Initial jobless claims up to 229K | H-2B visa rules a hurdle as small businesses seek workers | Can't replace that lagging leader? You have alternatives
US jobless claims climbed to 229,000 to reach a 4-week high In the week ending June 1, Labor Department data show. Despite the increase, the number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits saw only a minor bump of 2,000 to 1.79 million, a figure consistent with pre-pandemic levels. Full Story: Reuters (6/6),MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (6/6)
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Recruiting & Retention
H-2B visa rules a hurdle as small businesses seek workers Small businesses that depend on seasonal work are struggling to find domestic workers and need foreign workers, but restrictions in the H-2B visa program make that difficult. The construction and manufacturing industries had more than 1 million job openings as of February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Full Story: Reason (7/2024)
Citi increases birth mothers' paid leave to 24 weeks Citi has expanded to 16 weeks the paid leave available to its US and Puerto Rico employees who are new parents, with birth mothers now receiving up to 24 weeks, which includes up to eight additional weeks for recovery. Citi also has introduced two-week paid leave for employees who need time off to care for an immediate family member in certain circumstances. Citi's new policies come amid similar moves by other major banks. Full Story: Banking Dive (6/5)
The HR Leader
AI is reshaping the work of HR pros Human resources can benefit from AI advances by helping to streamline operations, develop tools to help employees, simplify financial tasks such as payroll processing and boost productivity and efficiency, Dominique Roberts writes. HR pros must deal with potential bias, loss of personalization and staff cuts from the technology. Full Story: TechRound (UK) (6/4)
Workplace Chatter
$1,876 burger at Utah resort comes with Champagne, caviar An A5 wagyu burger fetches $1,876 at Burgers & Bourbon, a restaurant at Utah's Montage Deer Valley resort, where the gold-leaf bun also holds tempura king crab, Golden Osetra caviar, asparagus, white truffle brie and bearnaise sauce. The 1876 Burger Experience also includes Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne, Yellowstone Select Bourbon and a Padron Anniversario 1964 cigar, along with a trip to make a custom cowboy hat at an equestrian store, the oldest, family-owned Western retailer in the world, established in 1876. Full Story: Robb Report (5/30)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
This year's Summer Olympic Games in Paris will be the fifth time for France to host it. Greece, where the first modern Olympics originated, has hosted how many times?
I attended a webinar this morning on media law, specifically copyright and defamation. It was so interesting! My hand cramped from trying to take notes. Some of what he presented, I already knew. But a lot of what he discussed was fresh information, so I was rapt. I stayed for the entire event. Afterward, I found myself thinking about the things that fascinate us and how those things affect our lives and career decisions. For instance, I’m fascinated with journalism. I got into the field “late” in my career -- in comparison to others my age -- but was so intrigued with it. I’d read everything I could on writing and reporting. I subscribed to newsletters from Poynter and the National Press Club. I joined LinkedIn groups for editors, in particular those in B2B. I wanted to learn so I could do this job well. The more I learned, the more fascinated I got. I’m also intrigued with the Bible. I’m studying the Old Testament right now, reading through Chronicles and some of the prophets. Again, the more I learn, the more interested I get. Could this lead to a new chapter in my career? Could I become a scholar and do deeper research? What fascinates you? And how this affected your career trajectory? Did you chase your interests? Or did you get a job and over time, you gained interest in an aspect of your field, like I did? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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