Initial jobless claims decrease by 11K to 239K | More workers prioritize self over loyalty to company | Why gyms are moving into the co-working business
US jobless claims dropped 11,000 to 239,000, according to the Labor Department. The four-week moving average of claims rose slightly to 234,250 and the total number of people collecting unemployment benefits increased slightly to 1.72 million for the week ending Aug. 5. Full Story: The Associated Press (8/17)
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Younger workers who want their company's values to match theirs, plus a desire for more work-life balance means fewer employees are feeling loyal to their employer, and are more focused to their own ambitions, even if that means job-hopping, say workplace experts. "There is much less emphasis on staying loyal and 'sticking out' for a job and much more emphasis on finding a job that matches workers' own needs and preferences," says Aaron Taylor, head of school for human resource management at Arden University, UK. Full Story: BBC (8/16)
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Employees are heading back to corporate gyms Ann Wyatt at HealthFirst says there has been an uptick in employees using corporate gyms for personal and group training. "As companies continue to explore new and different ways to engage employees in healthy ways now that the pandemic is in our rearview mirror, personal and group training programs are increasingly a relatively easy and affordable way to address that challenge," Wyatt says. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (8/17)
The HR Leader
Help employees perform at their best with these tips When employees aren't effective at work, it may be time to reevaluate leadership strategies, writes Martin Zwilling, founder and CEO of Startup Professionals. "As the team grows, and the business pivots, communication of expectations becomes more and more critical," Zwilling writes. Full Story: Startup Professionals Musings (8/16)
Many people saw their office chitchat skills get rusty during the pandemic. This article outlines tips you can use to make chitchat more tolerable ... and even enjoyable. Full Story: Wired (tiered subscription model) (8/17)
Editor's Note
Workforce expert to speak at AI Impact Summit SmartBrief's inaugural virtual AI Impact Summit, Sept. 27 to 28, will feature OpenAI's Zack Kass as the opening keynote speaker. The event will explore business, workforce, marketing, tech and other topics, such as how AI is intersecting with reinvented workforce training and a talk by Michael Schmidt, vice chair of the labor and employment department at Cozen O’Conner, on what employers need to know about AI in the workplace. Register by Aug. 25.Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (8/16)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Of the 21 races he ran in his whole career, how many did thoroughbred Man o' War lose?
This week I highlighted lessons I learned from my father, who passed away Aug. 4, after a yearlong battle with chronic kidney disease. These lessons shaped me as a person and professional. Yesterday’s issue talked about health. Today, in my final wrap up, I give you a look at how Dad viewed Life and how he applied that perspective every day. Carl Namahoe looked at Life through the lens of eternity. He sowed his time and resources into things that he believed aligned with the Bible and had lifelong value. He was intentional about living life with simplicity and integrity. Here’s what I learned. Have a daily quiet time. Dad spent a portion of every morning, reading his bible and thinking about what he read. It calibrated his mind and actions for the day. It wasn’t showy. He sat in his favorte chair, iPad in hand, reading quietly to himself. I saw the impact of this practice. The stern, gruff man I avoided during my teens softened into someone I truly enjoyed and respected. It also gave him a wisdom I leaned on frequently. Focus on what’s ahead. A friend said Dad gave her some advice once when she was driving the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. She hates driving in LA. “Uncle said, ‘Linda, don’t worry about the people around you. Just look ahead. Look where you going,’” she told me. “I’ve never forgotten that. I say that to myself all the time.” Dad lived these words. He kept his eyes trained on the assignments God gave him -- his marriage, his children and grandchildren, and his congregation, among others. He didn’t let other people’s opinions or agendas distract him from his goals. Honor your culture. Dad deeply loved and respected his Hawaiian roots. He grew up on Oahu, in Papakolea and Punalu'u. He attended Kahuku High School and remained a loyal Red Raider throughout his life. He loved Hawaiian music; he raised us on it and spent hours playing the guitar and ukulele with his father, brother and friends. And Dad enjoyed cooking local Hawaiian favorites. His poke, beef stew, teriyaki chicken and shortbread cookies were always in demand at family gatherings. Respect your spouse. Dad honored his wife and wedding vows. He never stepped out on her. He guarded her and made it clear he wouldn’t tolerate anyone being unkind to her. “This is no-man’s land,” he’d tell people and point to Mom. “If anyone crosses her, he deals with the beast. I’m the beast.” Respecting his wife was probably one of the best gifts Dad gave his kids. It set up a foundation of stability for our family. We knew they were one unit and that we could count on them. Home was a safe, loving place. Show up for your kids. I was on the defense, pushed up to the halfway line, watching our offense maneuver for a shot. Something behind the St. Bonaventure goal caught my eye. It was Dad. He had parked on the field and was standing outside his work truck, in his work boots and jeans, thumbs looped in his pockets, watching me play. He had come in from his station in Fillmore -- 25 miles away -- to see my game. Dad believed strongly in supporting his kids’ activities. He had been a standout athlete in high school, but his parents didn’t attend his games or the team banquet when he was awarded Most Valuable Player. It wounded him. He promised himself that he would be there for his kids. And he was. Dad was at nearly every meet, game, play or show we did. He did the same for his grandchildren. When Kawai played travel soccer, Mom and Dad were there. Dad parked his chair down by the 18, and watched his ponytail princess race up and down the field. Later, he and Kawai would break down her play during post-game burgers and fries. Honoring God was Dad’s compass. Tying every decision, every action and every goal back to that enabled Dad to live each day with purpose. He could sleep well at night knowing he had spent his time and energy on activities of value. Thank you, dear readers, for allowing me to share lessons from my father’s life with you this week. I’m so honored by the notes and emails you’ve sent telling me how these takeaways affected you. May we all move forward in life, paying close attention to what we’re doing, loving on those we call family, and investing in our personal and professional futures by putting our hands to good work every day. Imua! 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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