Proposed bills aim to address workforce needs | Despite challenges, HR leaders still focused on DEI | Chief AI officer discusses the importance of the role
Several bills introduced in the House by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, address workforce needs, including a tax credit for employers who provide employee training programs and lowering the age for commercial driving licenses. Hinson also wants an annual economic analysis from the Labor and Energy Departments of how jobs in the energy and manufacturing sectors are affected by industry changes.
Although the number of companies investing in DEI dropped to 27% last year from 33% in 2022, companies say they are still committed to diversity initiatives because it's good for business and employees want it. However, given today's legal landscape, companies are having to adapt policies and practices to accommodate changing laws and find ways to hire without setting demographic goals.
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Bank of America employees can take advantage of a special family-building benefit that provides $20,000 for fertility, adoption and surrogacy costs. The company also offers extended parental leave and family planning support, policies that earned it a place on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's list of 100 most adoption-friendly companies for over a decade.
Facing soaring college expenses and a shift in societal perceptions, more students are opting for trade schools, where enrollment in skilled trade programs saw significant increases. From mechanic and repair to culinary courses, students find shorter, cost-effective paths to careers.
Instead of looking for passion in your career, focus on using your strengths to feel fulfilled in your job, writes career coach Amy Bracht. "Even if you're not passionate about a specific subject or not yet in the career you desire, the sense of purpose derived from helping others or creating positive change can bring a deep level of fulfillment," writes Bracht.
I was standing on my back deck a few days ago, enjoying the crisp morning air and watching the ducks in my pond. Rain from the previous night had stripped leaves from the trees and they had fallen into the water. I found myself staring at them as they floated across the surface. Some drifted toward the edges of the water, while others bobbed in the wake of the fountain. I could feel my brain start to itch.
The leaves were dead. They fluttered about without aim. They went whatever direction the wind or water took them. They had movement, but no life.
I came back inside the house. My new 2024 day planner was open on my desk. Its crisp, clean pages begged for my gel pen to scratch an ambitious list of to-dos down the ordered columns.
But I couldn’t pick up the pen. Not yet. I was convicted by the thought that I tend to make lists of tasks and projects, but I don’t put the right effort or focus behind them. I spend my days busy with work, chores, exercise, family and so forth, but I don’t make progress on the goals that are important to me. I’m still floating aimlessly in my pond world.
The realization sobered me. I left my day planner blank as I mused over these thoughts.
We aren’t meant to drift through Life. We aren’t meant to be slaves to circumstance or emotion. We are meant to lead lives of purpose and meaning. What does that look like?
It looks like priorities and goals. Priorities and goals define our purpose; they become our North Star. They shape our days and decisions. They help us see what we do best. They keep us from derailing, when crises and discouragement hit. They give oxygen to our efforts, allowing us to be focused and prudent with our energy, time and resources.
So, how do we put this into practice? I’m sure there are different ways to do this, but I’m starting with prayer, one of my fave Bible verses and my journal. I’ll list my priorities, sketch out my usual day and week, plus tasks and projects, and see how everything lines up. I expect to do some pruning, eliminating some things and delegating others. What matters to me is living each day with responsibility and intention.
How do you keep from floating aimlessly through your days? I am focusing on priorities, but perhaps your focus is passion. Whatever your process, let me know how you plan to make 2024 count. And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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