Employers can get the most out of their workers, and be more inclusive to disabled and neurodivergent employees, by adopting "comprehensive flexibility" -- not simply offering flexibility around hours and locations, but by matching people to the work that truly interests them and is suited to their unique talents, Ludmila Praslova writes. Companies such as Legalite, Lemon Tree, Ultranauts and Siemens AG are reaping the rewards of "making work 'fit' people, not the other way around," Praslova writes. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (8/15)
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Recruiting & Retention
Parental leave can give an edge in hiring With US labor in short supply, the company practice of offering paid parental leave and other types of time off is becoming more popular, experts say. These are priority items, especially among younger workers looking to start a family, but whether a manufacturer offers paid leave may depend on the average age of its workforce. Full Story: Manufacturing Dive (8/14)
More Americans taking hardship distributions from retirement plans The share of retirement plan participants taking hardship distributions rose 36% year over year in the second quarter and 12% from the first quarter, according to a Bank of America report that tracks the retirement saving behavior. Also, average quarterly contributions dropped 23% between the first and second quarters, although the data also shows that more participants overall increased their contribution rate. Full Story: Kiplinger (8/15)
Furniture restoration company CNP Treasures in West Orange, N.J., employs young people with disabilities who have aged out of special education programs to provide them meaningful employment while they learn work and life skills, says owner Cheryl Parris. Employees also receive job coaching so they can look for work elsewhere if they wish. Full Story: TAPinto/West Orange, N.J. (8/11)
Bobby Berk, author, interior design expert and star of Netflix's "Queer Eye," says the key to success is failure, and he outlines his journey from homelessness, to working odd jobs and in retail before hitting on success. "[F]ailures either teach you how to do what you want to do differently to achieve that goal, or they actually teach you that the goal you thought you needed to achieve, it's not the right journey for you," Berk says. Full Story: Success online (8/14)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Which computer figures prominently in the movie "Hidden Figures" as well as the real-life event depicted?
As I mentioned in my note Monday, I am dedicating this week to highlighting important lessons I learned from my father, who passed away Aug. 4, after yearlong battle with chronic kidney disease. These lessons have been pivotal in shaping me as a person and professional. Yesterday’s issue talked about work and career. Today’s takeaways are on love and marriage. It was 2:57 a.m. Pacific time Friday Aug. 4. “Daddy’s in surgery,” Mom said, her voice grave. She explained the events of the previous 24 hours -- the excruciating pain he’d been in, how dialysis didn’t lessen it and how he had fought her when she insisted he go to the ER. I said I’d be on the first flight to Kona. She thanked me and we hung up. I didn’t make it in time. “Dad passed,” my brother’s text said, as the plane descended over the ocean and WiFi resumed. I crumpled into broken, ragged sobs in my seat. Dad was still in the ER when I got to Kona Community Hospital. Mom, my brother, my sister-in-law and my niece were all with him. I kissed Dad gently and promised to take care of Mom. Then we all stood, circled his bed and sang Ho’onani Ka Makua Mau, the Doxology. When we finished, Mom asked me to pray. And then it was time to say goodbye. My heart cramped as my mom leaned over her husband of 53 years. “Okay Carl,” she said, her voice trembling as she kissed his forehead. “I love you. I miss you.” She stretched her arm across the broad shoulders that had always protected her. After a few minutes, my brother lifted her off gently and we guided her out of the room. My sister arrived that afternoon with her spouse. Their flight had been delayed on Maui and they had to say goodbye to Dad over the phone. We all hunkered down at Mom and Dad’s place. We ate mountains of food that people dropped off, had kanikapila (played music) with some friends and shared countless memories of Dad. Laughter and tears flowed together. It was healing. Here’s what I learned. Love is selfless. Mom and Dad put each other first. She insisted he go to the ER; she knew it was the only right decision. She knew Dad was in pain. He fought her because he knew it would be the end -- he knew he wouldn’t come home to her and he hated the thought of Mom hurting. “Dad was willing to endure the pain to spare you even one day of suffering,” I told Mom. She teared up, but smiled as she nodded her agreement. Marriage is powerful. I got to witness, firsthand, how 53 years of marriage and commitment produces strength under fire. Mom had to get out of her comfort zone. She had to drive constantly, a task she didn’t like and struggled to do sometimes. Dad had to accept a new normal -- a walker, stepping back from the pulpit and work and his wife tending to his personal needs. They both had to endure long days, even longer nights and lots of complicated conversations with doctors and nurses. It was a complete departure from their usual. But they persevered, extending grace time and again. When the pain made Dad cranky and snappy, Mom remained patient and kind. When Mom was tired from a day of driving and talking to specialists, Dad remembered to thank her and tell her he loved her. When Dad told his corny Dad jokes, Mom laughed and laughed. (I cringed; they were awful.) Marriage is hard work. Sometimes it’s miserable -- and for a long time. But, if you push through all the challenges, you can reach a level of beauty that’s unmatched. It’s powerful. It’s joyful. It’s worth it. 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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