Although artificial intelligence and automation may threaten some jobs, robots can't replicate human empathy, said Hyatt Hotels CEO Mark Hoplamazian. Human employees are still valuable, especially when they can connect with customers. Fortune (12/7) How to handle a co-worker who procrastinates Some co-workers may not be receptive to typical time-management strategies, Karen Miller writes. These situations might require a conversation in which you express concern about the person's missed deadlines and ask whether there's a problem with your co-worker's professional or personal life. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (12/7)
Making the Connection
Quick tips for your company's holiday party It's important to keep conversations relaxed but cordial at holiday parties. Limit yourself to two alcoholic drinks, and gracefully exit when you notice other people starting to leave, J.R. Duren writes. Glassdoor (12/7)
The Landscape
Wellness will be popular in 2018, but incentives are changing Employee wellness will continue to be a popular benefit next year, but David Johnson of Segal Consulting says programs are moving away from cash incentives because they do not drive long-term behavioral change. Other trends include student-loan payment assistance, identity theft coverage, health reimbursement plans and digital health options. U.S. News & World Report (12/6)
Your Next Challenge
Get a jump start on your 2018 job search If you're looking to find a new job opportunity, first consider what your former colleagues are doing and reconnect with people who may have leads on job openings. Consider what companies you might want to look for and research the salary range for positions like yours so that you'll be prepared for your job search, writes Hannah Morgan. U.S. News & World Report (12/7)
The Water Cooler
The city with the worst commute is not NYC or Los Angeles At 38.6 minutes, East Stroudsburg, Pa., gets the dubious distinction of having the US' longest average one-way commute, according to the Census Bureau. It's followed by NYC and Jersey City with 37.1 minutes and the New York and Newark metro areas with 35.9 minutes. MarketWatch (12/7)
Integrity is formed, not born, one decision at a time.
