The educational attainment gap may have narrowed in the past 40 years between Black and white Americans, but the wage gap hasn't, and economic experts have been examining to what extent racism is to blame, compared with other factors. Black employees who have the same education as white workers earn around 20% less, per the Economic Policy Institute, and economics professor Darrick Hamilton says, "Race is a deciding factor." Full Story: The New York Times (6/28)
It's not business as usual COVID-19 has dramatically changed our financial landscape and work culture, sparking a lasting shift in how we do business. Returning to a "new normal" can also mean new risks - and new insurance needs.
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Recruiting & Retention
In-office mandates may backfire Some employers are rejecting the continuation of remote working as offices look to reopen, a move that could prove shortsighted as workers aren't afraid to seek new roles that give them the flexibility they want. "In order to create something meaningful -- something that keeps talent from looking elsewhere -- the process must be employee-centric, with freedom and flexibility built into the design," says YARD NYC CEO Ruth Bernstein. Full Story: Digiday (tiered subscription model) (6/28)
Sick of biased news? 1440’s got you covered 1440 is the fastest way to an impartial point-of-view. The team at 1440 scours over 100+ media sources ranging from culture and science to sports and politics to create one email that gets you all caught up on the day's events in 5 minutes. It's 100% free, so sign up for 1440 here.
3 reasons we fail at leadership and how to overcome them Research by Brandon Hall Group finds companies fail at successful leadership for three main reasons: not implementing a companywide model for how leaders should behave; confusing leadership and management competencies; and failing to scale the development of leaders. Brandon Hall Group's Claude Werder explains how employers can effectively implement a leadership program. Full Story: Training magazine (6/24)
Benefits & Compensation
Survey: Mental health being recognized as a priority Most employers say employees are struggling with mental illness, substance abuse or addiction, with stigmas around these conditions preventing many from seeking the help they need, according to a survey by The Hartford. There also is a perception gap, with about 80% of employers saying they accept and encourage discussion of mental health concerns, while a smaller percentage of employees agree. Full Story: PropertyCasualty360 (free registration) (6/23)
The HR Leader
How psychological safety inspires innovation Teams innovate best when they trust their leaders to create a culture of psychological safety where they can learn, contribute and dissent without fearing retaliation, writes Alaina Love. "To truly innovate, there's a delicate balance to seek, where you foster high levels of intellectual tension on your team while reducing the social friction between individuals that hampers real inclusion," Love writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (6/28)
About the Editor
Kanoe Namahoe
The gym went still as Coach Ray began talking. “Where’s your energy? If you guys don’t want to be here, no problem -- let’s go home,” he said. “I can lock up the gym. But if we’re going to be here, let’s work. What are we doing?” The boys nodded at him and got back into their lines to restart the drill. Soon, the gym echoed with their shouts and shoe squeaks. I was off to the side, marveling. Ray never raised his voice. There were no shouts, threats or insults. The boys just listened and changed their behavior. The entire exchange took less than three minutes. That’s what happens when teams respect leadership. I’ve seen other youth coaches bully their way into authority with their players. But real leaders generate respect and loyalty because their teams want to follow them, as we see in today’s Training Mag story. Ray’s players will pour themselves into a grueling two-hour practice because they trust him and believe they’ll be better after doing it. 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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