What's keeping you from changing jobs? The 2025 Career Gridlock Report by Resume Now reveals that 60% of U.S. workers remain in their jobs longer than desired due to barriers such as financial fears and concerns about skill gaps. Despite these challenges, 66% of workers believe a career change could improve their happiness, highlighting the need for strategic planning to overcome these obstacles. Full Story: Salon (4/10)
Effective negotiation in today's job market requires strategic planning and confidence, experts suggest. Candidates should hide any desperation they are feeling, know their worth and use data to back up their salary requests, they advise, suggesting candidates remain prepared to walk away and negotiate other benefits to strengthen their position. Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (4/7)
Making the Connection
Why employers should focus on "total motivation" Understanding "total motivation" is crucial to improving employee retention, as it encompasses both indirect motivators like economic pressure and direct motivators such as a sense of purpose, say talent managers, who add the approach highlights the importance of viewing employees as individuals. "If you're able to focus more on [direct motivators], you'll get that higher employee performance and that longer-lasting person without reliance on just the compensation," The Shield Companies' Jared Snyder said at a recent Society for Human Resource Management event. Full Story: Society for Human Resource Management (tiered subscription model) (4/8)
The Landscape
Alphabet, Amazon top LinkedIn's 2025 workplace list LinkedIn's ranking of the top 10 companies to work for in 2025 includes a mix of tech and financial firms, with Alphabet, Amazon and Wells Fargo leading the list. Other companies in the top 10 are Northrop Grumman, PwC, Capital One, AT&T, JPMorgan Chase, EY and Walmart. Full Story: WNBC-TV (New York City) (4/10)
Alternatives to college education, such as apprenticeships and microcredentialing, are gaining traction among young individuals due to increased interest in hands-on work experiences and the rising costs of higher education. "Employers beyond the trades need to consider apprenticeship and they need to provide certifications in a broader number of fields so that learners can demonstrate skills mastery without a degree," said Kathleen deLaski, a senior advisor to the Project on Workforce at Harvard University. Full Story: Foundation for Economic Education (4/9)
Your Next Challenge
10 myths about worker-boss relationships Effective communication is the foundation of a strong working relationship with your boss, and it is to receive coaching and feedback to advance in your career, writes Bruce Tulgan, founder and CEO of RainmakerThinking. The article dispels the myth that high performers don't need direction, arguing that everyone benefits from clear deadlines and performance benchmarks. Full Story: Psychology Today (4/10)
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College volleyball is attracting more viewers, leading to increased coverage from networks with Fox airing 18 matches, the Big Ten Network broadcasting a record 68 matches, and ESPN airing more than 2,600 matches last season. The fandom is also spreading to live matches -- Nebraska drew over 92,000 fans for a match against Omaha in 2023. Full Story: Front Office Sports (4/8)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Eyjafjallajökull volcano 15 years ago stopped global air traffic when it blew its top and spewed ash into the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Where is it located?
