Initial jobless claims edge downward to 228K | 7 things to do when it's not all fine at work | Hybrid schedule a priority for two-thirds of finance execs
Applications for unemployment benefits declined by 4,000 to 228,000 during the week ending Aug. 26, according to the Labor Department. The four-week moving average of jobless claims increased slightly by 250 to 237,500. Full Story: The Associated Press (8/31),MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (8/31)
7 things to do when it's not all fine at work When workers hear "It's all fine," or "It could be worse," the workplace has probably taken positivity to a toxic level, leading to denial of stress and other negative emotions, experts say. Seven practices that thwart toxic positivity include a coaching culture, transparency, active listening and accountable leaders. Full Story: Take It Personel-ly blog (8/29)
Navigate new regulations with a SHRM Seminar. Navigating new federal, state, and local laws and regulations can be a daunting task. SHRM Seminars offer employment law and compliance education so you can become the subject matter expert your company needs. Reserve your spot today!
Using split-dollar life insurance in an employment context Split-dollar life insurance may help employers attract and retain valuable employees, and it also provides benefits for employees, write attorneys Brian Balduzzi and Bryan Bloom. They discuss different kinds of split-dollar arrangements and note that "they can be a valuable estate planning vehicle for employees wishing to negotiate additional fringe benefits from their employers." Full Story: JD Supra (8/31)
Leaders face stressful, challenging situations frequently, such as navigating difficult conversations, managing conflict or dealing with high-pressure deadlines, and it's important to apply leadership skills to yourself first before addressing others, writes emerging-leader coach and author Art Petty. "How you handle yourself in high-stakes, high-stress moments will set the right or wrong example" about how to be at your best when others are at their worst, Petty says, offering three ways to lead yourself through tough moments. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (8/31)
Inmates in California's adult prisons can now earn a master's degree in a partnership between the prisons and California State University, Dominguez Hills. So far, 33 inmates have enrolled to earn a master of arts in humanities that will involve two years of Zoom and correspondence classes. Full Story: EdSource (8/31)
Editor's Note
SmartBrief will not publish Sept. 4 In observance of Labor Day in the US, SmartBrief will not publish Monday, Sept. 4.
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Pancakes, schmancakes. The very first Waffle House opened Labor Day weekend and is now a museum in what state?
When my son was in high school, he did an IT internship with the local county jail. It was a great experience. He learned a lot about government systems, help desk operations and privacy laws. He also learned that people skills count as much as brains. “Today was so cool, Mom.” Kiaha told me. “I got to image some machines and then my boss let me work on some tickets. I got to troubleshoot some desktops and help some of the office workers. Everyone was nice.” I smiled. Duckling has the patience of a saint. Before he got the internship at the jail, he sharpened his technology teeth by helping his grandparents and his aunties with their computers and other devices. Several times I heard him on the phone, working with them. “Hi Aunty! You got a new printer? Oh nice. Sure, I can help you install the drivers.” “Hi Grandma! You’re trying to email a document to Aunty Lisa? Okay. Yes, I can walk you through that.” “Hi Aunty. You got a funny email from your bank? Like, ‘funny’ haha or it looks weird funny? Weird funny? No, no, don’t click on anything in the email, Aunty. Just forward it to me.” “Hi Tutu! Mom sent you a book for your iPad? But you can’t see it on your Kindle app. Sure, I can help you.” People like Duckling who work well with others are invaluable, according to our Leadership & Development story today from Forbes. These folks are prime candidates for leadership roles. They are proficient at their work, but more importantly, they have the ability to move projects and initiatives along and rally good work from their peers. Make sure you hang onto these folks. 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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