Employers gave an average merit increase of 3.2% and a total raise of 3.5% in 2025, falling short of projections, according to a Mercer survey. The decline is attributed to a softening labor market and economic uncertainty.

Each interaction with another person offers an opportunity to improve someone's day, even if it's by a tiny amount, writes Steve Keating, a speaker and leadership expert. Keating recommends maintaining eye contact, relying on active listening and being authentic for better human connections, while avoiding one-upmanship and judgment.

Employee engagement in the US fell to a 10-year low of 31% in 2024, according to Gallup, highlighting the need for companies to enhance morale and loyalty. Common challenges include poor communication, frequent burnout, weak company values, limited development opportunities and lack of recognition. Solutions include regular one-on-one meetings, wellness benefits, integrating values into reviews, offering diverse professional development and consistent employee appreciation.

A proposal to raise the minimum wage for tourism workers in Los Angeles to $30 per hour by 2028 is facing strong opposition from hoteliers and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, who warn it could harm an industry still recovering from the pandemic and recent wildfires. The American Hotel & Lodging Association cites a report that says the measure could eliminate 14,000 jobs and deter hotel construction while supporters argue the wage increase is necessary to address the high cost of living.

A report from Axios HQ reveals that employees spend only 66% of their time on actual work and half of employees report they they do the bare minimum during their workday. Workplace experts attribute the trend to poor communication and say organizations can turn this around by reducing unnecessary meetings, tightening relationships between managers and their teams, and keeping employees informed about growth opportunities and leaders' decision-making processes.