Jonathan Kniss, a Pacific Northwest-based global business leader, explains how worldwide shifts in work, focus, and leadership are showing up in local communities across Washington and the greater Northwest.

TACOMA, WA / ACCESS Newswire / February 4, 2026 / What feels like personal burnout for many professionals in the Pacific Northwest is actually part of a much broader shift. According to Jonathan Kniss, global complexity in business and operations is now landing squarely on individuals at the local level.

"Back-to-back meetings kill judgment," Kniss says. "And that's no longer just an executive problem. It's happening everywhere."

In Washington State, more than 55% of professionals report working outside normal business hours at least three days a week. In the Seattle metro area, average meeting time has increased by roughly 30% over the last four years. At the same time, nearly 40% of workers say they have less than one uninterrupted hour per day to think or plan.

Kniss believes people are misreading the issue. "Most performance issues are structure problems, not people problems," he says. "If good people struggle, the system is usually broken."

The Pacific Northwest has one of the highest concentrations of knowledge workers in the country. Over 60% of the regional workforce is employed in roles tied to technology, engineering, real estate, aerospace, or professional services. These roles are increasingly global in scope, but stress shows up locally-missed family time, decision fatigue, and constant urgency.

"Thinking clearly saves more time than rushing," Kniss notes. Yet regional surveys show decision rework rates rising by nearly 20% year over year, driven largely by unclear ownership and overloaded teams.

Kniss also points to resilience practices that are being lost. Outdoor activity participation in urban Washington counties dropped by almost 15% since 2019. "Movement clears noise," he says. "Some of my best decisions were made on a trail, not in a boardroom."

Local Action List: 10 Things You Can Do This Week

  1. Cancel or shorten one standing meeting

  2. Block two hours of uninterrupted thinking time

  3. Write down one priority with a one-week deadline

  4. Ask your manager for feedback after a completed task

  5. Take a 30-minute walk outdoors, phone off

  6. Clarify who owns one stalled decision

  7. End one day this week on time

  8. Reduce your task list to five items or fewer

  9. Reflect in writing on what worked and what didn't

  10. Talk to one colleague outside your usual circle

"I put ideas in writing for a specific time period," Kniss says. "That's how ideas turn into commitments."

How to Find Trustworthy Local Resources

Look for community-based groups tied to universities, trade organizations, or local nonprofits. Prioritize resources with experienced practitioners, not just influencers. Libraries, professional associations, and regional leadership forums often provide higher-quality guidance than national trend content. Ask peers what has actually helped them, not what sounds impressive.

"Value beats brilliance every time," Kniss adds.

Call to Action
Choose one local step from the list and do it today. Small structural changes, made consistently, can restore focus and momentum faster than any new tool or trend.

About Jonathan Kniss
Jonathan Kniss is a seasoned global business leader based in the Pacific Northwest. With experience as a CEO, Managing Director, and executive at organizations including Boeing, Quest Integrated, FlightSafetyBoeing Training International, and Baker Hughes, he brings a systems-focused, people-centered perspective to leadership, operations, and change in complex environments.

Media Contact:

SOURCE: Jonathan Kniss



View the original
on ACCESS Newswire


Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact [email protected]