Apple is being investigated by the US National Labor Relations Board after two complaints by workers, one of which relates to alleged threats and benefits promised while the other relates to claims of retaliation, discipline and discharge. One of the complaints was raised by principal software engineer Cher Scarlett who tweeted, "These all revolve around unlawful conduct and unlawful rules that have been engaged in over the past 5 months, particularly over the last month."

Many working parents say they are exhausted and "driving on empty" as they prepare for the new school year and a return to in-person work, Workparent CEO Daisy Dowling writes. Dowling offers six ways working parents can replenish their energy stores, including by taking time to celebrate accomplishments and investing in their career and professional advancement.

The Delta variant of the coronavirus has complicated return-to-office plans, but when employees do go back, they will be entering a world with a renewed emphasis on hybrid work. This shift could have an impact on factors such as wages and office design.

When things go wrong, get control of your thoughts, find a way forward and place the event in perspective instead of feeling defeated, writes TruPerception CEO Melissa DeLay. "Whatever doesn't kill you may hurt, but you will come away from it stronger and more knowledgeable than before," she writes.

Photos of wild animals and their prey, a group of male cheetahs fording a flooded river and a parrot feeding three chicks are in the running to win the 57th annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest. Photographers from 95 countries submitted 50,000 images that will be judged on "creativity, originality, and technical excellence," according to the contest's sponsor, the Natural History Museum in London.

In observance of Labor Day in the US, SmartBrief will not publish Monday. Publication will resume Tuesday.

"Buddy! Hey buddy, get back here! Kahaku boy! Come HERE!"

I turned from my desk and watched, amused, as my 6'1" son chased his very nimble, very speedy 2-year-old son through my den. Kahaku was apparently trying to escape a diaper change. He cut right, squeezed between the coffee table and couch and sprinted through the door leading to the play area. He was gone.

I couldn't help but smirk at Kiaha. "He's pretty agile. I see a future running back." Kiaha just glared at me before turning to hunt down his son (and the offending diaper).

Watching that scenario reminds me of how exhausting parenting is -- even as it is rewarding. Today's Recruitment & Retention story offers solid advice for working parents looking to replenish their depleted energy stores. My favorite tip was the one about focusing on career advancement. It's true. There's something about taking a class or reading a book about my field that calibrates me and pumps fresh energy into me.

What do you do to stay energized for your home and work worlds? How can I serve you better with this brief? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.