall-fun activities!

Nothing says fall like pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes and family fun. Instead of worrying about where to get your fall-activity fix, ask LYLA! We know all the best spots. Let LYLA take the stress out of planning activities, so you can focus on spending time with your family!

Getting your home ready for the holidays!

The weather is getting cooler, which means it’s time to get your home ready for the holidays! LYLA can help you get your home in tip-top shape before the leaves fall. You can schedule cleaning services, window repairs, and much more through simply making a request in the app!

Travel plans!

COVID-19 has changed the way we travel, and LYLA is here to help make your travel experience seamless. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips every year. Whether it’s planning your stops, overnight stays or reservations, let LYLA do the planning, so you can arrive safely!

All things food!

Thanksgiving looks different for everyone. Whether you’re planning on cooking at home, or looking for a restaurant, LYLA is here to make organizing your Thanksgiving plans easy! Let us help you find the perfect recipes, find meal delivery or help book your reservation.

This is How We Hybrid: 3 Tools to Expand Your “Village”

The last 18 months. Right?

We’ve been fighting COVID, fighting a recession, fighting to save our businesses, fighting with our kids to do their %#$! schoolwork.

And all this time, as the CEO of LYLA (an HR benefit app focused on virtual personal assistance) I’ve been seeing the women we serve struggle to keep their heads above water.

Requests for mental health support increased tremendously. Child care assistance—tutors, sitters, education “pod” leaders—quickly became a must for many moms. Grocery deliveries and other errands have become a way for women to “buy back” time for their families and themselves.

And if I’m being super honest, it’s not just that I was seeing this happen with other women. It was happening to me, too.

It might sound hyperbolical, but I’m 100% serious when I say that I couldn’t have made it through the pandemic like I did if I didn’t have LYLA.

Now we’re all in different stages of returning to the office. And we need to figure out how to help our teams, our communities . . . and ourselves . . . make that transition.

The great thing is that the tools are out there. Some of the same resources we’ve used during the pandemic are going to be invaluable as we transition into our new era.

Here are three of my favorites.

Meditation

I know that for some women, time for meditation sounds like a pipe dream! But even five minutes a day can make a difference. Apps like Calm or Headspace (I use Insight Timer) help prioritize that time by sending reminders. And if you’re new to meditation, they walk you through guided exercises to help you practice!

Side note: if you’re looking for ways to support your team, all three apps have packages you can subscribe to as an employee benefit! Insight Timer’s is just $99/month. (For your whole team!)

CSA Boxes & Meal Kit Services

I love Hello, Fresh to help me get dinner on the table for my 12-year-old son and me. It can feel like such a luxury, having someone basically handle the shopping and the prep for me.

There are a ton of options covering a wide spectrum of prep levels. I love having everything pre-measured and ready to assemble, but some families might go for a CSA service that delivers a box of locally-grown produce or meat cuts to use in whatever creative way you want.

Your Village

This isn’t a tool so much as a resource, and I know it’s been talked about for literally centuries. And that’s because it’s so important.

Leaning on your family (chosen or biological) can help lighten your practical load by sharing errands, trading childcare, borrowing household items you can’t find in the store . . . (I’m not the only one having trouble finding ace bandages or phone cords, right?)

Communing with friends provides solace that you’re not the only one struggling with this or that.

Relying on added-on village members, like LYLA’s virtual personal assistants, can give your time and energy back to you to devote to the things that actually matter.

You don’t need to spend time researching plumbers. Our solutions specialists do that for you. And you don’t need to get into the weeds planning your kids’ after-school routines, organizing a covid-safe birthday party, or even finding a dry cleaner last-minute because a client wants to see you (gasp!) in person. We’ll handle it for you.

And speaking of villages, we’re always looking to grow ours. If you have a service that might be able to help folks navigate this ever-changing situation, get in touch. We’re always looking for new partnerships to support our clients and their teams.

Transitioning together

Our experiences are all different. We all have diverse struggles. But I believe that if we share the tools that are working for us, we can transition together into something even better than what we had before.

For me, I’ll continue to spread the word about the things that are working for me . . . and hope that they find their way and make a difference for someone like you, too.