Global Workforce Poll Indicates Large Scale Disengagement

Let us take a moment to consider the global labor market and employee engagement. Current data suggests that employee engagement remains relatively low worldwide. While polling data may not fully explain the reasons behind this trend, there are likely many contributing factors, including concerns about compensation, workplace satisfaction, career opportunities, and whether employees feel their needs are being met.

From one perspective, disengagement may create opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation as individuals seek alternative ways to find purpose and fulfillment. However, when only about one-fifth of employees are actively engaged at work, regardless of how the data is interpreted, it represents a significant loss of human potential and organizational effectiveness.

The challenge cannot be viewed solely through an economic lens. The goal should not simply be to increase engagement to improve profits. Most people are motivated by more than financial outcomes alone. A more sustainable approach is to foster meaningful connections between employees and their organizations. People are more likely to be engaged when they feel a sense of purpose, believe their work matters, have strong relationships with colleagues, receive fair compensation, and see opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This widespread disconnect may be as much a social and psychological issue as an economic one. When large numbers of people feel disconnected from their work, especially amid other societal challenges, organizations should pay close attention. For business leaders, the question becomes: How can we attract, retain, and engage talented people in ways that encourage innovation, creativity, and long-term success? Addressing that question may be one of the most important leadership challenges of our time. It may also require new ways of thinking of things, how society functions (it may be part of the same problem) and how to draw talent not only for the organization but for society's development as well. People are only partially motivated by money so low engagement has another root cause (s). Do you have an idea of what might be some of the contributing factors? 

State of the Global Workplace: Employee Engagement, Wellbeing, and Organizational Performance

• Gallup's State of the Global Workplace report is based on one of the world's largest ongoing studies of employee experiences, examining engagement, wellbeing, workplace emotions, and job climate across more than 140 countries.

• Global employee engagement remains low, with only about one-fifth of employees reporting that they are engaged at work, while most employees are either not engaged or actively disengaged.

• Low employee engagement has substantial economic consequences, costing the global economy billions of dollars annually through lost productivity and reduced organizational performance.

• Employee wellbeing and engagement are closely connected. Workers who find their jobs meaningful, rewarding, and beneficial to others report higher levels of wellbeing and stronger workplace engagement.

• Managers play a critical role in organizational success, but declining manager engagement has emerged as a significant concern because manager engagement strongly influences the engagement and productivity of their teams.

Gallup. (2026). State of the global workplace: 2026 report. Gallup, Inc. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx

Escanaba Marina in a Short News Clip

 The Escanaba Marina is one of the premier marinas in the region and has experienced steady growth year after year. This year is starting a little slow. As a major tourism asset, it attracts visitors who also contribute to the success of local businesses, downtown attractions, arts organizations, beaches, and community events.  Thinking holistically about the entire local offerings helps put the Marina in perspective. We are a Great Lakes community with an amazing history. 

There may be opportunities for greater coordination among the various organizations and entities that benefit from tourism, including the marina, downtown businesses, arts and cultural groups, recreation providers, and event organizers. By working together, these stakeholders can enhance the overall visitor experience and create mutual benefits for the community.

For example, one challenge is improving transportation and connectivity between the marina and downtown Escanaba. While the distance is only a few blocks, visitors may benefit from additional transportation options such as golf cart rental, bicycle rentals (they have), or other convenient mobility solutions.

Additional marketing efforts could also help increase visitation. Promoting the marina through regional boating websites, magazines, and tourism publications may attract more boaters and travelers to the area. Social media is also something that helps. Click for Escanaba Marina. This demographic often comes with disposable income so they may want spend to enjoy their time. If your a boater consider putting it on one of your destination stops for a long weekend of boating.

A coordinated strategy that highlights the marina, beaches, live music, fine arts, shopping, dining, and downtown experiences could encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more locally, and return in the future. On the entreprenrial side these things can help enhance quality of life and attract new investment into downtown for those who want to have their own business and life balance. By viewing these attractions as complementary assets rather than separate destinations, Escanaba can further strengthen its appeal as a regional tourism destination.

