JK photo

Jessica Keaton, our Social Impact Employee Programs and Engagement leader is kicking off a series about the [Auth0.org](http://auth0.org/) team and how we got here. I hope it’s both interesting and motivational for individuals looking to apply their skills from other professional backgrounds into roles and programs focused on contributing positively to society and the world.

Head of Employee Programs, Auth0.org

Jessica Keaton

Applying Valuable Social Work themes in a Corporate Environment

> March was National Social Work Month in the United States. Within the dotOrg team, we learned a great deal from Jessica Keaton, our head of Social Impact Engagement Programs, about her life as a professional school social worker and how she applies that to her work today. It is too good not to share.
She compiled this article to outline the transferable skills and value of bringing someone with social work skills into your organization.
This continues our series about the Auth0.org team and how we got here. I hope it’s both interesting and motivational for individuals looking to apply their skills from other professional backgrounds to roles and programs focused on contributing positively to society and the world. - _Peter Wheeler_

## Acting with Intent

Traditional social work skills are not always valued in the corporate world. However, they should be! These skills allow for a greater connection and sense of belonging and will correlate to employee happiness, productivity, and retention. Consider how you can show up in an intentional and impactful way by implementing one or all of these tips from a social worker:

1. **Consider the microelements when zooming out for the macro**. Small things make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. This can be as small as checking in on your colleague who looks like they’re having a bad day or asking for feedback with enough foresight to make suggested edits. A small action will create ripple effects that are ongoing in the team environment. 
2. **Meet people where they are. Identify the starting line and build the foundation to keep moving that line forward**. Working, solving, and creating solutions together will set your team up for the biggest success!
3. **Recognize different types of learning (or working) styles**. Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing learners. Incorporate various modalities into your meetings to set your team members up for success. Yes, the busy nature of a corporate does not always allow for advanced timing, but when you have that luxury, build in opportunities for your employees to shine. Send out the agenda and key questions a few days early for some people like to process their ideas, then share. Add a parking lot to your meeting to keep people on track. Ask that people limit their speaking time, so everyone can be heard. Small, intentional acts help all team members to be seen and heard.
4. **_(channeling my best movie intro voice)_ In a world where zoom fatigue is trending, show others that you’re paying attention**. Active listening allows you to reflect back on what you heard to mitigate any misunderstandings at the source. 
5. **Advocate for others in the way you wish someone advocated for you**. Let’s be honest; it can be hard breaking into a career field or even a higher role in a company. Lend a helping hand to someone. Take the LinkedIn connection call! 
6. **Normalize failure because not all journeys are linear**. They can look like a Mario Kart racetrack sometimes! The important part is to call out the learnings and commit to moving forward. This also helps build psychological safety and a growth mindset within your team, allowing you to achieve and innovate more.
7. **Everyone in the room is an expert**. We are all experts in our lives and unique experiences. We bring different skills to the table that can be additive to discussions and brainstorming sessions. Great ideas come from everywhere when we listen and create space.
8. **Celebrate wins and recognize efforts!** Take the time and space to celebrate your work together because there will always be another task! Take the space to refill your cup, then jump back in to get the next project done.
9. **Silos are dangerous: all systems need to be speaking with one other to know what is happening across; not many great things are created by one person**. Speak to your colleagues to gain a slightly different perspective on a problem you’ve been looking at for too long.
10. **The whole child approach speaks to considering all the factors around a student while placing the student at the center of the intervention**. We can take a whole employee approach to consider all factors of the workplace and an individual’s success within a role or company.
11. **Individualized plans: each client has an individualized treatment plan which meets their needs**. Employees would greatly benefit from similar plans for their career trajectory and professional development. You’ll also entice them to stay longer when they can see their future selves growing at and with your company!
12. **Language and words are able to align or divide us as we work together**. For instance, when working with students in schools, I was intentional about calling saying “student” instead of “kids” because the former is using intentional, empowering language—words matter. Make sure yours are lifting others up.
13. **Q-TIP**: When I worked at an alternative therapeutic high school, my supervisor kept Q-Tips on her desk. One school day, a student escalated and threatened me. As I was debriefing the situation with her, I reflected with statements like, “I’m not sure where I went wrong in the situation. What do you think I could have said differently?” She casually handed me a Q-TIP, and I felt super confused and self-conscious that my ears were dirty! I sat there for a moment, looking at this object she had just handed me. After, what felt like three minutes, she said, “Quit taking it personally. Q-TIP! We have no clue what our students experience before they walk into our classroom. Their reactions are not always about something we did.” The same applies to our colleagues. We have no clue what they are bringing to work with them on a day-to-day basis.

 

Be intentional in how you show up. Intentional in how you interact with your colleagues. Intentional in how you interact with nonprofit partners - call out those power dynamics and work to counteract their impact! Intentionality is the key. No one deserves a half-baked approach. Show you care and why you care. You’ll be unforgettable! 

 

Oh, and **hire more social workers**! I promise you that social work skill sets translate to your company far better than you realize! Imagine expert people managers, facilitators, crisis managers, human resources partners, stakeholder management professionals, project managers, skilled collaborators, and the list goes on! These are skills social workers use on a daily basis to meet the needs of clients, but your organization could benefit greatly from these skills as well.

Bringing Social Work Skills to the Workplace

auziros:mckenzie-mayer

Customer Identity (CIAM) Product Comms lead, driving collective storytelling across Okta and Auth0. Making technology accessible for everyone.

Customer Identity Product Comms Lead at Okta

McKenzie Mayer

Auth0 recognized among Britain’s five best places to work in technology, and one of 20 “most engaged” employers

**LONDON – 2 November 2021** – The [Auth0 Identity Platform](https://auth0.com/), a product unit within [Okta, Inc.](https://www.okta.com/) (NASDAQ: OKTA), today announced it has been named among Britain’s five best places to work in technology, and one of the top 20 “most engaged” employers in the [WorkL Workplace Awards 2021](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/10/26/winners-workl-workplace-awards-2021-revealed/).

Conducted in partnership with The Telegraph, the awards recognize UK employers across 26 industries that score highest on a staff satisfaction survey. The five companies with the highest scores in each category are awarded gold status for the most engaged workforce. Of the 20,000 companies that entered, a select few are also recognized as the most inclusive, best in well-being, and having the most engaged employees – including Auth0.

“I’m pleased to congratulate Auth0 on its gold medal. After such a difficult 18 months in business, I’m pleased that our awards are celebrating organizations that are leading the way, creating happy and engaged employees,” said Lord Mark Price, founder of WorkL, and former UK Trade Minister and ex-managing director of British supermarket brand, Waitrose & Partners.

