Eighty percent of leaders say they would have taken a very different approach to return-to-office mandates if they'd had access to the right workplace data, according to an Envoy report. Separate research from Unispace found that one-third of employees feel "happy, motivated and excited" about going back to the office -- but only if it's their choice and not forced.
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A study from IBM and Oxford Economics looked at changes coming to the workplace as AI is implemented. Eighty-seven percent of executives surveyed said roles will be augmented rather than automated, and executives expect 40% of the workforce to be reskilled in the next three years to meet the needs of AI advancement.
Leaders must support employees to successfully navigate the uncertainty of organizational change and can do so through empathetic listening, acknowledging feelings of vulnerability and offering coaching to enable workers to take advantage of new opportunities, writes Notion Consulting's Christine Andrukonis. "You can influence how people react based on how you appeal to the heart and the mind together," Andrukonis advises.
Data from Bank of America show that the number of US residents taking funds out of their 401(k) accounts rose 36% in the second quarter of this year, compared to the same quarter in 2022. Overall balance amounts rose by almost 12%, and 2.5% of account holders borrowed from their workplace plans during the second quarter of this year, an increase of 0.2% from the second quarter of last year.
Self-awareness, the ability to make decisions with limited information and time management are key skills leaders must develop, says Phil Gallagher, CEO of Avnet. "You get pulled in a lot of different directions, and you always have to ask, is that really the best use of my time? You always have to be focusing on areas where you can add value," Gallagher says.
As I mentioned in my note yesterday, I am dedicating this week to highlighting important lessons I learned from my father, who passed away Aug. 4, after yearlong battle with chronic kidney disease. These lessons have been pivotal in shaping me as a person and professional. Yesterday’s issue talked about how generosity is the key to financial security. Today I look at Dad’s thoughts on work and career.
Dad believed in work. It wasn’t just an income stream; it built character and integrity. He believed we should put our hands to good work and that it should be something we enjoyed.
“Don’t work for money, kid,” Dad said. “Do what you love and the money will follow.”
My father worked 33 years as a telephone technician for Pacific Bell*, serving the residents of Fillmore and Piru, Calif. He enjoyed the work and loved the people of those communities.
Dad retired from the phone company at 56 and a few years later began a second career as a pastor. He started as an associate pastor, leading weekly bible studies and preaching on the occasional Sunday. A couple years later, though, when the senior pastor retired, Dad was asked to take the job. He balked initially but eventually accepted the role.
Here’s what I learned from Dad’s careers:
When you do what you love, you become excellent at it. Dad was among the best phone technicians in Ventura County. He was often called upon to serve during times of crisis or natural disaster, not just in our area but throughout the state. Later in his career, he mentored rookie technicians and served in management roles.
Dedicate yourself to the people you serve. Dad was loyal to his customers, work peers and congregants. He made a point of listening to them and paying attention to their needs. It wasn’t lip service; it was genuine. He earned their respect, trust and grace. As a result, when he needed folks’ buy-in on a concept or idea, he usually got it.
Growth will put you in new, uncomfortable places. Stay there. As I mentioned earlier, Dad didn’t want the senior pastor role -- at first. It took about four months of prayer and discussion with my mom and his trusted friends before he accepted it.
And when he did, he grew. He got better at relating to people and handling delicate situations with integrity and compassion. He learned which administrative tasks he needed to handle and which ones he could delegate. His faith deepened and he enjoyed the role he once eschewed.
I turned 53 last Friday. Dad’s advice about work -- “Do what you love.” -- is as relevant now as it was when I was 23 and just out of college. It’s what keeps me curious about my field and industry. It’s what makes me want to learn. It’s what causes me to read Ann Handley’s newsletter every other Sunday night and attend conferences about education, HR and journalism. It gives me energy every day to do this work with creativity and purpose.
How do you maintain enjoyment of your work? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
* Pacific Bell later became SBC and then AT&T.
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