The Labor Department reported initial claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 12,000 for the week ending July 8, for a seasonally adjusted 237,000. The Federal Reserve's Beige Book this week said demand for labor continued to be healthy last month but shortages were seen in health care, transportation, hospitality and high-skill positions. Full Story: Reuters (7/12)
Improve talent acquisition with fertility benefits Without workplace support, accessing fertility and family-forming care can create stress and financial hardship. Research shows that workplaces that offer comprehensive fertility benefits see employee retention and productivity soar. Learn more about how companies can provide comprehensive fertility benefits. Download the Infographic >
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Recruiting & Retention
New employee can lift others' performance Companies sometimes don't hire a worker who doesn't fit with the skills of other employees, but a new hire can challenge other employees. "They will not only appreciate comparing their skills and performance level with those of a superstar, but will enjoy the 'competition,'" writes Jeff Haden. Full Story: Inc. (tiered subscription model) (7/11)
How McDonald's is boosting disability inclusion McDonald's Manager of Disability Inclusion -- Global DEI Carlos Terrazas shares the blueprint of his work that has focused on creating a more disability-inclusive hiring process and streamlining accommodations for employees that request assistance. "It is my hope, through this role, to continue educating more people on disability and building strategic initiatives that create a culture of belonging for the community," said Terrazas. Full Story: Ad Age (tiered subscription model) (7/11)
Carrot-and-stick accountability doesn't work well across generations, but leaders can try a "more organic, employee-centric approach" by using a handful of strategies, writes leadership author and speaker Julie Winkle Giulioni. It's important to regain control, because accountability has an "outsized role in promoting productivity, driving results, enhancing engagement and building trust within teams," Winkle Giulioni explains. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (7/13)
A video of a dog saving the life of a fish has attracted 2.4 million Twitter views and more than 40,600 likes. The clip shows a man placing a fish he has just caught into a bucket, which is pushed back into the water by the dog, who then proceeds to stop the man from retrieving it. Full Story: CNN-News18 (India) (7/13)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Meg Ryan's Annie the writer falls in love with Tom Hanks' Sam the widower when Sam's son makes a radio plea for a mom in the film "Sleepless in Seattle." Who played Sam's sister, Suzy? Check your answer here.
I’m in Kona this week, tending to some family business. My sister, who lives on Oahu, flew over on Wednesday to help. We took a walk through our parents’ neighborhood and came to a stop on the corner near a house that had just been vacated. We stood there for nearly an hour, talking through some of the issues we were having to address in the family situation. At some point during that conversation, it struck me that this was a new experience -- a new season -- for me and my siblings. The scenarios we’re seeing. The questions we’re asking. The solutions we’re considering. We’re facing issues we haven’t faced before and talking and collaborating in a way that’s different for us. But it’s all coming together. Slowly, one decision, one conversation, one solution at a time. It’s been good. Seasons are good -- they stretch you and nurture growth and mental muscle. Anne Sugar talks about seasons in today’s Harvard Business Review story about staying uplifted at work. Sugar writes that we need to remember that seasons aren’t forever and that “nothing is permanent, even if it feels that way.” That seems an obvious thing to know, but it’s also an easy thing to forget or disregard. And when that happens, we slide into despair or frustration and our decision making suffers. Embrace whatever season you’re in. If it’s smooth, be grateful for the breather. If it’s trying, be grateful for the growth. In both, be sure you take time to refresh, relax and rejuvenate your spirit. 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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