Employer scores, called the “Workplace Happiness Score,” are calculated based on employee feedback about reward and recognition, information sharing, empowerment, well-being, and other elements of job satisfaction over the past year. The awards are the latest in a series of accolades recognizing Auth0’s remote working DNA and culture, including the [UK’s Best Companies to Work For List](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-named-one-of-the-10-best-mid-sized-companies-to-work-for-in-london/) and [Best Companies Accreditation](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-awarded-highest-accreditation-by-best-companies-uk/).

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our employees who responded to the survey, and all who continue to make Auth0 a great place to work,” said Steven Rees-Pullman, SVP International at Auth0. “From Auth0's inception, our founders instilled values of transparency, collaboration, and experimentation into the business. Those values are exemplified by all of our employees and create this award-winning culture. Many congratulations to all!”

Auth0 is now part of Okta, the leading independent identity provider, with a vision to provide secure access to any technology. Learn more about what it’s like to work here, and apply to join our growing team on the [Auth0 Careers Page](https://auth0.com/careers).

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />

### Media Contacts
Auth0 Global Communications 
[press@auth0.com](mailto:press@auth0.com)

Auth0 Wins Gold at WorkL Workplace Awards 2021

auziros:jeana-tahnk

Jeana has been in the tech industry for 15+ years, both as a communications professional and writer. As Director of Global Communications at Auth0, she works with her internal team and external agencies to amplify the company's visibility worldwide and establish its leadership in the identity industry. When she is not working, she can most likely be found on a field watching one of her three kids playing sports, or cleaning up after her one-year-old retriever who chews everything.

Senior Director, Global Communications

Jeana Tahnk

Joins exclusive group of AWS Partners with deep expertise and proven success in helping customers around the world build a secure digital workplace

**BELLEVUE, Wash. – June 3, 2021 –** The [Auth0](https://auth0.com/) Identity Platform, a product unit within Okta, today announced that it has achieved [Amazon Web Services (AWS) Digital Workplace Competency](https://aws.amazon.com/products/end-user-computing/partner-solutions/?partner-solutions-cards.sort-by=item.additionalFields.partnerNameLower&partner-solutions-cards.sort-order=asc) status. This global designation recognizes that Auth0 provides identity and access management (IAM) and deep expertise in supporting customers that need to effectively support their remote workers and business continuity with end-to-end digital workplace solutions in the cloud.

AWS Digital Workplace Competency Partner solutions free end users from the office by allowing them to work securely on any device, from anywhere, at any time. Achieving the AWS Digital Workplace Competency differentiates Auth0 as an AWS Partner Network (APN) member that provides specialized demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success with specific focus on helping customers deploy digital workplace services on AWS. To receive the designation, AWS Partners must possess deep AWS expertise and deliver solutions seamlessly on AWS.

“The onset of COVID-19 has accelerated the transition to digital services and remote work, and identity is an essential role in that shift,” said Eric Snyder, Senior Director of Business Development at Auth0. “As a remote-centric company since 2013 and a leader in helping organizations across all industries secure their valued assets and data more firmly, we are proud to achieve AWS Digital Workplace Competency status and are dedicated to helping companies achieve their technology goals by leveraging the agility, breadth of services, and pace of innovation that AWS provides.”

AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, AWS established the [AWS Competency Program](https://aws.amazon.com/partners/competencies/) to help customers identify Consulting and Technology AWS Partners with deep industry experience and expertise.

Auth0 is an AWS Partner in the APN and recently joined the [AWS Public Sector Partner (PSP) program](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-joins-the-amazon-web-services-public-sector-partner-program/). Additionally, the company achieved the [AWS Security Competency](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-achieves-aws-security-competency/) status in 2020 and provides AWS customers with seamless access to [professional services in AWS Marketplace](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-supports-the-launch-of-professional-services-in-aws-marketplace/). For more details, please see [Auth0’s AWS integration options](https://auth0.com/docs/integrations/aws).

[Auth0, recently acquired by Okta](https://auth0.com/blog/okta-acquisition-announcement/), provides a modern identity platform that helps organizations meet the security, privacy, and convenience needs of their users. Please visit [Auth0 Identity Platform](https://auth0.com/identity-platform) to learn more.

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />
### Media Contacts
Global Communications 
Auth0 
[press@auth0.com](mailto:press@auth0.com) 

Matter for Auth0 
[auth0@matternow.com](mailto:auth0@matternow.com)

Auth0 Achieves AWS Digital Workplace Competency Status

Best Companies lists showcase top employers for workplace engagement

**LONDON – June 8, 2021 –** The [Auth0](https://auth0.com/) Identity Platform, a product unit within Okta, today announced that it has been named a top employer in three lists compiled by Best Companies, including #10 on the ‘[London’s 50 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For](https://www.b.co.uk/lists/best-mid-sized-companies-in-london)’ list. The 2021 winners were revealed across several regional, sector, and national lists during the Best Companies Live virtual event. 

The identity management company, which received a [3 Star Accreditation](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-awarded-highest-accreditation-by-best-companies-uk/) for ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement, also ranked #14 on the ‘[Technology’s 50 Best Companies to Work For](https://www.b.co.uk/sectors/technology)’ list, and #29 on ‘[The UK’s 100 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For](https://www.b.co.uk/lists/best-mid-sized-companies)’ list.

Best Companies’ lists represent organizations with the highest Best Companies Index (BCI) scores in each category. Scores are calculated based on an anonymous engagement survey distributed to their UK-based employees, explained in detail [here](https://www.b.co.uk/accreditation). Best Companies specifically highlighted [Auth0’s remote-friendly culture](https://www.b.co.uk/companies/auth0) and innovation during the pandemic, including its first company-wide virtual learning summit and social impact programs.

“Congratulations, Auth0. Earning a place on a list as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For is an accolade like no other. It recognizes your commitment to your employees and demonstrates that you see workplace engagement as a vital part of your organization’s success – well done indeed,” said Jonathan Austin, founder and CEO of Best Companies.

“Remote working is part of Auth0’s DNA, and we’re committed to creating a great experience for all Auth0 employees, no matter where they choose to live and work,” said Carolyn Moore, SVP of People at Auth0. “Being recognized as a great place to work in our international markets during an especially difficult year is hugely validating for our global approach to employee well-being and our simply awesome local teams.”

Auth0 helps businesses manage their online user base and provide secure access to their digital applications. Among the company’s best known product features are [Universal Login](https://auth0.com/docs/universal-login), which allows software development teams to quickly deploy and customize a login experience for their users, and [Adaptive Multi-factor Authentication (MFA](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-introduces-adaptive-mfa/)), which helps prevent cyber attacks by triggering an additional identity check when suspicious login activity is detected. 

