Why leaders should limit one-on-one meetings Top leaders should have fewer one-on-one meetings with their executives and focus on conversations with several of them at once, writes Navalent managing partner Ron Carucci, who points out one-on-one meetings can give people a false sense of insider privilege and lower co-workers' trust. "The role of senior executives isn't to manage functions in isolation. It's to enable the organization's full capacity to perform, adapt, and grow," writes Carucci, who argues bringing executives together speeds up coordination, helps clarify corporate strategy and makes people feel like they share ownership. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (7/8)
Setting boundaries at work can be empowering Setting boundaries by saying "no" to extra projects or work that falls outside your job description can inspire a healthy workplace, writes Naphtali Hoff, an executive coach, who advises declining extra work with firmness and politeness. "When others see that it’s possible to say 'no' respectfully and still be seen as competent and collaborative, it empowers them to do the same," Hoff writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (7/11)
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About half of employees experience "quiet cracking," which describes an employee's gradual decline in happiness, productivity and motivation at work, according to TalentLMS data. Leaders can combat the trend by having one-on-one meetings to recognize issues early, showing appreciation for achievements and setting clear career paths, says Peter Duris, CEO of Kickresume. Full Story: Human Resources Director (7/13)
The Landscape
Am I underpaid? A Payscale report reveals that nearly 70% of employees feel underpaid, even when their compensation matches or exceeds market rates, a significant increase from 51% four years ago. The report highlights that wage growth has outpaced inflation in most sectors, but workers often don't perceive this progress. Full Story: Yahoo (7/13)
Jobless claims fall to 7-week low Initial jobless claims in the US unexpectedly fell to a seven-week low of 227,000 for the week that ended July 5, indicating employers are retaining workers despite signs of a cooling labor market. While layoffs remain low, hiring has slowed, making it harder for unemployed individuals to find jobs. Full Story: Reuters (7/10),The Associated Press (7/10)
Employers plan to keep salary budgets flat for 2026 US employers are planning to keep salary budgets flat at 3.5% for 2026, mirroring 2025, according to a WTW report. Employers cite economic uncertainty for the stagnant budgets, while those planning higher budgets cite labor market pressures. Despite flat pay increases, employee retention has improved, with fewer organizations reporting challenges in attracting or retaining staff. Full Story: HR Dive (7/14)
Modern country clubs are expanding their amenities beyond traditional golf and fitness offerings to attract a broader member base, especially whole families. New features now include cold plunges, golf and F1 racing simulators, art studios, maker labs, work lounges, and dog parks. These expanded amenities aim to create a "third place" for members, after home as a "first place" and work as "second place". Full Story: Kiplinger (7/14)
The National Building Museum, typically known for its focus on architecture and design, has temporarily reinvented itself as an oversized parkour playground for the summer. This transformation turns the museum's grand interior into a space where visitors can experience physical activity and playful challenge, diverging from its usual exhibitions centered around the built environment. Full Story: The Washington Post (7/10)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Twitter (now X) was launched on July 15, 2006, about 162 years after the first telegram was transmitted. Which country put a full STOP on its telegraph service in 2013?