A short little clip...

How Intermittent Fasting Can Support Your Fitness Goals

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Getting in shape can be confusing for many people, but there are a few key factors to consider. First, there is the quality and quantity of the food you eat. Second, there is exercise, including resistance training and regular movement. Third, there is recovery, which is often overlooked but plays a critical role in overall fitness and health.

Many people spend hours at the gym but pay little attention to their nutrition. Research suggests that modest calorie reduction can make a meaningful difference. For example, reducing your daily intake by about 500 calories for a week or two may help support weight loss and metabolic health.

Another approach is to adjust when you eat. Time-restricted eating, often referred to as intermittent fasting, may provide benefits without requiring significant calorie counting. For example, if you stop eating at 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. and do not eat again until breakfast, your body naturally experiences an extended fasting period overnight.

Humans evolved in environments where food was not always readily available. As a result, our bodies developed mechanisms to adapt during periods without food. While fasting is not a magic solution, it may encourage beneficial metabolic changes when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Of course, nutrition still matters. Focus on consuming quality foods, including adequate protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense options. Combined with a reasonable exercise program and proper recovery, these habits can support long-term health and fitness.

Sometimes the simplest adjustments can produce meaningful results. Rather than spending endless hours exercising, consider balancing your workouts with smart nutrition and healthy eating patterns.

As a certified fitness and yoga instructor, I offer virtual coaching to help you develop a personalized fitness plan, set realistic goals, learn foundational exercises, and stay accountable. Sessions are $50 per hour, and after the initial consultations, we can schedule periodic follow-ups to review your progress and adjust your program as needed.

I also donate approximately 50% of the proceeds from my extracurricular activities to charitable causes.

If you're interested in getting started, send me a message to the right or email using the contact information below.  

A couple of items that are interesting: 

-Exercise mat if you have some floor space. Exercise Mat

-A scale that checks your BMI. Smart Scale

A Critical Assessment of Fasting to Promote Metabolic Health and Longevity

• The human body has evolved a sophisticated adaptive response to fasting, allowing survival during periods of food scarcity through coordinated metabolic and hormonal changes.
• A central feature of fasting physiology is the shift from glucose metabolism to fat metabolism, enabling the body to use stored energy more efficiently during prolonged periods without food.
• Hormonal adaptations, including reductions in leptin levels, help conserve energy by lowering energy expenditure during negative energy balance.
• Research in animal models demonstrates that dietary restriction strategies, such as calorie restriction and intermittent fasting, can extend lifespan and improve markers of health.
• While fasting may promote weight loss and beneficial metabolic changes, the authors emphasize that evidence in humans is mixed and that the long-term health and longevity benefits require further investigation.

Fazeli, P. K., & Steinhauser, M. L. (2025). A critical assessment of fasting to promote metabolic health and longevity. Endocrine Reviews, 46(6), 856–876. https://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnaf021

JPMorgan's 2026 US Business Leaders Outlook

The JPMorgan 2026 survey suggests that business leaders are entering this year with a more stable outlook, although optimism remains measured rather than robust. Approximately 39% of business leaders expressed optimism about the broader economy. Interestingly, many leaders are more confident in the prospects of their own organizations than in the overall market, indicating a belief that their companies can outperform broader economic trends.

Many respondents anticipate increased revenues and profits, which is encouraging for both businesses and the economy. Stronger profitability can lead to expansion, job creation, and increased tax revenues that support public services and infrastructure. As a nation, it is important to foster an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive and compete globally. While large corporations often receive significant attention, a healthy economy depends on a balanced mix of both large and small businesses. Smaller firms frequently drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and local economic development, while larger organizations provide scale, investment, and global reach.

