Summer vacation skipped by many Gen Z workers | Lawsuit claiming Starbucks' DEI policies illegal dismissed | Some retailers see female CEOs as bold, men as saviors
An average of 62% of US employees plan to take paid time off this summer, falling to 58% among Generation Z workers, according to LinkedIn's latest Workforce Confidence Index. The report also reveals that Gen Z workers say they feel too guilty to take time off -- partly because of economic pressures or perceptions that their age group is disengaged at work, but another reason could be a healthier attitude toward the work-life balance. Full Story: WorkLife (8/17)
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Lawsuit claiming Starbucks' DEI policies illegal dismissed A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by The National Center for Public Policy Research, which holds about $6,000 in Starbucks stock and claimed Starbucks' diversity, equity and inclusion workplace policies are illegal. "If the plaintiff doesn't want to be invested in 'woke' corporate America, perhaps it should seek other investment opportunities rather than wasting this court's time," said presiding Chief US District Judge Stanley Bastian. Full Story: Reuters (8/14)
The Current State of Belonging Companies are aware that nurturing inclusion and belonging are critical. Yet some haven't figured out how to solve for belonging. What are the four components that make up belonging and how can they drive engagement, performance, and productivity? Find Out Now
Survey: Burnout reported by majority of workers A survey by Ringover found that nearly three-fourths of US employees have experienced burnout and other mental health symptoms related to their jobs. Among other findings, 18- to 24-year-old survey respondents had the highest likelihood of burnout or one or more related symptoms among age groups, and people working in the agricultural field were the most likely to suffer from burnout among industries. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (8/15)
A BlackBerry survey found three out of four employers are either establishing or considering a ban on the use of generative artificial intelligence tools on employees' devices because of concerns about data security and company reputation. "Banning generative AI applications in the workplace can mean a wealth of potential business benefits are quashed," says Shishir Singh, chief technology officer for cybersecurity at BlackBerry, which surveyed companies in the US, UK, Canada and several other countries. Full Story: Human Resources Director (8/15)
Employee burnout is getting worse, but we can keep it at bay while still growing professionally if we know how to address the six top causes: workload, control, reward, community, fairness and values, writes business consultant LaRae Quy. "Leaders should never assume they know the reason for their burnout," because issues like fatigue and cynicism have their roots in the six top causes, Quy says, as she offers tips for combating each. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (8/16)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
James Bond author Ian Fleming also wrote which children's book?
As I mentioned in my note Monday, I am dedicating this week to highlighting 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 love and marriage. Today, we look at physical health. I was on my couch, reading the news and enjoying the quiet Sunday morning when my phone rang. “Hey Dad!” “Hey kiddo.” Dad had been in the hospital since the previous Wednesday. I knew he had to be climbing the walls. He wasn’t used to be confined for extended lengths of time. Calling people helped break up some of the monotony. We chatted about church and Mom and the new barbecue grill he was going to build when he got home, but a question nagged in the back of my head. “So Dad,” I said, changing the subject. “I’ve been researching chronic kidney disease. This is heavy stuff. What can I do to avoid this?” He shot his answer back. “Take a picture of me in this hospital bed and don’t come here,” he said. I chuckled and then we spent the next 15 minutes or so discussing the illness and what brought him to this place. Here’s what I learned. Pay attention: What you eat matters. One of the hardest things Dad had to accept was that the body he had always counted on was now failing him. He had always been the strong, healthy guy. Despite the physical rigors of his job, he wasn’t plagued with sore knees, an aching back or limited shoulder mobility. Dad was good. Until he wasn’t. When his kidneys started declining, Dad had to slow down. He would get tired more easily. He had to cut back his hours at work. In the final weeks of his life, Dad had to use a walker because the giant blisters that formed on his feet and legs made walking too painful. He took the changes with grace and courage, but I knew it bothered him. He blamed himself. He knew his disease was preventable. His family health history had some issues -- heart disease and high blood pressure -- but he admitted he could have done a better job of eating well. “Your mom and I eat good now, but in my younger years, I ate whatever I wanted,” he said. “I’m paying for it now.” Be smart, he advised me. He knew I didn’t drink much, but cautioned me about alcohol nonetheless. “You don’t have gout, right? Good. But you do have high blood pressure. You work out, which is good, but you need to cut down on salt and sugar,” he said. I wasn’t offended. I knew he didn’t want me to experience the same regrets he now had. “You got it, Dad.” “Alright. I gotta go. The nurse is here now,” he said. His voice trembled a bit as he continued. “Remember what I said. Be smart. I love you.” I love you too, Dad. Forever. How vigilant are you about your health? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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