How benefits managers can support Gen Z workers
Created for newsletter@newslettercollector.com | Unknown Title at Unknown Company
Update Profile | Web Version
May 2, 2025
CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF LinkedInFacebookXSmartBlogs
SmartBrief on Workforce
Essential reading for HR professionalsSIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
Top Story
US job growth tops forecasts with 177,000 gain
(Bloomberg/Getty Images)
The US added 177,000 jobs in April, surpassing the 138,000 estimate, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%. Sectors like logistics and health care drove gains, hinting at tariff-related front-loading. Despite strong data, markets remain cautious about future weakness tied to trade policy and Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Full Story: CNN (5/2),  The Wall Street Journal (5/2),  Bloomberg (5/2),  The Washington Post (5/2) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Recruiting & Retention
Redesign work to harness AI-driven productivity
(PM Images/Getty Images)
Organizations must redesign traditional work structures, with fixed roles and rigid processes, to fully harness the potential of AI. A 'work-backward' approach -- deconstructing, redeploying, and reconstructing tasks -- can unlock new efficiencies.
Full Story: MIT Sloan Management Review (tiered subscription model) (5/1) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Leadership & Development
Benefits & Compensation
Gen Z employees may need more personalized onboarding to help them understand health benefits, says Kristen Larson, senior vice president of client growth at Personify Health. Larson says employers should address generational differences and offer clear guidance to help young employees navigate their options.
Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (5/1) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
The HR Leader
Improving quality of hire has become a top priority for HR and talent acquisition leaders as organizations face economic pressures and changing workforce dynamics, with a recent survey by Aptitude Research and Crosschq showing 75% of HR leaders prioritize this metric over traditional benchmarks like time-to-fill. Measuring quality of hire remains challenging, with only 38% of companies consistently achieving high-quality hires, but technology such as AI is helping HR professionals enhance quality of hire by analyzing performance data and predicting long-term success.
Full Story: HR Executive (4/30) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Workplace Chatter
A new app aims to cure chronic lateness
(Peter Cade/Getty Images)
A new app called Lately aims to help users overcome their time management challenges by sending reminders before scheduled departures and gamifying punctuality. The app includes features like a countdown and a lock screen progress bar to help users stay on schedule.
Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (4/30) 
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
About the Editor
Reflections
Reflections
(Kanoe Namahoe)
Welcome to Friday Faves! Every Friday, I spotlight books, podcasts, articles, email newsletters, documentaries or other content pieces that I enjoy. I also share suggestions that I get from you. Got a favorite for your peers? Send it to me. I may include it here for a future column.
 
If I had my druthers, the corporate workplace uniform would consist of jeans, t-shirts and Timberlands. I think this every year as I race around a conference center -- from meeting to meeting and session to session -- sweating in a suit jacket and trying to ignore the pain in my tired, swollen feet. But, since I know that what I wear affects how people view me, I don the expected attire.
 
That might be changing, though, according to WorkLife’s story -- and today’s Friday Faves -- about office dress codes. More companies are relaxing their workwear requirements to ease employees' transition back to the office. Workplace experts suggest HR leaders support autonomy and personal expression within the bounds of professional standards.
 
What do you think? Personally, I like it. I think most employees will do this properly. I don’t think our workplaces will be overrun by booty shorts, yoga pants and track suits. We may see more suits and Jordans in our conference rooms -- on men and women -- but I think that’s a good thing. Casual and comfortable does not have to (and should not) equal sloppy.
 
Let me know your thoughts. And have a great weekend!
 
Do you enjoy this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
Sharing SmartBrief on Workforce with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free.
Help Spread the Word
SHARE
Or copy and share your personalized link:
newsletter.smartbrief.com/workforce/?referrerId=hCgswturix
Who Said It?

Nothing is more honest than a dream.
Federico Fellini or Dolly Parton

Check your answer here.
LinkedIn X Facebook Email
 
SmartBrief publishes more than 200 free industry newsletters - Browse our portfolio
Sign Up  |    Update Profile  |    Advertise with SmartBrief
Unsubscribe  |    Privacy policy
CONTACT US: FEEDBACK  |    ADVERTISE
SmartBrief Future
Copyright © 2025 SmartBrief. All Rights Reserved.
A division of Future US LLC
Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036.