Despite the generally positive outlook, economic uncertainty remains a concern. Although slightly more than half of business leaders do not expect a recession, a significant number still see potential economic risks ahead. This caution reflects ongoing concerns about market conditions, inflationary pressures, geopolitical events, and other factors that could affect growth.

The survey also highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence on business operations and economic development. AI continues to create opportunities for increased productivity, efficiency, and innovation. However, as organizations adopt these technologies, it will be important to invest in human capital alongside technological advancement. Developing workforce skills, expanding educational opportunities, and helping employees adapt to changing workplace demands will be essential to ensuring that the benefits of AI contribute to broad-based economic growth and long-term prosperity.

JPMorgan 2026 U.S. Business Leaders Outlook: Optimism, Growth, and Resilience Amid Uncertainty

• U.S. business leaders entered 2026 with a more stable outlook after a volatile 2025, though optimism remains below the highs seen in previous years.
• Thirty-nine percent of respondents are optimistic about the national economy, while 71% remain optimistic about their own companies’ performance.
• Global economic sentiment remains cautious, with 73% of leaders expressing neutral or pessimistic views about the global economy.
• Seventy-three percent of business leaders expect revenue growth in 2026, and 64% anticipate increased profits.
• Nearly half (48%) of respondents plan to increase hiring, demonstrating continued confidence in future growth.
• Fifty-one percent of leaders do not expect a recession in 2026, while 27% believe a recession is possible or already occurring.
• Economic uncertainty is the most frequently cited challenge, identified by 49% of respondents. Revenue growth concerns rank second at 33%.
• Tariffs remain a significant issue, with 61% of business leaders reporting a moderate or significant negative impact on costs.
• Product and service innovation remains a key growth strategy, with 58% planning new offerings in 2026.
• Interest in strategic partnerships, investments, and mergers and acquisitions continues to rise, reflecting a focus on expansion opportunities.
• Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing business operations, particularly through process automation, predictive analytics, and market intelligence applications.
• Twenty-seven percent of leaders expect AI to affect workforce planning and staffing decisions during 2026.
• Innovation Economy firms, including startups and venture-backed companies, report higher levels of company and industry optimism but also express greater concern about recession risks.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2026, January 7). 2026 U.S. Business Leaders Outlook: Expectations & trends. J.P. Morgan. https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/markets-and-economy/business-leaders-outlook/2026-us-business-leaders-outlook

The Colored Sky Painting and the Neuroscience of Creativity

Art has long been a hobby of mine, though I also offer my work for sale. I am a member of an art association, have exhibited pieces in galleries, and hope to submit additional work to another local gallery in the future. My creative work includes both photography and painting, and I invite you to browse my gallery to see if there is something that speaks to you. The Gallery of Paintings

One aspect of my art practice that is especially meaningful to me is that I donate approximately 50% of my net profits, after expenses and taxes, to charitable causes. I believe that supporting others is good for society and ultimately enriches our own lives as well.

8X10" acrylic
'The Colored Sky'

eBay Listing 'The Colored Sky'

The Gallery of Paintings

Creativity is about more than producing artwork—it is about discovering new ways of seeing the world. Developing new knowledge and solving problems often requires recognizing connections that others may overlook. In many ways, creativity reflects how our brains form new relationships between ideas, emotions, and experiences. We do not process information solely through words; we also understand the world through feelings, intuition, and imagination (among others).

People who engage these deeper mental connections often develop greater creative capacity. They become more adept at finding fresh perspectives, identifying patterns, and exploring innovative solutions. This ability to create new pathways of understanding can have benefits that extend far beyond artistic pursuits.

Research into the neuroscience of creativity suggests that artistic activities can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being. Even these benefits alone make creative expression worthwhile. If spending ten minutes painting a tree, photographing a landscape, or sketching a sunset helps you step away from the computer and reconnect with the world around you, that time is well spent.

I encourage you to explore the research on creativity and cognitive function and consider the many ways artistic expression can enrich your life. And if you happen to find a piece of artwork you enjoy, I would be honored to have it in your home or office. Framed and unframed options are available, and shipping is always free.

