Inflation complicates return-to-office initiatives | Coded language in help-wanted ads deters older workers | How to manage older employees with more experience
Companies that are working to bring employees back to the office are facing certain challenges, including the extra costs that employees face from commuting and meals -- expenses that are exacerbated by high inflation. Commuting costs can work out to almost $15 per day, and meals can total about twice that, according to an Owl Labs survey. Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (9/18)
The rise of the virtual-first health plan The dramatic increase in telemedicine use seen early in the pandemic also fueled the rise of virtual-first health plans, an emerging model that is testing flexible, consumer-centric care for the digital health era. Register for this industry roundtable.
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Recruiting & Retention
Coded language in help-wanted ads deters older workers Economics professors conducted a study using fake job postings for low-level jobs, half of which used neutral language and half of which used coded language designed to discourage older workers from applying, with the coded ads drawing fewer applicants over age 40. AARP senior attorney Laurie McCann argued that ageism may be "one of the last acceptable forms of prejudice in our society," with only about 10% of age discrimination complaints ending in a settlement or finding of reasonable cause. Full Story: MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (9/15)
RD offers budget-friendly, healthful cooking ideas Cooking with water rather than broth or wine can be a flavorful, lower-sodium alternative and help save money, according to registered dietitian Kelly LeBlanc who offers six such budget-friendly and healthful tips. Other ideas include building meals around inexpensive and versatile vegetables like cabbage, which can be fermented, braised or made into a slaw, swapping in protein-rich legumes for meat and "shopping" your pantry for substitutions before heading to the grocery store for specific ingredients. Full Story: U.S. News & World Report (9/14)
Benefits & Compensation
Long COVID takes a toll on employer-sponsored plans Long COVID care has cost employer-sponsored health plans an average of $2,654 per member so far this year, about 26% more than would be spent for diabetic care, according to a report from Nomi Health. The research also noted that long COVID patients had a 3.6 times greater chance of missing workdays due to medical reasons than plan enrollees who did not have long COVID symptoms. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (9/15)
The HR Leader
Is your body language undermining your leadership? Leaders who cross their arms, fidget or look distracted during meetings -- whether virtual or in-person -- undermine their authority and give others the wrong impression, writes Lolly Daskal. "Just as you choose your words carefully, it's important to make sure your body language isn't sending unintended messages," Daskal writes. Full Story: Lolly Daskal (9/13)
“Want to pway?” Kahaku asked me, giving me one of his toothy grins and holding up his dinosaurs and trains. “Sure!” I said, grinning back at him and settling myself on the ground, next to the train tracks he had set up carefully. Kiaha, my son, was perched on the nearby couch. He and I chatted while Kahaku carefully sorted out which trains and dinosaurs I could have. He handed me Percy, Gordon (trains) and a triceratops. I continued talking to Kiaha as I moved the trains about the tracks. Kahaku wasn’t having it. He let his dad and I talk for a few minutes, before he finally waved his Thomas train at me and scolded, “Addie! We pwaying twains! Wook!” I laughed. He was right. I agreed to play trains with him before Kiaha and I started talking. He wanted my attention and knew how to tell when adults are not as engaged as they promised to be. Kiaha went to check on his daughter and Kahaku and I played for a few minutes. When Kiaha reentered the room, I asked if I could chat with Dad also. “Yes,” Kahaku consented, stealing a look at his dad. “But you still pwaying, wight?” “Of course,” I answered, kissing the top of his head. I got another toothy grin from him. People know when you’re engaged and when you are not, as we see in today’s HR Leader story. Body language conveys it all. Are you dividing your attention between a task and a conversation? Do you give absentminded responses to questions? Are your eyes looking everywhere except the person talking to you? If this is you, stop. People know when they don’t have your attention – and it frustrates them. It chisels away at the trust they put in you. And it’s just rude. Just ask my grandson. How can I serve you better with this brief? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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