New weekly unemployment claims drop below 1M | Be proactive in seeking diverse talent | Check your thoughts and feelings before reacting
Created for newsletter@newslettercollector.com |  Web Version
August 14, 2020
CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF LinkedInFacebookTwitterSmartBlogs
SmartBrief on Workforce
Essential reading for HR professionalsSIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
Top Story
New weekly unemployment claims drop below 1M
(Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
Weekly unemployment benefit claims fell below 1 million for the first time during the pandemic, totaling 963,000 -- lower than the 1.12 million predicted by economists. MUFG Chief Economist Chris Rupkey attributed the decline to the expiration of the $600 per week enhancement benefit, which ended July 31.
Full Story: Reuters (8/13),  Business Insider (8/13) 
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email
Driving Employee Engagement: Lessons of 2020
The unexpected events of 2020 give us a rare opportunity to reevaluate our plans and programs and rethink the way we approach communication in the future to deliver greater value & drive engagement. Register for this free webinar on August 18, 19 or 20th & learn 3 essential steps for success.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Recruiting & Retention
Organizations seeking to be more diverse and inclusive must be proactive in how they source job candidates and how they structure remote work. "The biggest excuse is that recruiters just say they don't have a diverse talent pipeline, but it's because they're not looking where diverse talent actually exists," says Randstad US Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Audra Jenkins.
Full Story: HRO Today (8/11),  HR Morning (8/12) 
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email
What mental health at work means in 2020
Headspace for Work's 2020 mental health trends report reveals a gap between what employees want, and what their employers actually offer. Companies need to grasp now that people really do "bring their whole selves" to work—stress, anxiety, and all. Get the report.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Leadership & Development
Randstad RiseSmart
Innovative HR leaders are making an impact during the pandemic. Support smooth career transitions with twice the employer brand protection among current, former, and future employees. Learn how Randstad RiseSmart can support your organization.
ADVERTISEMENT:
SmartBrief Originals
Sponsored content brought to you by SmartBrief
Benefits & Compensation
A federal judge ruled in favor of the state of California and three of the state's cities that ride-share companies Lyft and Uber have violated Assembly Bill 5 by classifying their drivers as contractors, not as employees. The two companies said they will appeal the ruling, which takes effect next week.
Full Story: KFMB-TV (San Diego) (8/10) 
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email
3 Dimensions for Safely Reopening the Workplace
Is it possible to get back to work safely? How do we do it? And where do we start? This session will explore the critical factors of getting back to work readiness to maintain employee safety and business continuity during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Register here.
ADVERTISEMENT:
The HR Leader
Women need to "be bold" and be better advocates for themselves, says First Advantage's Katharine Mobley. "We as women don't shout our accomplishments loud enough and we need to learn to do that better," Mobley says, adding that female executives "need to come together and be more open about talking about the challenges of being women in business."
Full Story: Human Resource Executive (8/13) 
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email
Workplace Chatter
Gym rats go underground
(Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
As some big chain gyms close their doors, in compliance with state orders, some fitness enthusiasts are turning to underground gyms that are keeping their doors open. A woman in Arizona justifies violating her state's order saying, "One of the few things that keeps me sane is going to the gym."
Full Story: National Public Radio (8/11) 
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email
POLL QUESTION:
Do you support your workers going to underground gyms to help maintain their mental health?
VoteSure. Whatever they need to be mentally well
VoteNo. This creates a potential risk for our workplace
Sharing SmartBrief on Workforce with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free.
SmartBrief will donate $10 per new reader to organizations fighting for climate reform, women's rights, global health initiatives and more.
SHARE
Or copy and share your personalized link:
smartbrief.com/workforce/?referrerId=hCgswturix
Cultivate an ever-continuous power of observation.
John Singer Sargent,
artist
LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email
 
SmartBrief publishes more than 200 free industry newsletters - Browse our portfolio
Sign Up  |    Update Profile  |    Advertise with SmartBrief
Unsubscribe  |    Privacy policy
CONTACT US: FEEDBACK  |    ADVERTISE
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004