Labor Department data showed an uptick of 2,000 unemployment benefit claims to a seasonally adjusted 232,000 for the week ending May 27. Economists had projected a tally of 235,000 for the period. Full Story: Reuters (6/1)
Happier employees, higher productivity, less time working. Is a 4-day work week the answer to the global mental health crisis? Studies show it might be. This trending topic and many more, will be discussed by the hundreds of experts sharing their knowledge at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2023. Join your peers in driving positive change in the world of work June 11-14.
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Recruiting & Retention
Why employees' paid time off often goes unused Nearly half of workers don't take all the paid time off they're entitled to, and many of these refrain from doing so out of fear for their careers or the effect on co-workers, according to a Pew Research Center study. The findings suggest this is one area in which employers can help to build job satisfaction by making it clear that using this time will lead to no repercussions. Full Story: IMPO magazine (5/31)
CEO pay increases last year were the lowest since 2015 CEO compensation for S&P 500 companies in 2022 grew at the lowest rate since 2015, increasing 0.9% to a median of $14.8 million, according to an Equilar data analysis conducted for the Associated Press. The muted increase, however, comes after CEO pay increased 17% in 2021, and is unlikely to quell concerns about excessive CEO pay and the widening pay gap between executives and workers, which have fueled criticism, labor unrest and activist investors. Full Story: The Associated Press (5/31),Fortune (tiered subscription model) (5/31),Willis Towers Watson (5/31)
Consciously choosing to put a coworker's priorities above your own is a hallmark of listening as an ally, a strategy that can help both parties through challenging situations, Rachael Grail of leadership consulting firm Interaction Associates writes. It starts with understanding that listening is a leadership skill that must be developed, Grail explains. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (6/1)
When was the last time you or your organization hired a convicted murderer? Before becoming a top Nike executive and president of of the NBA's Portland Trailblazers, Larry Miller did stints at companies that are household names, including Kraft and Campbell's Soup. And before that, he did a stint in prison for murder. Miller, who kept his criminal past a secret for years, is now working with Harvard Business School in an effort to convince today's business leaders to give ex-cons a chance. Full Story: Harvard Business School Working Knowledge (5/31)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
When Frances Folsom married US President Grover Cleveland on June 2, 1886, she was and still is the youngest first lady. What was her age? Check your answer here.
Listening is a powerful skill and an important one for leaders, as we see in today’s HR Leader story. Some of the most influential people in my life are excellent listeners. They are patient, kind and truly hear others. I have room to grow here. I am convinced this skill is the one that divides good leaders from excellent ones. I am encouraged to know that this skill can be improved upon over time. I always thought it was a gift some had and I didn’t. Are you a good listener? How do you exercise this skill with others? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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