Auth0 was [recently acquired by Okta](https://auth0.com/blog/okta-acquisition-announcement/) with a shared vision to provide secure access and enable everyone to safely use any technology. Learn more, and apply to join our global team on the [Auth0 Careers page](https://auth0.com/careers).

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />

Auth0 Named One of the 10 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For in London

Graham Moody joins as first people director for Auth0’s international business 

**LONDON – 20 January 2021 –** The [Auth0](https://auth0.com/) Identity Platform, a product unit within Okta, today announced it has earned a 3 Star Accreditation from [Best Companies](https://www.b.co.uk/) as one of the best places to work in the UK. Best Companies’ methodology powers _The Best Companies to Work For_ lists, spotlighting the UK’s best workplaces on a national stage.

The 3 Star Accreditation is Best Companies’ highest standard of workplace engagement, recognizing organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and management during the pandemic and an extraordinary commitment to employee wellbeing and growth. Qualifying organizations must score 738 or higher on the Best Companies engagement survey distributed to their UK-based employees (Auth0 scored 833.6).

“Being a well-led and well-managed organization with extraordinary levels of employee engagement during these unprecedented times is an exceptional achievement. It demonstrates Auth0’s commitment to their people at a time when it means more than ever before – congratulations,” said Jonathan Austin, founder, and CEO of Best Companies.

Among Auth0’s results, 95% of respondents agreed with the statement, “I love working for this organization,” and 93% agreed with, “My manager cares about how satisfied I am in my job.” Read more about [what it’s like to work at Auth0](https://www.b.co.uk/company-profile/?Auth0-108768) on the Best Companies website.

“We are thrilled with the 3 Star Accreditation from Best Companies, especially because it’s an organization that truly celebrates and recognizes the incredible impact that culture has on the health and success of a company,” said Carolyn Moore, SVP People at Auth0. “Culture has been a cornerstone for Auth0 since day one, and we have invested a great deal of time and resources into ensuring that it flourishes regardless of how large we grow.”

The Best Companies accreditation is the latest recognition of [Auth0’s remote-friendly culture](https://auth0.com/press/awards) and the company’s first best place to work award in Europe, Middle East, and Africa region (EMEA). [Auth0 recently doubled its EMEA business](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-doubles-business-in-the-emea-region/), which benefits from a strong local team in key geographies across the region.

Auth0 continues to invest in its culture around the world by welcoming Graham Moody as the first people director for its international business. Moody has led people and culture teams for startups and large multinationals, including Genius Sports, Ansarada, and VMware. Based in London, he leads the company’s human resources and employee experience functions to help foster Auth0’s outstanding culture at scale.

Watch our [interview with Graham Moody](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ14qQz3cfJILFcgg9eR5KdUbvQFQfcPn), and visit the [Auth0 careers page](https://auth0.com/careers) to join our growing team.

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />

### Media Contacts
Global Communications 
Auth0 
[press@auth0.com](mailto:press@auth0.com) 

_Richard Scarlett or Jamie Waddell_ 
Finn Partners for Auth0, EMEA 
[Auth0-EMEA@finnpartners.com](mailto:Auth0-EMEA@finnpartners.com)

Auth0 Awarded Highest Accreditation by Best Companies UK

FlexJobs and Built In Seattle recognize Auth0 for industry-leading perks, benefits, and remote-friendly culture

**BELLEVUE, Wash. – January 21, 2020 –** The [Auth0](https://auth0.com/) Identity Platform, a product unit within Okta, today announced it has been included on [FlexJobs’ annual list of ‘Top 100 Companies to Watch for Remote Jobs in 2020'](https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/100-top-companies-with-remote-jobs-2020/) and [Built In Seattle’s list of ‘Best Places to Work in 2020'](https://www.builtinseattle.com/companies/best-places-to-work-seattle-2020), both of which recognize Auth0 for its flexible, remote-friendly culture, and commitment to providing its employees with the best benefits and perks. 

Based on an analysis of more than 54,000 companies and their remote job posting histories in the FlexJobs database in 2019, Auth0 – along with companies like Amazon, Aetna, JPMorgan Chase, Dell, and Salesforce – had the highest number of remote job openings on the FlexJobs site last year. The number of people telecommuting in the U.S. has dramatically increased by [159 percent](https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexjobs-gwa-report-remote-growth/) since 2005, with remote work bringing very real benefits to both employers and workers, such as greater work-life balance, wider talent pool, higher productivity, stronger retention rates, and much more.

Auth0 was also recognized for its top employee perks and benefits on Built In Seattle’s list of Best Places to Work in 2020. Built In's ‘Best Places to Work’ list rates companies based on their employer benefits and employee submitted compensation data. 

“We pride ourselves on being a company that enables our team members to do their best work – regardless of location – at a global scale,” said Eugenio Pace, CEO, and co-founder of Auth0. “Our inclusion on the FlexJobs and Built In Seattle lists is a reflection of our dedication to providing the best culture and work-life balance for our team that spans more than 33 countries, and we’re honored for the recognition.”

Auth0 is dedicated to creating a work environment that centers around collaboration, communication, and culture. Inclusion in these listings is continued validation of this dedication and follows other ‘best places to work’ recognition, including [Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces 2019](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-recognized-as-one-of-inc-magazines-best-workplaces-2019/) and Battery Ventures’ [50 Highest Rated Private Cloud Computing Companies To Work For](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-named-one-of-50-highest-rated-private-cloud-computing-companies-to-work-for/). 

Auth0 provides a competitive total rewards package including (but not limited to): 401(k) matching, flexible paid vacation time, career development opportunities and training, competitive parental leave, diversity and inclusion initiatives, top of the line gear, an annual company-wide offsite, and other flexible and generous practices. For current job opportunities, please visit [https://auth0.com/career](https://auth0.com/careers). 

## About FlexJobs
[FlexJobs](https://www.flexjobs.com/) is a premium online job service for professionals seeking flexible work, specializing in full-time and part-time remote jobs, employee and freelance jobs, and on-site jobs with flexible, part-time, and alternative schedules. Since its start in 2007, FlexJobs has helped more than 4 million people in their job searches and has created the largest vetted database of legitimate flexible job opportunities in over 50 career categories. Besides, FlexJobs provides robust career support, including curated expert resources and career coaching services, to partner with job seekers in all phases of their journey. A trusted source in the media, FlexJobs has been cited in top national outlets such as CNN, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNBC, Forbes, and many others. FlexJobs' Founder & CEO Sara Sutton has also launched two additional partner sites, [Remote.co](http://remote.co/) and [1 Million for Work Flexibility](http://www.workflexibility.org/), to help provide education and awareness about the viability and benefits of flexible work. Sutton is the creator of [The TRaD* Works Forum (Telecommuting, Remote, & Distributed)](https://trad.works/), dedicated to helping companies leverage the benefits of telecommuting, remote and distributed teams.

