Initial jobless claims increased last week, reaching a seasonally adjusted level of 228,000, according to the Labor Department. The data point is the latest indicator that the labor market, while still robust, may be cooling to some degree. Full Story: MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (10/13),The Wall Street Journal (10/13)
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Recruiting & Retention
Policymakers hope "labor hoarding" bolsters economy Many US companies and businesses are responding to the current workforce shortage by "labor hoarding," or avoiding any termination of employees, even for infractions that would have gotten them fired in the past. Some policymakers are hoping the hesitation to lay off workers will help the nation stave off a recession. Full Story: The New York Times (10/12)
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What's the right formula to calculate pay raises? National trends and the inflation rate factor into the calculation of employee raises, research shows, but this year's median pay increase of 4% -- up from the typical 3% -- covers only about half the inflation rate. Employers should also consider industry- or location-specific influences and whether they want to focus on cost-of-living, merit or market adjustments. Full Story: CO— (US Chamber of Commerce) (10/12)
The HR Leader
Use these questions to address "quiet quitting" Asking four specific questions around motivation, expectations, goals and development can guide leaders to understand "quiet quitting" and find solutions within their organizations, writes Julie Winkle Giulioni. "Leaders who inspire next-level effort co-create meaningful goals that employees are excited about -- goals that are linked to the bigger picture, fair, objective, verifiable and within the control of the employee to accomplish," Giulioni writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (10/13)
Workplace changes have created an opening to redefine -- or end -- outdated dress codes, and most people say casual clothes improve their performance and connections, writes, diversity, equity and inclusion consultant Ritu Bhasin. Modify guidelines based on what employees say would make them comfortable, trust that they won't show up in pajamas, and craft narrow rules for instances that require more formal attire, Bhasin suggests. Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (10/5)
About the Editor
Kanoe Namahoe
I’m going to be in D.C. in two weeks for a conference and some meetings. I’ve spent the past few days in dressing rooms, trying on suits, sensible blouses and cardigan sets. What a disaster. I was at Ann Taylor Monday, staring at myself in the mirror as I buttoned up the jacket of a black pantsuit and couldn’t help but think, “I look like the manager from 'Dilbert.' ” Traditional workwear kills me. Nothing dismantles my confidence like a pair of black ponte dress slacks that put all my flaws front and center. (Spanx can only do so much.) So I am cheering today’s Chatter story by Ritu Bhasin about rethinking office dress codes. “[W]e can be excellent at our jobs without donning formal attire … pre-pandemic dress codes, whether for the virtual or in-person office, are now outdated, and casual workwear is the future,” Bhasin writes. “No way, Kanoe. If I relax the dress code, people will show up in leggings and hoodies or cargo shorts and torn T-shirts.” I doubt it. "Casual" and "comfortable" do not mean sloppy. Most folks will be responsible with the freedom to dress as they want. Set reasonable parameters -- no sweats; clothes should be clean and tidy and cover the midriff -- and if someone crosses the line, talk to them. “[H]ave one-on-one conversations with them instead of closing the door to belonging for everyone,” says Bhasin. I am a professional. I will always be neat, tidy and pulled together for work. But I want to feel good in what I’m wearing (and @theclosetconsultant agrees). I work best that way. So as I head out this weekend to continue my shopping adventure, I will be hunting for a pair of dark wash bootcut jeans that can handle a versatile workload. They’ll need to go with my Harley jacket and burgundy Timberlands when I ride; my Manuheali’i blouse and strappy heels when I’m in the office; and a crisp white tee and black blazer when I am giving a presentation. This is my go-to gear. What do you love wearing to work? Who are your favorite designers? Big mahalo to Po’Mahina Designs, Sig Zane Designs, Manuheali’i and Kealopiko for making fashions that are flattering, perfect for any environment and celebrate culture. 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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