Economy gained 227K jobs in Nov., Labor Dept. says | Boost older employees' skills to improve competitiveness | AI transforms office design with data-driven insights
The economy added 227,000 jobs to nonfarm payrolls last month as the impact of storms and other disruptions receded, according to the Labor Department. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate edged upward to 4.2%.
The aging workforce offers significant benefits to companies, including a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge that can enhance decision-making and team dynamics, writes Michelle Westfort, the chief strategy & solutions officer at InStride. "By offering continuous education, flexible learning options and capability-building learning programs, organizations create a culture where seasoned employees feel valued and equipped for the future," Westfort notes.
Employers are increasingly considering menopause benefits as more millennial and Generation X women enter perimenopause and menopause. However, just 14% of large companies currently offer these benefits, despite 64% of women wanting access to them, according to a Bank of America survey. Flory Wilson of Reproductive and Maternal Health Compass suggests how employers can provide tailored menopause benefits and access to preventive care, and how they can consider additional benefits to support women holistically.
Return-to-office requirements could have the unintended consequence of pushing working mothers out of the workplace, writes Priya Rajendran, the co-founder and CEO of S'moresUp. Companies can prevent "mom quitting" by building flexibility into work arrangements, expanding parental leave benefits and providing support for mental health, as well as encouraging teamwork and offering benefits tailored for families.
The holiday season can be a stressful time for employees, with financial worries, work-life balance and performance pressures. A survey by Workhuman shows 64% of employees cite financial concerns as their primary holiday stressors, and 35% rely on year-end bonuses to cover expenses. Employers can support employees by offering flexibility, recognition and opportunities for growth, executives say.
Before Jean-Luc Godard built his French New Wave director rep, he wrote critiques for "Cahiers du Cinema." Who was the Cahiers colleague who eventually collaborated with Godard on his first feature, "Breathless"?
Welcome to Friday Faves! Every Friday, I spotlight books, podcasts, email newsletters, documentaries or other content pieces that I enjoy. I also share suggestions that I get from you. Got a favorite for your peers? Send it to me. I may include it here for a future column.
I like to start my work day with a quick review of the news. The Pour Over is a twice-weekly newsletter that sums up the hot news of the day, with commentary from a Biblical perspective. It’s not a preachy newsletter at all, hence why I like it. It’s practical, meaty and politically neutral. It’s a quick, smart way to get up to speed on what’s important here and around the world.
It’s been a long week, but a good one. And now it’s time to refresh the energy stores. Get outside. Stretch your legs. Go check out the Christmas lights in your neighborhood. Take a cup of hot cocoa and your favorite donut. Enjoy your family and local community. I’ll see you back here Monday. Aloha!
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