Young bankers openly use stimulants to manage pressure | Study: Ageism affects nearly all workers over 40 | The role of leadership in reshaping cybersecurity culture
Young bankers on Wall Street are increasingly -- and openly! -- using stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse and energy drinks to cope with long work hours and high-pressure environments. Bankers describe seeing peers snort lines of crushed Adderall in the office or take shots of energy drinks that had the caffeine equivalent of five cups of coffee. These drugs are seen as performance enhancers but come with significant health risks, including addiction and potential heart problems. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (12/14),The Telegraph (London) (tiered subscription model) (12/15)
Peter Attia, MD, to keynote Moonshots Register for free to hear longevity pioneer, Dr. Peter Attia, as he reveals why investing in healthspan isn't just good for individuals - it's transformative for organizations. Discover the untapped potential of longevity as the ultimate ROI.
A MyPerfectResume study found that 99% of employees older than 40 have experienced ageism at work, with 92% feeling pressured to conceal their age and 88% adapting behavior to fit in with their younger coworkers. The study highlights the trend's negative impact on confidence and inclusion, with 86% of respondents reporting age-related bullying. The researchers urge organizations to value age diversity and combat ageism. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (12/13)
5 herbal teas to support a strong immune system Registered dietitian Rachael Miller and holistic nutritionist Christen Kaplan highlight the immune-supporting benefits of various teas, emphasizing their content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Moringa tea, known as the "miracle tree," offers essential nutrients, while turmeric tea provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Green tea is praised for its high catechin content, supporting metabolism and heart health. Rosehip tea is noted for its vitamin C content, and elderberry tea contains polysaccharides that enhance immune response. These teas not only support hydration but also contribute to overall well-being. Full Story: Real Simple (12/14)
Benefits & Compensation
High-deductible plan enrollment shows significant change The latest report from National Health Statistics indicates a significant change in enrollment trends for high-deductible health plans between 2021 and 2023. Enrollment rates for individuals with employment-based insurance now closely matches those who purchase directly, highlighting a shift in consumer behavior. Despite a general decline in overall HDHP enrollment since 2020, a considerable number of businesses still offer these plans. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (12/11)
Chief human resources officers are becoming integral to CEO succession planning, with boards involving them as much as five years in advance to provide insights into the internal talent pool, act as a bridge between the board and CEO, and help manage the psychological complexities of succession. Brigid Pelino, chief people and culture officer at Definity, says CHROs often handle sensitive matters with CEOs, making them "the central point for gathering and sharing insights from peers, consolidating their concerns, successes and overall sentiment." Full Story: Russell Reynolds Associates (12/13)
Bohea was a popular black tea, of which 240 chests were thrown into Boston Harbor in 1773. Which country did that tea and 100 more chests of black and green varieties originate from?
I was diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder more than two decades ago. My son was undergoing evaluation for the disorder and as I read about it, I realized I had many of the same symptoms. I shared this with my therapist, who gave me a test and confirmed that I had ADHD. I was so relieved to finally have an explanation for -- a reason behind -- some of the things I did or some things that were a battle for me. She sent me to a psychiatrist who put me on Adderall and the rest, as they say, was history. My desire to seek help and medication was based on me wanting to address challenges I had long wrestled to manage. I was cautious about dosages and declined my doctor’s offer to up my daily dose from 25 milligrams to 40 milligrams. I didn’t want to develop an unhealthy dependency on it. So you can understand why I was open-mouthed at today’s top story from WSJ and The Telegraph about young Wall Street bankers using Adderall and other stimulants to optimize their performance. Snorting lines of crushed Adderall -- at their desks? Downing Monsterbombs -- energy shots in a glass of Monster and chugged in a single gulp? Or Zyn pouches, packets of nicotine that are used similar to chewing tobacco, held between the lip and gum. Some bankers ingest enough Zyn pouches in a day to equal a pack of cigarettes. And it’s all done in the open. This made me sad. It’s one thing to pursue a profession you enjoy. And stress will always be part of that career picture. But risking your heath – risking death?? – to climb a ladder, to pursue a seven-figure salary? I can’t. It’s too high a price to pay. 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.”
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