## About Built In
Working in tech is a way of life. Built In helps people live it with purpose. Across the most vibrant tech hubs in the US, Built In helps tech professionals stay on top of tech news and trends, expand their networks and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Built In attracts a niche audience of 1 million tech professionals every month and, in 2019, the company hit a milestone, serving 1,100 companies annually. Built In recently launched BuiltIn.com, a national hub for tech trend coverage and resources to help professionals grow in their careers.

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />

### Media Contacts
Kaycie East 
Auth0 Communications 
[press@auth0.com](mailto:press@auth0.com) 
 
Alexandria Plew 
Matter for Auth0 
[auth0@matternow.com](mailto:auth0@matternow.com)

Auth0 Honored for Excellent Workplace Culture in Two Industry ‘Best of’ Lists

As one of the highest-scoring businesses, Auth0 has standout employee engagement

**BELLEVUE, Wash. -- May 23, 2019 --** [Auth0](https://auth0.com/), a global leader in Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS), is pleased to announce it has been named one of _Inc._ magazine’s [Best Workplaces for 2019](https://www.inc.com/best-workplaces-2019.html). Inclusion in this list is a reflection of Auth0’s emphasis on culture, and follows another recent accolade as one of the [50 Highest Rated Private Cloud Companies to Work For](https://auth0.com/blog/auth0-named-one-of-50-highest-rated-private-cloud-computing-companies-to-work-for/). 
 
“We work hard to create a ‘relationship culture,’ where trust, honesty, and openness are always embraced; and perks like unlimited vacation time and flexible work styles are encouraged,” said Melinda Starbird, VP of People and Culture at Auth0. “We strive to make Auth0 a place where people truly want to work, and appreciate recognition of that effort by _Inc._ magazine.”

The strongest engagement scores came from companies that prioritize the most human elements of work. These companies are leading the way in employee recognition, performance management, and diversity. It’s a different playbook from a decade ago, when too many firms used the same template: free food, open work environments, and artifacts of “fun.”

Hitting newsstands May 28 in the June 2019 issue, and as part of a prominent _Inc.com_ feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies that have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Collecting data on nearly 2,000 submissions, _Inc._ singled out 346 finalists.
 
Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Omaha’s Quantum Workplace, on topics including trust, management effectiveness, perks, and confidence in the future. _Inc._ gathered, analyzed, and audited the data. All employers were ranked using a composite score of survey results. This year, 74.2 percent of surveyed employees were engaged by their work—besting last year’s 72.1 percent.

All companies had to have a minimum of 10 employees and be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent—that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies.

While researching the finalists, _Inc._ and Quantum saw distinct themes:

- 99 percent provide health insurance—and some cover the cost.
- 49 percent allow employees to bring pets to work.
- 65 percent take employees to offsite retreats to relax and recharge. 
- 16 percent offer paid sabbaticals to reward length of service.
 
"With today's tight labor market, building a great corporate culture is more important than ever,” says _Inc._ magazine editor in chief James Ledbetter. “The companies on _Inc._'s Best Workplaces list are setting an example that the whole country can learn from."

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />

## About _Inc._ Media

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, _Inc._ is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Age’s “A-List” in January 2015, and a National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012, _Inc._ has a monthly audience reach that’s grown from two million in 2010 to more than 20 million today. For more information, visit Inc.com.
 
## About Quantum Workplace

Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com.


### Media Contacts

Jeana Tahnk 
Corporate Communications 
Auth0 
[jeana.tahnk@auth0.com](mailto:jeana.tahnk@auth0.com)

Kasia Hall 
Matter for Auth0 
[khall@matternow.com](mailto:khall@matternow.com) 
971-246-7898

Auth0 Recognized as One of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces 2019

diegopoza

System Engineer, geek, foodie, technology lover, speaker.

Sr Manager, Developer Advocacy

Diego Poza

Biometric authentication and Apple’s new T2 chip improves security in and out of the physical workplace.



On October 30th, Apple released three new pieces of hardware. The MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and Mac mini come hot on the heels of [Apple's iOS 12 rollout](https://auth0.com/blog/apple-ios-12-is-it-the-most-secure-ios-ever/) in September, along with additional changes to the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Far more than just expensive stocking stuffers, these devices have important security features that Mac-using teams should be up to date on. For teams looking to modernize their legacy systems, endorsing device upgrades is a concrete first step.

While many companies, particularly in finance, still rely on PCs, several tech-forward teams like IBM and SAP have brought Macs into the workplace. With many more employees working remotely and from their personal devices, it's important for all companies to stay up to date on these new devices — and their security features.

## The new MacBook Air includes Touch ID.

![MacBook Air - Touch ID](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/2tel54DnDT3fvLAH6ON80Z/bcfe26059120b72a152c0c9d5272584c/macbook)

[[Image Source](https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/mac/macbook-air-2018-3605337/)]

In gold, silver, and space gray, the new MacBook Air finally has a fresh design for the first time since 2015. Its screen (13.3 inches) stretches across almost the entire width and has four times as many pixels (4 million total) as the prior version, which makes for a far more immersive visual experience. It also has an [improved keyboard](https://www.wired.com/review/apple-macbook-air-2018/), which is quieter than the 2015 version and has a larger trackpad.

In addition to the new retina display, the 2018 MacBook Air incorporates [Touch ID](https://auth0.com/docs/multifactor-authentication/touchid) that allows users to log on and make payments more securely.

Touch ID is a form of [biometric authentication](https://auth0.com/blog/tags/biometric-identity/), which requires inputting a unique physical feature (e.g., a thumbprint) to move forward.

![Macbook Air Touch ID Location](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/2vlUvVOQP1yfPcHUQPAq4H/21a32a9693ebf715b163f646f2348c1a/touch-id-location)

[Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207054)]

Biometrics used elsewhere include voice recognition, typing recognition, and even gait analysis.

Touch ID isn't a new feature (many users use it on their iPhones); however, it's new to the MacBook Air and improves the speed and quality of the experience.

Touch ID on the MacBook Air has several advantages. Primarily, if someone steals your device, and you've set up Touch ID, they won't be able to access your files without your fingerprint. Even if they have figured out your [password](https://www.godaddy.com/garage/10-best-practices-for-creating-and-securing-stronger-passwords/), they won't be able to break in. As with other [multi-factor authentication](https://auth0.com/docs/multifactor-authentication) methods, sealing sensitive data with additional layers of proprietary information can divert hackers towards easier targets.

