Labor Dept.: US gains 517K jobs; unemployment rate falls | Financial implications when single parents quit their jobs | Want to blunt inflation risks? Keep your employees
The US labor market greatly outperformed expectations for January, with 517,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate declining to 3.4%, its lowest level in more than 50 years. The strong job gains, which were well above the Dow Jones estimate, could play a role in the Federal Reserve's future policy decisions. Full Story: Axios (2/3),CNBC (2/3),The Wall Street Journal (2/3)
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Recruiting & Retention
Financial implications when single parents quit their jobs In some cases, single parents may choose to leave their jobs, potentially allowing them to lead more balanced lives and pursue new opportunities while also raising financial challenges related to child care and insurance. Several single mothers share their stories, the benefits and drawbacks, and whether quitting was ultimately worthwhile for them. Full Story: The New York Times (2/5)
How to get back on the gym and fitness track If you haven't been to the gym in three weeks -- or two months -- you will have lost most of what you gained in the workouts you did before, according to experts, and if you're over the age of 30, you lose your fitness at twice that rate. The good news is, those who have exercised before will regain their strength and endurance quicker than a couch potato, typically within "10 to 14 days with moderately hard workouts," according to Edward Coyle, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Full Story: The New York Times (1/31)
Benefits & Compensation
Why it's important to remember the "human" part of HR Too many HR professionals are forgetting the "human" part of their department's name, says Charlotte Thatcher, senior vice president for people at digital workplace YOOBIC. Thatcher adds that many enterprises "fail to see even communication, coaching and mentoring as a two-way street," and only about 1 in 5 are willing to invest in employee experience. Full Story: TLNT (2/2)
I fell off the workout wagon a few months back. I went from going 4-5 times per week to going 1-2 times or not at all. Not surprisingly, the pounds started to pile on and I found myself frustrated. Weight loss is tough at my age. I'm 52 years old and my metabolism has slowed down. That coupled with my weakness for chocolate puts me in a bad position healthwise. Knvul Sheikh talks about this phenomenon in today's Health & Fitness story. "While regular exercise can improve heart health and increase strength and mobility, taking weeks or months off can reverse many of those benefits," she writes. So true. I got lazy about the gym for just a couple months and my body changed quickly. Jeans were unflatteringly snug and tops fit too tight. My face started to look puffy again. Other old habits resurfaced too. Snacking late at night. Dropping by See's every time I went to the bank or the mall. Justifying doughnut runs when I had a looming writing deadline. I hated it. So, last month, I resumed my weekly workout routine and did a five-day cleanse. It worked. The pounds began dropping at a healthy pace -- about 1½ to two pounds per week -- and (not surprisingly) I'm feeling and sleeping better. Best of all, I'm winning the war against destructive food habits. There's something about working out -- and the discipline involved -- that enables you to better fight emotional triggers and lazy eating. I haven't sworn off all treats but they no longer have their hold on me. What about you? How are you doing with your exercise regime? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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