A BambooHR analysis found employee happiness has declined by an average of 10% since 2020, with nonprofits and technology companies seeing the biggest drops. Construction workers ranked the happiest, while healthcare employees remained the least likely to recommend their workplace to others, according to the HR software company, which cites the economy, staffing shortages, threats of layoffs and return-to-office requirements as reasons for the overall decrease. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (4/1)
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Recruiting & Retention
Global report: 75% of employers struggle to fill jobs A global ManpowerGroup report found 75% of employers are having trouble filling vacancies, down from 77% a year ago, with companies in Japan reporting the biggest talent shortages. Healthcare and life sciences industries have the most shortages, according to the report, which points out employers are responding by raising salaries, offering more workplace flexibility and expanding their search for talent. Full Story: Human Resources Director (4/1)
A strategy to reduce change fatigue New business environments and technology have made employees more resistant to change because of the stress that comes with it. To overcome change fatigue, companies should meet people where they are, use sponsors to build support for the change and use empathy to create a psychologically safe work environment. Full Story: Training magazine (3/28)
Benefits & Compensation
NYC delivery workers celebrate new $19.56 hourly rate The workers who deliver meals and groceries to New Yorkers joined Mayor Eric Adams at City Hall to applaud their new $19.56 per hour minimum pay rate made possible by a city law passed in 2021. Some of the workers complained that the apps that used to take delivery orders are now making it more difficult for customers to give them tips. Full Story: Gothamist (New York) (4/1)
(Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages)
Organizations are working to broaden access to internships, addressing concerns about equity and inclusivity, particularly for historically underrepresented groups. As students face increasing pressure to secure internships, new models have emerged, from fully funded short-term programs to micro-internships, offering flexibility and opportunities for diverse learners. Full Story: The Hechinger Report (3/30)
Editor's Note
Inside the side-by-side human/AI work experience A study of futurists from TATA Consultancy Services shows that 90% are optimistic about forthcoming AI changes, and 72% envision significant contributions to employee well-being. What does this mean for job loss? Remote work? Get TATA futurist Bill Quinn's insights about work experience transformations -- from potentially shorter workweeks to who owns AI's work -- and participate in an audience Q&A during SmartBrief's April 18 "AI Redefining the Work Experience " webinar. Register now for the free event.
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Tennis great Roger Federer reeled off seven versions of what groundstroke during a visit with the Stanford University tennis team?
A little honesty can go a long way in today’s workplace, according to our top story about employee happiness. Many workers are less happy than they were four years ago. Employers can win points with their teams by being transparent about changes -- including lack of raises -- and listening to what workers have to say, even if it’s tough. Prudent employers will take that feedback seriously and look for ways to implement what makes sense and will support business goals. Is worker happiness a priority for you? How do you gauge it -- and how often? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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