One disadvantage of Touch ID is that Apple learns a user's fingerprint, based on a series of initial images it takes, which leaves room for error. A sensor combines several sections of a fingerprint and categorizes them into one of three basic fingerprint types: the arch, the loop, or the whorl. According to Apple, this mathematical representation leaves a [1 in 50,000 chance](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204587) that two people will be able to log into the same device to make the same transaction. To mitigate the risk, Touch ID improves its matching accuracy over time, based on a larger sample of log-in attempts.

Touch ID runs on Apple's new [T2 chip](https://www.apple.com/mac/docs/Apple_T2_Security_Chip_Overview.pdf). The T2 is a secure co-processor that works alongside the main CPU — the part of a computer that receives inputs and runs programs. The T2 (an update on the 2016 T1) focuses largely on encryption-related operations, underlying Touch ID. Because it exists separately from the CPU, the T2 diverts sensitive data from the core processor, which is what hackers often aim for.

For teams working with sensitive customer information, T2 and Touch ID work in unison to create a safer workflow.

## The iPad Pro relies on deeper machine learning with new Face ID feature.

![iPad Pro with Face ID Feature](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/1dhgjrqOZJyEybPotsvHZb/a5864ca70d867ff04c8572f3615808e0/ipad-pro-faceID)

[Source: [Apple](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2018/10/new-ipad-pro-with-all-screen-design-is-most-advanced-powerful-ipad-ever/)]

The iPad Pro offers many advantages for teams and individuals on the go. It's highly portable — 25% less volume and just 5.9 mm thin— yet maintains the largest display of any iPad. Its screen adjusts to the viewer's orientation (e.g., if you flip it lengthwise, like the iPhone, the display will flip accordingly), and Apple's True Tone and anti-reflective coating makes the experience feel more natural, particularly after heavy usage.

The iPad Pro also incorporates Face ID — another form of biometric authentication. As you might guess, Face ID relies on the user's facial features to unlock the device, which many see as a step beyond a simple thumbprint.

To achieve this level of recognition, Apple has embedded a deeper level of [machine learning](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208108) into the new iPad Pro. Its TrueDepth camera creates a detailed map of a user’s face from 30,000 data points. From there, the Secure Enclave (part of the T2 processor) encrypts it. The more times a user logs in, the more the software refines the facial model. It starts to learn a user's face even if she or he is wearing a hat or sunglasses, grows a beard, or puts on makeup. If it detects a close match (but not close enough), it prompts a user to enter a password for confirmation.

Because the iPad Pro is easy to travel with, the added facial recognition element helps balance the risk of taking sensitive data outside of an office environment.

## Mac mini helps secure the home office.

Many people don't think of adding an extra layer of security when [working from home](https://www.teampay.co/insights/tools-for-managing-a-remote-workforce/); however, with the number of [data breaches](https://auth0.com/blog/what-is-a-data-breach/) on the rise, being as careful as possible can pay off.

Suitable for both home computing and industrial-size tasks, the Mac mini has finally emerged from its prior 2015 form. The device has five times the speed of the old version and 70% more MSP (maximum sustained power) for working with larger files.

Many people use Mac minis at home if they're doing tasks like creating and uploading videos and music. Because it's not tied to a specific screen, the computer is more versatile, as well. It can easily sit on a desk or in a corner — wherever it's more convenient.

With regards to security, the Mac mini also relies on Apple's T2 chip.

![Apple's T2 Chip](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/nQHG7K8GhMQ7hEiYjO1Yy/3db56419f33a5093c54dad9b05c6ce82/t2-chip)

[Source: [Apple](https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/)]

T2 also supports [Secure Boot](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208330), which helps ensure that when you start the computer, it loads only trusted software. If the OS doesn't pass verification, the user will be prompted to reinstall the software — or select a different startup disk, which will also have to pass inspection.

Running software that is outdated can introduce enormous risks into your system — holes that cybercriminals can move through or even the simple danger of losing data on your own if the computer shuts off or doesn't save work properly.

The Mac mini isn't as high profile as the rest of Apple's hardware, but for the employee without the benefits of traditional workplace security, it's a great foundation for keeping safe at home.

## Modernize your legacy systems to stay safe and productive.

[Updating your legacy systems](https://auth0.com/blog/how-do-i-modernize-my-legacy-system/), even at the level of individual pieces of hardware, can have an enormous impact on your workflow and security. New Mac products are expensive (the 2018 MacBook Air starts at $1,199, and the iPad Pro and Mac mini start at $799), but the benefits of safer authentication, separation between the core process and T2 chip for encrypted data, and the ability to double-check your OS before you run it can be profound.

Running on the latest systems can help mitigate threats like spyware, phishing, and bucket brigade attacks, also known as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, which have [nearly destroyed companies](https://www.wired.com/story/equifax-breach-no-excuse/).

Even if your company hasn't invested in Mac devices, with many employees bringing their own devices to work these days or working remotely, understanding the rewards and vulnerabilities of the new Mac products can help you make smarter security decisions for your team as a whole.


What Mac-Using Teams Need To Know About Apple’s Latest Hardware Releases

jenny-obrien

I'm a former business journalist who's fascinated by the intersection of tech and business strategy — in particular how the right solution can transform an idea into reality. I specialize in ROI, data privacy, and identity.

Business Content Manager

Jenny O'Brien

Constantly test new technologies, monitor user behavior, and maintain secure networks to reap the full rewards.

While humans traditionally have staffed assembly lines, prepped and served food, and entered data into spreadsheets — more and more, machines are taking over these tasks. Although we're far from seeing robots at work that dominate entire professions, organizations are beginning to realize value from integrating intelligent machines into day-to-day operations. Small fixes like allowing machines to [prep tax forms](https://www.teampay.co/insights/finance-jobs-taken-by-robots/) or support with [revenue recognition](https://www.zuora.com/2018/05/31/the-art-and-science-of-revenue-automation-practical-lessons-for-automating-revenue-under-asc-606/) can speed things up during crunch time and allow employees to do more creative and complex work.

With advances in workplace automation come a new set of security concerns. Interconnected devices and systems mean that an attack in one location can have ripple effects across an entire company. A [data breach](https://auth0.com/blog/what-is-a-data-breach/) in one factory, for example, could halt processes across several plants. If cyberthieves illegally access patient records, they have the power to tamper with patients' medical devices and buy prescription drugs in their name.

This piece highlights three major examples of workplace automation and the ways team leaders can enhance the security of these systems to mitigate their risks.

## Warehouses: Peeking Under the Hood of Amazon

When people think of robots, they don't often think of warehouses and inventory turnover. Amazon is changing this. In 2014, Amazon began rolling out robots at work to automate and speed up processes in its warehouse facilities.

The company has more than [700 distribution facilities worldwide](http://www.mwpvl.com/html/amazon_com.html). At the height of last year's holiday season, Bisnow reports that some of Amazon's warehouses delivered [more than 1 million](https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/industrial/how-amazon-prepares-for-the-holiday-delivery-rush-81726) items per day.

