LYLA Ranks #8 – Fast Company’s ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies’ 2022!

We are so excited to announce that we ranked #8 on Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022!

This year’s list honors businesses that are making the biggest impact on their industries and culture as a whole—ultimately thriving in today’s ever-changing world. These companies are creating the future today with some of the most inspiring accomplishments of the 21st century. In addition to the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, 528 organizations are recognized across 52 categories.

LYLA emerged during the coronavirus pandemic to get ahead of employee burnout and help with their mental health in a way that traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) have not been able to.

“When the pandemic hit, it was one of those ‘aha’ moments,” said Marsha McVicker, Founder and CEO of LYLA. “We found the Employee Assistance Programs our clients had in place were not meeting the needs of their employees, and we were in a position to provide them with real solutions.”

LYLA now outperforms traditional EAPs by 300%. By combining artificial intelligence with an empathetic human touch, LYLA offers personalized solutions to today’s most pressing personal needs. From finding the perfect nanny to getting tires repaired during an emergency and stepping in when tragedy hits, LYLA never leaves the side of those it serves.

Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries. The World’s Most Innovative Companies is their signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.

“The world’s most innovative companies play an essential role in addressing the most pressing issues facing society, whether they’re fighting climate change by spurring decarbonization efforts, ameliorating the strain on supply chains, or helping us reconnect with one another over shared passions,” said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky.

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2022) is available online here, as well as in-app form via iTunes, and on newsstands beginning March 15. The hashtag is #FCMostInnovative.

Join us in celebrating this huge accomplishment!  We’d like to thank the entire LYLA team, and all of our users, whose hard work and dedication has made this honor possible.

LYLA Celebrates Women’s History Month 2022

March is officially Women’s History Month. It’s a month dedicated to celebrating women’s contributions and accomplishments throughout American history, and looking forward to future achievements.

Gender equality has always been a hot topic. In the last 100 years, we’ve seen more women in politics, powerful female entrepreneurs and female artists changing the creative industry. While these contributions have changed what it means to be a woman in modern day, true gender equality in North America isn’t expected until 2084.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021 indicates that closing the gender gap varies by country and continent. At the current relative pace, gender gaps can be closed in 52.1 years in Western Europe, 61.5 years in North America, 68.9 years in Latin America and the Caribbean and in all other regions of the world it will take over 100 years to close the gender gap.

Supporting and acknowledging intersectional groups of women is imperative to making progress in the fight to close the gender gap worldwide.

“… intersectional feminism is the understanding of how women’s overlapping identities — including race, class, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation — impact the way they experience oppression and discrimination.” – USA Today

Women’s History Month is dedicated to celebrating all women. LYLA’s partnerships with minority and women-owned businesses, are providing access to potential customers and to data that, on their own, they couldn’t have access to. We’re boosting their visibility, sending clients directly to them, and improving their sustainability as small businesses.

As a female owned and operated organization, LYLA is dedicated to continuing to support our clients in their daily and professional lives–it’s the core of our foundation.

This month, let’s celebrate the many contributions and accomplishments of all women by supporting female and minority-owned businesses, educating ourselves on women’s history, and doing our best to make the future of female stronger than ever before.

Check out the LYLA app for more ways to get involved with Women’s History Month.

Black History Month And Wellness

Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the many contributions and sacrifices made by the Black community throughout United States history.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a new theme each year, and this year’s focus is on the importance of Black health and wellness- a theme that is especially important as we enter our third year of the coronavirus pandemic.

ASALH describes this year’s theme as one that “acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”

The Black community has suffered a long history of disparities when it comes to health and wellness. These disparities are largely due to the inaccessibility to resources and insurance, as well as the lack of diversity in healthcare facilities. This year’s theme is meant to inspire the Black community to think deeply about their physical and mental health, and ultimately make positive changes for overall Black wellness.

At LYLA, we know the importance of health and wellness. We are honoring Black History Month and doing our best to inspire positive change through connections. We can connect you with healthcare resources, highlight Black-owned businesses, connect you with organizations supporting equality and the Black community, and even help take care of things at home so you can prioritize your health and wellness.

Want to learn more about Black History Month? Check out these organizations:

ASALH, NAACP, NWBJI

Love is in the air at LYLA!

Roses are red, violets are blue, LYLA is here to help YOU! We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves around Valentine’s Day. LYLA is here to remind you that Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating relationships, it’s about celebrating love!

Whether you’re headed into this Valentine’s with someone special, looking for family-friendly activities, or planning an epic girl’s night- we’ve got you covered. Check out these fun ideas guaranteed to make Valentine’s Day 2022 extra-special!

Something Romantic!

