Job openings dropped to 8.7 million in October, the lowest level since March 2021, in another sign of a cooling labor market. Layoffs inched upward in October while quit rates declined. Full Story: CNN (12/5),The Associated Press (12/5)
Recruiting & Retention
After more than two hours of meetings, the day is done A new survey from Slack Technologies found that workers aren't as productive if their day includes more than two hours of virtual or in-person meetings. Some companies have taken to creating entire weeks where no meetings can be scheduled or discouraging meetings on a particular day of the week to make time for the work that requires focus and concentration. Full Story: BNN Bloomberg (Canada) (12/5)
Are you struggling with today's talent market? If you are not constantly adjusting your talent management strategies, you may be losing top prospects and your best performers. Get updated best practices with a SHRM seminar. Explore topics, times and dates for our in-person and live online programs that best fit your busy schedule.
More employers are recognizing the importance of offering pet insurance as a way to improve employee satisfaction and retention, pet insurers and animal advocates say. "Today employees consider pets to be a valuable part of their workday because of remote work," says PetPartners' Michelle Yates, who adds some employers are starting to help pay for pet insurance instead of merely offering it as a voluntary benefit. Full Story: WorkLife (12/5)
Path to Workforce
Report: How to enhance graduates' career success A recent report by WGU Labs explores the persistent skepticism toward the value of a college degree among Americans, highlighting the need for improved collaboration between higher education and workforce partners. The paper identifies key challenges, such as lack of post-graduation support, and proposes solutions like redesigning internships and promoting continuous learning through employer-institution partnerships. Full Story: Inside Higher Ed (12/5)
Even atheists and agnostics can cultivate spiritual intelligence, and it's a necessary tool for leaders who want to feel inspired and inspire others, writes leadership coach Yosi Amram, a former CEO and clinical psychologist. Asram's research has shown "that the teams of CEOs with higher SI were markedly more committed, worked harder, had lower turnover and exhibited more extraordinary team spirit and higher morale." Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (12/5)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Peter Jackson's "The Return of the King" had as many Academy Award nominations as which other film listed here?
The best way to get a handle on anxiety is by addressing the issue that you fear, according to licensed clinical social worker Noelle McWard. “You must step into the fear and face the thing that you most wish to avoid,” she writes in our Leadership & Development story from Psychology Today. It’s true. When I first started riding through canyons or on curvy highways near the ocean, my fear of heights kicked in. It was terrifying. My knees tingled and my stomach churned. I had to look away from the scenery to avoid getting disoriented and panicking. Panic could lead to an accident. I had to get over this. I wanted to do longer rides and knew that they would include these types of routes. So I stepped into fear. I talked to my friends, let them know about the issue and that I would likely be riding slower at times until I was more proficient. “Ride your ride,” Dallas said, nodding. “Don’t worry about keeping up. Someone will ride back with you; don’t worry ‘bout that. We’re not in a hurry. Just be safe and meet us at the stop.” And then I practiced. I found routes near my home and started riding them after work. I’d go at times when I knew there would be little or no traffic, so I wouldn’t have the pressure of impatient drivers behind me. I forced myself to look at the road ahead of me, even when it was a cliff over a canyon or ocean. With time, the fear and panic drained away from me and I was able to enjoy the ride. How do you manage anxiety? What do you do to kick fear in the teeth? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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