A Couple of Products that Look Interesting:

A couple of painting supplies I thought were interesting. I could see myself consider buying them at some point. I also like to see what is out there.

• Looks like you get most of what you need. 31 pack paint brush set
• This walnut French easel looks fabulous. Not cheap but looks like great quality. French Easel

The Neuroscience of Creativity: How Art Influences Mental Health and Cognitive Function

• The field of neuroaesthetics examines how art affects the brain, emotions, cognition, and physical well-being.
• Viewing and creating art activate multiple brain regions involved in perception, memory, emotion, and decision-making.
• Visual information is processed through the eyes and visual cortex before being integrated with emotional and cognitive systems in the brain.
• The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex play important roles in emotional responses, memory formation, and interpretation of artistic meaning.
• Abstract art encourages deeper interpretation and critical thinking because it does not directly represent reality.
• Color perception influences emotions, with different colors often associated with distinct psychological responses, such as calmness, excitement, or tension.
• Research suggests that engagement with art can reduce stress, support emotional regulation, and contribute to improved mental well-being.
• Art experiences may enhance cognitive function by encouraging reflection, creativity, problem-solving, and perspective-taking.
• Shared artistic experiences can strengthen empathy and social connection through activation of brain networks involved in understanding others.
• Neuroscience findings can help artists intentionally use color, symbolism, interactivity, and sensory engagement to create stronger emotional impacts.
• Art therapy research indicates that artistic engagement can produce both psychological and physiological changes that support healing and adaptation.

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. (2025, March 11). The neuroscience of creativity: Exploring how art affects mental health and cognitive function. RMCAD. https://www.rmcad.edu/blog/the-neuroscience-of-creativity-exploring-how-art-affects-mental-health-and-cognitive-function/

Human Capital Development for Economic Growth

 

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As an example only, 
A business may want to 
take their custom product 
and start to scale. 
They bought an affordable
building on Ludington Street
in Escanaba and started
to train employees one
hour 2X a week in the morning. 
Training can be formal 
or informal to raise
human capital. 

Escanaba is becoming known
as an entrepreneurs attraction
because of its affordability, 
lifestyle, and access
to other other entrepreneurs.
They are redoing Ludington 
Street so you might 
want to look for a building
to launch your venture. 
Check out a 
Escanaba Marketing & Development

Human capital is essential for the success of nations, organizations, and businesses. As technology continues to advance, the development of human capital must keep pace. Emerging technologies offer tremendous opportunities for growth, productivity, and innovation, but they can also create new disparities and make systems feel increasingly automated and impersonal.

Creativity, critical thinking, leadership, and innovation remain largely human strengths. By investing in people and supporting policies that encourage learning and development, organizations can help drive long-term economic growth and create more resilient communities. The online world expands access to education and training, but it also presents challenges that require thoughtful planning and engagement.

As you read the study below, consider how you might strengthen human capital within your own organization. What training opportunities could you provide or sponsor? How could you partner with educational institutions, workforce development programs, or other learning organizations? In what ways could you recognize and reward employees who are committed to personal and professional growth? Finally, think about how you would retain talented individuals once they have developed the skills necessary to succeed. Investing in people is not only beneficial for employees—it can also be a key driver of innovation, productivity, and long-term organizational success.

Human Capital Development and Economic Growth

• Human capital development encompasses investments in education, training, skills, knowledge, health, and workforce capabilities that improve individual productivity and economic performance.
• Strong human capital is a critical driver of economic growth, helping countries increase productivity, competitiveness, and innovation.
• Educational quality and learning outcomes play a significant role in determining economic success, often having a greater impact than years of schooling alone.
• Health improvements contribute to economic growth by increasing workforce participation, productivity, and overall human potential.
• Research indicates that human capital accounts for a substantial portion of income differences among countries.
• A skilled and educated workforce enhances a nation's ability to adopt new technologies and foster innovation.
• Investments in human capital support long-term economic development and help economies adapt to changing labor market demands.
• Human capital development is closely linked to improved living standards, higher earnings, and sustainable economic progress.
• Policymakers can promote economic growth through investments in education, healthcare, and workforce development initiatives.
• Building human capital is considered a foundational strategy for achieving both economic resilience and long-term prosperity.