![Amazon's RoboStow](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/2IYft6NC5lAjSqy0JCkNQ8/8f702a74fe3b41e6ac4341f7789c191a/automated)

[Amazon's RoboStow](https://press.aboutamazon.com/images-videos)

RoboStow, one of Amazon's most powerful robots, weighs a whopping six tons and can move pallets of products over twenty feet high across a warehouse floor. This drastically reduces the physical labor and risk for Amazon's human employees. With its enormous capacity, RoboStow has helped Amazon store [50% more inventory](https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/06/technology/amazon-warehouse-robots/index.html) over the last five years and reduce the human labor portion of shipping to just [one minute](https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/06/technology/amazon-warehouse-robots/index.html) per package.

The results have also corresponded with a boost to Amazon's finances. According to a Slice Intelligence report, cited in The Wall Street Journal, in 2017 the company [retained 42 cents of every dollar spent online](https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-amazon-can-make-or-break-holiday-retail-1511265601), up from 38 cents in 2016. This highlights improvements in the company's ability to cut costs and overall operational efficiency.

Despite the hype around RoboStow, the machine isn’t 100% secure. While new robots may appear like they’re bulletproof, in reality they’re subject to many of the same flaws as other devices connected to the internet.

One [recent study](https://ioactive.com/robots-want-bitcoins-too/) by IOActive highlighted how their research team was able to steer several of Softbank’s robots meant for telecommunications to curse at people instead. They did this by injecting ransomware into the robot’s system through a public Wi-Fi network. Since many robots store valuable data (even if they’re simply transmitting it to a different endpoint), the team also revealed how hackers might access a robot’s software remotely, freeze it, and force the robot’s handlers to deliver something of value (e.g., money or other sensitive data) before unlocking it again.

In 2017 IOActive found nearly [50 vulnerabilities](https://ioactive.com/robots-want-bitcoins-too/) through which hackers could command popular commercial robots remotely. For Amazon and other companies that employ robots for physical labor in their warehouses, the dangers to human employees if a robot is hijacked or malfunctions could be severe.

While there is no single solution for fully securing machines like RoboStow, applying the same techniques used to [secure other mobile devices](https://auth0.com/blog/ten-mobile-security-threats-and-what-you-can-do-to-fight-back/), such as unique and complex passwords, employee education, and keeping systems updated goes a long way towards deterring dishonest users.

## Factory Robots Exposed via Routers

The epitome of monotonous (and often hazardous) labor — factory work is a popular target for workplace automation.

Today, Japan-based FANUC is leading the way with a factory that builds industrial robots for sectors as diverse as transportation and big pharma.

![Industrial Robots](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/5u8tKWzuaPWA28wWLBfM1L/40a3a017f2895841b7f0ff1a1f632ac1/automated)

Source: [FANUC](https://www.fanuc.eu/fr/en/robots)

[Nearly 80%](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-10-18/this-company-s-robots-are-making-everything-and-reshaping-the-world) of FANUC's assembly work is automated. [According to the company](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-10-18/this-company-s-robots-are-making-everything-and-reshaping-the-world), human engineers complete only the wiring portion of the finished robots. That helps cut the costs of production dramatically and expands FANUC's margins.

Yet even this cutting-edge team isn't safe from cybercrime. Last year, researchers found that [over 80,000 industrial routers were exposed](https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities---threats/researchers-hack-industrial-robot-/d/d-id/1328790) on the public internet, including those of FANUC. Industrial routers underlie remote networks and devices and support automation at many levels, yet despite their outsized importance, this research found that several of these devices didn't even require authentication.

[Authentication](https://auth0.com/docs/getting-started/overview) is critical to building a secure company foundation. Without it, organizations aren't able to verify the identities of its users —including employees, consultants, and customers. Without authentication, it's a cinch for a dishonest user to sneak in and steal company secrets.

At FANUC or another manufacturer with connected devices, a breach in one location could have widespread consequences across operations. As a company decision-maker, it's critical to constantly test for holes and patch and upgrade your systems to ensure that they're able to withstand increasingly numerous and complex threats.

## The Automated Workplace of McDonald's

Restaurants and food service have some of the more visible examples of automation. A robot barista Cafe X, for example, recently opened up shop in San Francisco.

![Robot Barista CafeX](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/3VC1VT1WQ9iDbmtXwdTj4I/b20c9a7437703161633051e9b7b99ec5/automated)

[Image Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4r6nAkav9o)

Robots have also been spotted [flipping burgers](https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2018/05/28/hamburger-making-robot-flippy-back-serving-300-burgers-day/649370002/) and [delivering meals](https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2017/03/23/520848983/hungry-call-your-neighborhood-delivery-robot).

On a large scale, McDonald’s has boosted workplace automation by installing thousands of ordering kiosks. The company is aiming to install kiosks in [_1,000 stores_](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/04/mcdonalds-to-add-self-order-kiosks-to-1000-stores-each-quarter.html) each quarter until its entire network is complete.

![McDonald's Ordering Kiosk](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/1Ia8lLIiQuLScjPcHK4IIy/a0d5e23154170cbc02f03bf9a6f49276/automated)

[Source](https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-kiosk-vs-cashiers-photos-2018-3#the-beauty-of-the-kiosk-really-is-customization-making-your-order-the-way-you-want-it-on-here-is-much-easier-than-repeating-what-you-want-to-a-cashier-several-times-just-hit-the-customize-button-after-youve-chosen-the-item-you-want-and-go-from-there-9)

At the kiosk, customers can customize their meal — easily adding toppings and viewing nutritional information, such as calories. This reduces lag time in speaking with an employee at the cash register. McDonald's has also figured out how to present menu options on these digital screens in a more tantalizing format. They noted that customers spend an average of [_30%_](https://www.pymnts.com/restaurant-technology/2018/mcdonalds-kiosk-strategy/) more when using automated kiosks.

These kiosks certainly aren't immune to hacks. Last year, someone breached a McDonald's kiosk in Australia and removed [$4.70 from their order.](https://www.kioskmarketplace.com/articles/how-vulnerable-are-kiosks-to-hacking/) This might seem like a fun prank; however, the implications for customers and for the company's operations are more dire. If a hacker can access order histories, it’s likely they can also view customer names and credit card information.

Even in common products like ordering kiosks, being able to control users' navigation and access historical behaviors on the platforms are critical to figuring out where there might be holes.

## New machines, similar security problems.

Despite their allure, robots at work have many of the same vulnerabilities as other pieces of hardware — and workplace automation falls prey to holes in unsecured networks. In the worst case scenario with robots, cybercriminals could exploit weak points to control their movements and cause harm to human employees or a company's operations. At the other end of the spectrum, stealing a few dollars by breaching ordering kiosks still underscores larger risks of personal data theft.

