Midlifers bring unique skills to the modern workplace Despite stereotypes about cost and lack of flexibility, research shows midlifers excel in critical skills like leadership, problem-solving and communication. They also demonstrate strong loyalty, with a higher likelihood of staying with employers compared to younger colleagues. Employers are encouraged to leverage models such as "silver internships" to benefit from their expertise while fostering a multigenerational workforce. Full Story: Observer (7/4)
As leadership roles become more demanding, leaders must maintain strong mental fitness to handle pressure, make clear decisions, and avoid negative effects like emotional volatility and poor team dynamics. Cultivating mental fitness, much like elite athletes, gives leaders a competitive advantage and helps sustain peak performance under stress, writes psychiatrist Brook Choulet. Full Story: Psychology Today (7/7)
Some firms openly seek workers who embrace long hours Companies are increasingly upfront about the expectation for employees to work long hours, with job postings explicitly stating the need to keep up with demanding schedules, sometimes exceeding 70 hours per week. This direct messaging is intended to attract candidates willing to embrace intense workloads and discourage those seeking work-life balance. The trend marks a widespread shift in employer demands amid a more competitive job market. "The pendulum has swung, and companies are in control again," says Lori Reed, president of recruiting firm Schechter Reed. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (7/6)
Hire Smart
AI-powered networking tools help grads in job hunt Colleges are leveraging AI tools to help students and recent graduates strengthen their networking and communication skills as they begin their job searches. Platforms like FinalRoundAI, Big Interview, and LinkedIn Interview Prep support practice and confidence-building. AI-powered networking solutions such as Protopia also make it easier for students to connect directly with alumni. These AI tools lower barriers to networking, especially for students hesitant to attend traditional events, ensuring broader access to valuable professional connections. Full Story: Inside Higher Ed (7/7)
The Landscape
US added 147K jobs in June, exceeding forecasts US nonfarm payrolls increased by 147,000 in June, exceeding expectations of 110,000, driven by government hiring, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, the lowest since February, though the labor force participation rate dropped to 62.3%. Average hourly earnings rose 0.2% for the month and 3.7% year-over-year. Full Story: CNBC (7/3)
Job market divides in two, resulting in stagnation The current job market is characterized by low levels of both hiring and firing. Layoffs remain at historic lows as employers hesitate to let workers go after facing previous hiring challenges. At the same time, the rate of new hires has dropped significantly below pre-pandemic norms, resulting in a stagnant market lacking the usual movement of workers between jobs. Full Story: Axios (7/6)
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From sister publication Kiplinger: The estate dispute between musician Jimmy Buffett's widow and his business manager offers valuable lessons for estate planning. The situation highlights the need to exercise caution when picking co-trustees, anticipate the potential for conflict and consider incorporating the power to remove a co-trustee, writes attorney John Goralka. Full Story: Kiplinger (7/6)
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenges the stereotype of male dominance in primate societies, showing that females hold equal or greater power in many species. The study found male dominance is present in only about 16% of populations, while female dominance occurs in 11%, with the majority showing moderate or no dominance by either sex. Full Story: BBC Science Focus (7/7)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
When JFK was in office, he was the quarterback of the "nuclear football," a case with the plans for launching nuclear warheads. The term "football" may have originated from which newspaper?
