US jobless claims decreased by 4,000 last week to 267,000, the lowest number during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Labor Department. The US economy still is more than 4 million jobs short of levels seen in February 2020.

The decision to fire an employee isn't always easy or clear when it comes to issues such as performance, but a person whose actions are ethically and legally problematic will likely need to be terminated, writes Joe Procopio, founder of Teaching Startup. If the employee is granted a second chance, formalize the process through documentation, timelines and measurable goals, Procopio writes.

Macy's is increasing its hourly wage to $15 per hour by next May in a move to recruit new employees. The retailer also is partnering with Guild Education to develop an education benefit that will cover all tuition, books and fees for participating employees.

Middle managers have the greatest effect on employees' day-to-day work, so it's incumbent on companies to ensure such managers are as focused on promotions and attrition as they are on hiring to improve diversity, writes Chris Hughes. In addition, "[i]f groups that are underrepresented in the firm don't advance to middle management themselves, a lack of diversity among role models reinforces the sense of a glass ceiling," Hughes writes.

Basketball Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett credited his commitment to versatility as key to his legendary success. "[B]eing versatile is what makes me different. I don't worry about over-defining my position. I don't fall into discussions of where I fit in. I'm just a basketball player. I do what has to be done to get it done," Garnett said in a 2003 interview with Sports Illustrated.

My Kawai could play anywhere. She was, by assignment, a defender, but her speed, athleticism and nimble foot -- she could score with her right or left foot -- meant we could play her anywhere, including the box. Most games saw her playing on the backline, but when we needed it, we moved her to the front, midfield or keeper. Her flexibility made her one of the most valuable players on the squad.

We call players like Kawai “utility players” -- people who can play multiple positions. NBA legend Kevin Garnett understood the value of versatility, as we see in today’s Workplace Chatter story. He didn’t allow himself to get pigeon-holed into a single position. Versatility was the sword he brandished to be lethal on the court.

(Want more KG? Catch his documentary Anything is Possible debuting tonight on Showtime.)

How are you developing utility players in your workplace? What are you doing to keep them engaged? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.