An interconnected workplace —with systems that help ease time-consuming, costly, and low-value work —can be an enormous asset. Learning from leaders in the field is a great place to begin. Understanding where they've fallen short will help your organization go one step further and create an even stronger foundation on which to grow.

<include src="asides/AboutAuth0" />

---

Staying Safe in the Automated Workplace

eHk3ciM

I am the Group Manager, Developer Content at Okta, and a Google Developer Expert in Web Technologies and Angular. I'm passionate about identity, authentication, constant learning, and developer communities. As a developer advocate, engineer, mentor, and international speaker, I love learning from and sharing with other inhabitants of the tech space.

Group Manager, Developer Content

Kim Maida

Explore the many ways to manage job stress and burnout when overtime is an expectation.

**TL;DR:** Many jobs in the tech industry are fast-paced, stimulating, rewarding—and notorious for being stressful. The key to managing stress and burnout is to realize that we have more control than we think regarding the way we work, interact with the people around us, and engage in self-care. We'll consider a plethora of ways we can cope with job-induced stress both in the workplace and at home.

## When the Obvious Answers are Unrealistic

Consider a hypothetical: your current project is under pressure to meet a seemingly unattainable deadline. Your entire team is working nights and weekends. The delivery date is immovable and there's no more scope to cut. You've looked for help managing stress and have been told you should "go home at five no matter what" and "refuse to work Saturdays". 

This is sound advice, but right now it seems idealistic to the point of impossible. You feel obligated to do whatever it takes to complete the project on time, including working long hours and giving up weekends. Maybe you love your job, even if it's stressful. You normally enjoy the fast pace, but you're getting burned out. The situation feels out of your control. What can you do?

Perceived lack of control makes a high-pressure situation even more stressful. However, there are things we can do to alleviate this. We'll go over techniques aggregated by consulting devoted tech employees in a variety of positions including engineers, system administrators, project managers, engineering managers, quality assurance engineers, user experience architects, and more.

## Coping with Work Stress: At Work

There is no magic bullet for work stress or burnout. You might get a hundred professional massages (but seriously, who has the time?) and not feel better. **The most direct line of defense is to tackle work stress _at work_.**

### Be the Canary in the Coal Mine

Let's start at the beginning. After all, every situation has one: a point when we first sense things becoming painful. If we're lucky enough to be present at that time, we should _not_ stand idly by. Even if we came aboard after the ship set sail, we shouldn't remain silent through the storm.

[Dave Winkel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-winkel-b9438a) emphasizes the importance of being "[the canary in the coal mine](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/canary_in_a_coal_mine)". **Raising red flags early and often helps us steer a situation and alert others.** [Laura Kimpel-Matthews](http://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakimpelmatthews) recommends **escalating with solutions for upper management** and including all potential options to open a discussion. Suggest reprioritizing features, increasing resources, extending timelines, shifting responsibilities, etc. It's difficult to ignore a well-crafted proposal for improvement and good management should be willing to work with our suggestions. 

<include src="TweetQuote" quoteText="Raising red flags early and often helps us steer a situation and alert others."/>

### We're All in This Together Now

**Remember that our teammates are experiencing the same situation.** We're all in this together. It's easy to accidentally cultivate a toxic atmosphere when everyone is stressed and overworked. [Emily Gladstone Cole](http://twitter.com/unixgeekem) emphasizes that we "need to help foster a culture of supporting each other. Answer each other's questions, don't be negative about someone, and be as impersonal as possible when raising concerns on their work."

**Do things as a team.** Take twenty minutes to go out for gelato together. If everyone is working late, expense dinner and eat together (_not_ at desks!) while having a lively conversation about anything _except_ our stressful project. [Mike Behnke](http://twitter.com/localpcguy) recommends "tracking wins" and sharing them: any positive feedback received from clients, management, or peers can help bolster the team.

### Take Breaks and Recognize When to Rest

It's easy to feel like we need to keep our eyes glued to our monitors to meet a deliverable, but getting away helps keep us healthy _and_ productive. We need to **set and know our limits and go home when we've hit them**. [Ado Kukic](http://twitter.com/kukicado) makes the important point that "being constantly on edge and stressed greatly decreases the quality of output, which only ends up in working even longer hours to fix an already crumbling deliverable." 

**Don't eat lunch in front of a computer or at a desk.** Get food elsewhere with friends if possible and try not to talk about work. This provides a much needed mental reset partway through the day.

**Get up and walk around.** A short trek to the break room for coffee, a chat around the water jug, a brisk walk around the parking lot, any movement and small change of scenery keeps our bodies active and our minds alert. This doesn't need to be time-consuming or disruptive. Five to fifteen minutes taken periodically throughout the day helps far more than it harms a busy schedule.

Even if we aren't in a position to take time off right now, [Steve Pheley](http://twitter.com/spheley) encourages us to **negotiate some much-needed vacation in the near future**. This can supply valuable recovery time. Also, don't cancel pre-planned vacations even if they occur during the project schedule. If our vacation was on the books and approved a long time ago, we shouldn't surrender it to stay and work. **Time off is an employee's right and sacrificing it only makes us unhappy and resentful.**

### Leaner Workflow and Work Style

Scrutinize the distribution of work. **If there's a way to make more efficient use of resources, do so.** Sometimes it's difficult to delegate when everyone appears to be under equal stress, but [Mike](http://twitter.com/localpcguy) reminds us there are often valid ways to unburden individuals. Let the team distribute tasks according to their strengths to gain efficiency.

[Karen Ford](http://twitter.com/karenforda2) reminds us to **ask "am I really needed here?" when being invited to meetings or included on email chains**. Managers and senior level employees spend a substantial amount of time in meetings, sometimes standing on ceremony rather than out of necessity. This consumption of time can be reduced if we take a moment to consider whether our presence will actually be beneficial. We can also make it clear we'll respond to emails at certain times of day but instanteous feedback shouldn't be expected. Then we can gain some uninterrupted productivity.

**Ask for help.** [Maitland Hemby](http://twitter.com/androidqueen) offers an excellent serenity prayer: "**Grant me the patience to figure stuff out when I can, the courage to ask for help when I can't, and the wisdom to know the difference.**" When we have the luxury of time we spend many hours Googling things. When we're under the pressure of a deliverable or drowning in an ocean of tasks, we should ask for help when we're struggling. The people around us can provide a wealth of valuable knowledge.

[Karen](http://twitter.com/karenforda2) promotes **breaking large tasks into smaller, more digestible ones**. The benefits are twofold: this "helps you keep sane of your goals and helps you feel more accomplished at the end of the day because you can cross things off your list." A sense of daily achievement is an important reassurance that progress is being made.

