Whether you’re trying to wrangle actual kids or just nurturing your inner child, there’s something about the first taste of fall that always stirs up that ‘back to school’ sensation. A little nip in the air has us craving apples, a fresh pad of paper, a pair of jeans still stiff at the seams … just us? 

While there’s nothing stopping you from just ducking out to grab a shiny new ruler, we've got some more subtle ways to harness that “fresh start” feeling. 

• Because heaven knows we’re spending enough time at our desks these days, let’s show them a little love with a new tool or tchotchke. Techies and stationery enthusiasts alike can surely find something special in The Strategist’s database. 
• Even on days when your kitchen is within reach, having a lunch ready to go can help you tackle the day. Chowhound’s got suggestions that do double-duty for kids and grownups alike – we'll be meal-prepping the Muffaletta Pasta Salad.
• It might seem silly to refresh your wardrobe when we’re seeing people less than usual, but a few strategic pieces can give you that back-to-school boost. Purewow shares some picks that straddle the line between summer and fall. 

Months after people around the world rallied behind the Black Lives Matter movement, many companies are reckoning with their policies for diversity, equity and inclusion – and on the surface, it seems to be working. A new international study found that most workers think diversity and inclusion have improved at their companies as a result of both the BLM movement and the pandemic.  

But while inclusion initiatives are for the benefit of everyone, they need to pass muster with the marginalized groups they’re meant to uplift. For example, 15% of Black employees do not feel their employers treat all races equally, while just 2% of white employees share that sentiment.

How to ensure real inclusion? Recognize differences, but don’t overemphasize them. People should feel free to be their authentic selves, but you don’t want your initiatives to hinge on stereotypes. And don’t just take our word for it – listen to your team and let them lead the way.