US labor productivity grew at a 1.5% annualized rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, an upward revision from the initial estimate of 1.2%, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the full year, productivity increased 2.7%. Unit labor costs rose 2.2% in the fourth quarter, while hourly compensation climbed 3.8%.
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Neiman Marcus Group's flexible and results-focused work culture has played a significant role in improving performance and profits, writes Brian Elliott, an executive adviser. The "Way of Working" initiative, led by former Neiman Marcus Chief People Officer Eric Severson, has helped with retention and productivity by granting employees autonomy in exchange for accountability.
Job satisfaction is influenced by how employees perceive their financial future, according to research from the University of Georgia. The study found that feeling secure about future finances has a direct positive impact on job satisfaction, independent of burnout levels. The study recommends that employers focus on financial wellness programs, such as financial counseling and retirement planning, to mitigate burnout.
Calix has embraced a work-from-anywhere model since 2016, emphasizing effective leadership, mentorship and technology to support remote employees. Chief Talent and Culture Officer Parul Kapoor highlights the importance of building trust, using asynchronous communication tools and fostering a sense of belonging through activities. "Our employee resource groups play a significant role in organizing virtual events that celebrate diversity and build connections, such as cooking classes and wellness sessions, allowing us to connect on a personal level beyond work tasks," Kapoor says.
Being helpful can show you're a flexible team player, but when it becomes a people-pleasing habit, it can undermine your effectiveness, creativity and ability to make sound judgments and decisions, writes Katia Vlachos, a reinvention coach and author. Vlachos offers five remedies, including getting clear about your core values, being strategic about what you say yes or no to and asking trusted colleagues to give you a nudge when you fall back into accommodating habits, Vlachos writes.