### Communication and Support From Management

**Potentially the most effective way to manage workplace stress is to have a channel of communication with our bosses that produces positive outcomes**. This can also be the most challenging. Sometimes pushing back yields good—or at least encouraging—results, and sometimes it's frustratingly unsuccessful. 

"**Active engagement from supportive management is important**," H. Jeffrey affirms. Managers should check in regularly with their team and set a worthy example. [Emily](http://twitter.com/unixgeekem) notes that employees who see their manager working until midnight may conclude such hours are standard for the position; this is something we want to avoid. Team leads often do double-duty because they're just as stressed as their team, but they _also_ need to keep the project on track, provide on-the-ground support, and present a good game face.

Even when previous discourse hasn't been fruitful, **in most cases we should continue to be vocal**. It's equally important to frame our concerns so they don't evoke complaining. It's easy to dismiss a complainer. We stand on solid ground when we present well-reasoned options and solutions. Even if upper management does not have direct control over some project details (ie., a client with a drop-dead launch date), **good managers should be willing to explore any and all options to help their employees succeed**.

<include src="TweetQuote" quoteText="Good managers should be willing to explore any and all options to help their employees succeed."/>

## Coping with Work Stress: At Home

Addressing work stress at work is the most productive way to be proactive at the source of the situation. But we can't always avoid taking our stress home with us. We need to make sure we're promoting self-care outside the workplace too.

![Manage tech job stress at home](https://images.ctfassets.net/23aumh6u8s0i/5TnVTdFdcNhQEkxA4gEzzS/90d71d68f2496dc13a07305f64428827/managing-stress-image)

### Physical Well-being

**It's well-known that [exercise](https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st) [is](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/21/exercise-reduces-stress-levels-anxiety-cortisol_n_3307325.html) [good](http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/7-ways-exercise-relieves-stress) [for stress](http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax)**. At the same time, many of us know how difficult it can be to find motivation to exercise when we're overworked. When we snatch a precious spare moment, all we want to do is languish on the sofa. Keep in mind that **getting exercise doesn't have to mean hitting the gym at midnight or waking up at 4 AM to run 5K**. If we can squeeze in 10-15 minutes each day before work, it's a worthwhile habit. The barrier to entry is lower than it seems; running, stairs, jumping jacks, squats, situps, and pushups are good places to begin. **Start small and do what you can** because something is always better than nothing. It can be surprising how much of a difference a 10 minute jog every morning can make.

**Don't skip breakfast.** Eating in the morning, as opposed to just drinking coffee, provides some [much](http://www.livescience.com/39598-reasons-never-skip-breakfast.html)-[needed](http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/many-benefits-breakfast) brain food to tackle the day. If you're not a breakfast eater, try to develop the habit. We're pressed for time, but even a granola bar or a greek yogurt helps.

### Relaxation

If we're working long hours, sometimes we're too frazzled to have time for lengthy massages or even half an hour of yoga. **Instead, a quick 2-5 minute meditation is a good way to soothe a stressed and overactive mind.** [Quick meditation](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/guided-meditation-relaxation_n_4235832.html) [exercises](https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-2minute-exercise-that-can-completely-transform-your-day) can be performed in a matter of minutes at home _or_ at work.

We may feel so drained that we just want to be left alone, but **spending time with loved ones and pets takes our minds off work and reminds us that we have things that bring us joy**. Rituals also help: walking the dog, eating dinner as a family, or reading a few pages of a good book. [Steve](http://twitter.com/spheley) suggests setting reminders if we need to. Habit-forming apps like [Productive](http://productiveapp.io/) can help, but simple calendar reminders work as well.

### Help and Outsourcing

We should **be okay with asking for help or outsourcing chores**. If the house is dirty, we can hire housekeeping. H. Jeffrey notes that we can go out to eat, get food delivered, or batch-prepare easy meals on the weekends. We can **ask friends and family for help, but we shouldn't delegate the things we find comfort in**. If walking the dog or watering the flowers relaxes us, we should make sure we keep those for ourselves.

### Work vs. Hobbies

For many tech workers, hobbies can overlap work. Many of us love designing, systems, or programming, so we do these things in our spare time as well as for our career. We should be careful to avoid overlap when we're stressed at work and in danger of burnout. If we're not, fun rapidly becomes work instead. [Ado](http://twitter.com/kukicado) advocates **"doing something completely different" in our off time**.

### Consider Alternatives and Cultivate Options

Sometimes we power through stressful projects or periods of burnout because we love our jobs. Sometimes we don't. **Sometimes it's best to leave a job that we don't enjoy or find fulfilling.** It's challenging to drum up the time and motivation to apply for other positions when we're already burned out, but **knowing when to consider other opportunities** is just as important as knowing when to stick it out.

Looking for another job can also be therapeutic. **Putting our resumes together and recognizing the value of our skills reaffirms that we have options and are in control of our future.** Even if it's hard to cultivate the motivation necessary to apply for jobs, [Maitland](http://twitter.com/androidqueen) reminds us that doing so should be incorporated into our self-care routine. Our future prospects do not need to be dictated by a bad situation.

<include src="TweetQuote" quoteText="Recognizing the value of our skills reaffirms that we have options and are in control of our future."/>

## At the End of the Day

Before going to bed, take some time to wind down. **Our minds race with all the stressors we've experienced throughout the day and it's important not to sleep with those things hanging over our heads.** We can meditate, read, or spend time with those we care about even if only for half an hour before we crash and need to sleep.

### Complaining vs. Gratitude

One of the easiest things to do when we're in a difficult position is complain. **Complaining may feel good in the moment, but [science](https://www.fastcompany.com/3040672/how-to-be-a-success-at-everything/why-complaining-may-be-dangerous-to-your-health) [has proven](http://bigthink.com/ideafeed/complaining-is-bad-for-you) [it's unhealthy](http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/complaining-rewires-your-brain-for-negativity-science-says.html).** We should remind ourselves to think of things we're grateful for instead. It may be difficult to feel much gratitude when we're in a tough spot, but **remembering the people and things we love is [beneficial](http://www.today.com/health/be-thankful-science-says-gratitude-good-your-health-t58256) [to our](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mequilibrium/gratitude-benefits_b_3321351.html) [health](https://www.innerbody.com/ways-to-cultivate-gratitude)**.

### We Have Control

There are many things we can do to manage job stress. Tackling it at the source at work is vital and taking care of ourselves is also important. If we follow the advice of others who have walked our path, we can take charge of the ways we conduct ourselves and interact. Armed with knowledge and support, we can overcome stressful situations and emerge tired, perhaps, but whole. **We always have more control than we think we do, and recognizing that is a monumental accomplishment.**

"workplace"