Nature Index. (n.d.). Human Capital Development and Economic Growth. Springer Nature. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/nature-index/topics/l4/human-capital-development-and-economic-growth

Risks of PFAS in Michigan Firefighters

Firefighters play an essential role in protecting our communities. As communities face increasing budget pressures and challenges associated with changing environmental conditions, the demands placed on fire departments continue to grow. While firefighting has always involved inherent risks, one area receiving increased attention is exposure to chemicals PFAS used in firefighting operations.

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The study below examines PFAS exposure among Michigan firefighters and found that firefighters generally have higher levels of certain PFAS compounds in their systems than the general population. Any opportunity to reduce unnecessary exposure is worth considering. The research suggests that policies limiting the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams may be having a positive impact on reducing exposure levels.

Water should be used on fires whenever it is an effective option, although there are situations where firefighting foam remains the most appropriate and effective tool for controlling specific types of fires. Studies like this help inform decisions about how and when different suppression agents are used while balancing firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

I encourage you to review the study and consider its findings.

I would also like to recognize a dedicated fire department in Michigan's Upper Peninsula that works tirelessly to serve its community. At a time when many departments across the country struggle with recruitment, this department continues to train and mentor a strong group of young volunteers. A dozen or more young recruits. Maintaining that level of preparedness and preparing them requires significant investments in training, equipment, and ongoing education.

For businesses and individuals looking for meaningful ways to support their communities, contributing to local fire departments can have a direct and lasting impact. Many donations may qualify as tax-deductible contributions, depending on your circumstances. Supporting local emergency services is an excellent example of corporate and community responsibility, and every contribution helps ensure firefighters have the training and equipment they need to protect lives and property.

If you would like more information about supporting local firefighting efforts, feel free to reach out, send a message to the right or send me an email. muradabel@gmail.com. I will point you in the right direction.

PFAS Exposure Among Michigan Firefighters: Key Findings from the PFOMS Surveillance Project (2019–2024)

• The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance (PFOMS) Project examined PFAS exposure among Michigan firefighters to better understand occupational exposure risks and inform prevention strategies.
• Data were collected between April 2021 and September 2023 from 1,023 firefighters representing 64 fire departments across Michigan.
• The study measured 39 PFAS compounds in blood samples and also tested drinking water from selected fire stations.
• PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpS, and PFDA were detected in nearly all participating firefighters, indicating widespread PFAS exposure.
• Some PFAS compounds, including PFHpS, PFDA, PFNA, PFUnA, PFBS, PFDoA, and MeFOSAA, were detected more frequently in Michigan firefighters than in the general U.S. population.
• Average blood concentrations for most PFAS were lower than those reported in recent national NHANES data, although PFOS and branched PFOS concentrations were somewhat higher among Michigan firefighters.
• Airport firefighters generally had higher PFAS concentrations than non-airport firefighters, suggesting differences in occupational exposure patterns.
• Urban firefighters tended to have higher concentrations of several PFAS compounds compared with non-urban firefighters.
• Drinking water at fire stations was not identified as a major source of PFAS exposure; PFAS detections were uncommon and usually below health comparison values.
• The report suggests that Michigan policies limiting PFAS-containing firefighting foam use may have contributed to reduced occupational exposure, although PFAS exposure remains present through multiple pathways such as gear, dust, and historical contamination.

Manani, P., Carrick, J., Hueter, C., Gray, J., Wasilevich, E., Geiger, M., & Groetsch, K. (2026). The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan (PFOMS) Project: Biomonitoring of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Michigan firefighters (Report). Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Bureau. Link