Say “I love you!” with a weekend staycation! LYLA can help you find romantic hideaways for you and the one you love! From hotel rooms and gift ideas, to dinner reservations and flower arrangements, we’ll keep the stress away so the romance can stay!

Date night out vs. Date night in!

Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, which happens to feel like the least romantic day of the week. Don’t let the Monday blues ruin the mood. We’ve got ideas for even the busiest of couples.

For a date night out, let us make your reservations! We know all of the best places for your budget and mood.

If heading out sounds like a chore, let us turn your home into the perfect location for date night! Our app is the key to finding extra-special recipes, the best takeout, flowers, gift ideas and more!

Family fun!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about romance, the most important thing is spending time with the ones you love. We’ve got plenty of fun family-friendly activities for the holiday! Head to our app and let us help you with fun craft ideas, Valentine’s Day recipes and planning game nights.

Girl’s Night!

Headed into this Valentine’s Day with the girls? Let us handle all things Galentine’s Day, so all you have to do is handle the invite list. From cocktail and food recipes, to reservations and gift ideas- an epic girls night is just a request away on the LYLA app.

Warm Weather Winter Vacation Destinations

Looking for a sign to book a warm-weather vacation? Here it is!

Whether you’re ready to use up those vacation days, or in need of a quick weekend getaway, let us do the planning. We’ve got you covered from finding the best hotels and travel deals, to making sure your pets and home are taken care of while you’re away.

All that’s left to do is pack your bags and hit the beach! Check out this list of LYLA-approved places to escape the January blues.

For a quick escape to the coast…

Hilton Head, SC

Experience true low-country living. Hilton Head Island is known for its gorgeous beaches, beautiful bike trails and fresh seafood.

Spend your days exploring the rich history of the island, relaxing at a spa or soaking up the sun on the beach. Hilton Head is a vacation destination with something for everyone!

Palm Springs, CA

Fresh air, fresh perspective in 2022! This is what visiting Palm Springs is all about.

During your stay, you can hike through the stunning Palm Springs canyons, relax poolside or uncover the hidden gems of shopping and dining experiences in town.

Miami, FL

Beautiful beaches, lively arts and unforgettable dining awaits in Miami. From white sand beaches and world-renowned spas, to some of the country’s top restaurants, there’s no shortage of things to do, or not do, in Miami.

Relax and unwind at the beach, or let loose and enjoy live-music performances and art shows on the town.

For a well-deserved week off…

Jamaica

Soak up the sun and experience the rich, diverse cultures of the Caribbean. Known for its beautiful beaches, reggae music and delicious jerk – Jamaica is an island-escape like no other.

Half jungle, half beaches, there’s plenty to explore on the colorful island.

Mexico

Beaches, history and adventure, all just a short flight away from the US.

From relaxing at an all-inclusive beach resort, to getting your adrenaline pumping with outdoor adventures or exploring archeological sites, Mexico has it all.

Turks and Caicos

Turquoise waters and white sand beaches. The 40 islands and cays that make up the Turks and Caicos are one of the world’s best kept secrets.

Shopping, world-class spas and resorts, tranquil beaches and unique on-the-water adventures make a trip to the TCI a ‘must’ for 2022.

Take a vacation, you deserve it! No matter where you go, LYLA is here to help you customize the perfect vacation to fit your busy schedule and enjoy some much needed time off.

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!

Burnout – An Occupational Health Issue

Let’s talk about burnout. Over the last two years, the world has undergone extreme change. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us feeling helpless, exhausted and completely out of control when it comes to work, especially in the healthcare industry. However, we continue to move forward, regardless of these feelings.

When we move forward without addressing and finding solutions to these feelings, we put ourselves at risk for experiencing burnout.

 

Today, there is a huge percentage of the working population leaving their jobs in search of better working conditions. This ‘Great Resignation’ is a result of the lack of support and understanding employees feel from their current workplace.

In fact, there has been a massive increase in employee strikes in companies nationwide. Healthcare employees worked long hours before the pandemic, but with the shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals, they have worked even longer hours and even more shifts. These workers are in desperate need of their free time back.

In 2019, the World Health Organization officially recognized ‘burnout’ as an occupational health issue. It’s not a mental health illness, it is an issue that can be prevented and, with a strong support system, solved.

LYLA is a 24/7 support system made for employees. LYLA can reduce stress in the workplace, benefit mental wellbeing, and increase overall employee retention. We help employees handle the little things, and the big things, that contribute to burnout.

With LYLA, your employees can have their free time back, prioritize their mental health and ultimately become happier and more productive in the workplace.

It’s time to give your employees the support system they need to be successful. Get started with LYLA.

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.