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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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