New U.S. jobless claims declined by 7,000 to 221,000 last week, marking the lowest level since April, according to the Labor Department. The figure surprised economists, who had forecast an increase to 234,000. Continuing jobless claims rose slightly to 1.96 million for the week ending July 5, signaling ongoing challenges for unemployed workers seeking new jobs. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (7/17),MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (7/17)
A TalentLMS and BambooHR survey found 39% of new hires have second thoughts about their jobs during onboarding, despite 73% being satisfied with the process. The top challenges are adjusting to company culture and feeling overwhelmed by information, according to the report, which suggests employers create more opportunities for human interaction and cultural immersion. Full Story: Human Resources Director (7/15)
Lawmakers in over a dozen states have introduced bills to enhance menopause care, focusing on clinician training, insurance coverage and workplace protections. Advocates say the legislation is aimed at improving access to care and addressing a lack of standardized treatment. "Women in midlife are speaking out, demanding better care, and using their voices on platforms where they've historically been ignored," said Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a gynecologist and author of "The New Menopause." Full Story: CNN (7/11)
The HR Leader
HR exec blends marketing, HR for people strategy Razan Akrouk, chief people and sustainability officer at GMG, advocates for a rebranding of HR to better reflect its evolving role in business. Akrouk integrates marketing principles into HR to treat employees as consumers, drive business excellence and improve employee engagement. Akrouk also emphasizes the need for organizational agility and sees AI as a tool to improve human interactions. Full Story: The Economic Times (India) (7/14)
Welcome to Friday Faves! Every Friday, I spotlight books, podcasts, articles, 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 will often share workforce stories from different markets because I think they hold valuable lessons of leadership in practice. This week’s Friday Faves profile three stories of leadership from the world of food and beverage. All three managers were recipients of The Food Industry Association’s 2025 Store Manager Award. Here’s what I got from each. Look in the mirror. Can you take a hard, honest look at yourself? Can you take feedback that might not be dressed up in fluffy language? Russell Blais was 19 and a new manager at a grocery store when he learned the value of checking himself after a team member criticized his leadership style. The experience humbled him and caused him to change his approach. His about-face made such a difference in his management style that employees followed him when he was transferred to different stores. Let GO. Brian Johnson admits his was overly involved in the daily operations of his store, when he first took the reins there. It took almost a year for him to realize the toll this was taking on him, his staff and his family. He didn’t just have to shift responsibilities – he had to trust his team and collaborate better. And he did. Take care of each other. Heath Redman made a point of taking care of his employees after Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, N.C. in September 2024. The Harris Teeter store that he managed helped support the community, but Redman went further to make sure that his staff was good. He got them groceries, necessities, daily hot meals, showers and laundry services. He coordinated hotel housing for those who were displaced. His efforts helped set a tone for the store culture: there’s strength in community and taking care of each other. What lessons did you glean from these stories? Let me know! Do you enjoy this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”w
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