The hourly labor market is beginning to ease. (Bloomberg/Getty Images)
The previously tight hourly labor market is beginning to exhibit signs of easing, with companies like ABM Industries and John Deere no longer struggling to fill positions. At 4.3% in July, unemployment remains historically low, but recent trends such as decreased job creation and weaker wage growth have raised concerns of an economic downturn. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (8/12)
Addressing teacher burnout is essential for maintaining staff morale, particularly during challenging months like November and March, writes S. Kambar Khoshaba, a high-school principal in Lorton, Va. In this article, Khoshaba recommends implementing regular recognition and fostering a sense of belonging, which can help sustain positivity and possibly avoid drops in morale throughout the school year. Full Story: Education Week (8/13)
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Commuter benefits significantly support return-to-office initiatives, with over a third of HR professionals acknowledging their effectiveness, according to a survey by Jawnt. The benefits extend to cost savings and environmental goals, but companies face challenges with IT and managing employee inquiries, emphasizing the need for thorough support systems, the study shows. Full Story: HR Dive (8/14)
Develop programs to upskill your entire workforce on AI by identifying those already using the technology within your organization and leveraging their skills to create new training programs, writes Gleb Tsipursky, CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts. "Regularly update training materials to reflect the latest advancements in generative AI and provide opportunities for employees to attend conferences, webinars and other learning events," Tsipursky advises. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (8/12)
Leaders can help their direct reports reach their full potential by coaching them, helping them turn mistakes into lessons and being clear about their tasks and performance standards, writes executive coach John Baldoni. "Managers must assess each employee's capabilities and limitations. Some team members must be kept on a short leash, while leaders can give others more autonomy," Baldoni writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (8/14)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Apple was first to release a PC without a floppy drive -- the iMac -- and geeks groaned a global uproar. What year did the iMac-sans-floppy emerge?
How do you keep your team energized and engaged in their work? What are you doing to support a healthy morale? Today’s Recruitment & Retention story offers some great ideas from Kambar Khoshaba, principal at South County High School in Lorton, Va. He uses these ideas with his teacher staff, but you can easily apply them to a general workplace environment. Khoshaba surveyed his staff to identify patterns for morale, specifically in which months morale spiked or slumped. He discovered that burnout peaked during November and March, so he created programs aimed at pumping up morale during those months. One program was staff recognition days, which take place on Fridays. Ideas that were previously employed only during Teacher Appreciation Week -- cards from students or special snacks -- are now applied throughout the year, when morale is inclined to droop. Another idea: beginning of the year pep rally. You could do something different to kickoff a new fiscal year. Maybe Halloween costume contest (I’m always floored by the numbers of adults who really get into this!) for October fiscals, or an offsite luncheon or activity. I once attended a work retreat that included a team bonding activity at a local indoor go-kart track. It was a blast! Turns out one of the sales guys was a former race car driver; he swept the race. The event made for fun conversation that night at dinner. How are you celebrating your staff? Let me know! It doesn’t need to be huge, grand gestures. Little things add up and make an impact. Send me your ideas. If I get enough, I'll craft a story from it. (Always with your permission.) Enjoying this brief? Great! Please tell others so they can benefit also.
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