US job growth is expected to rebound in November, with nonfarm payrolls forecast to increase by 200,000 after hurricanes and a major strike affected October figures. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 4.1%, indicating a stabilizing yet cooling labor market. Full Story: Bloomberg (12/1)
Employee activism is expected to remain strong next year because of political and social tensions, with younger employees particularly vocal about corporate responsibility, says Laurie Cure, CEO of Innovative Connections. To manage activism without workplace discord, HR leaders should set clear boundaries, support employee resource groups and implement transparent corporate social responsibility programs, says Sam Caplan of Submittable. Full Story: WorkLife (11/25)
Common errors in home blood pressure measurement A study of adults in Australia found that many are improperly measuring their blood pressure at home, which can lead to inaccurate health assessments. Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Tasmania have developed resources to help individuals measure their blood pressure accurately and understand their readings. Full Story: The Conversation (12/1)
Benefits & Compensation
Employers may follow suit on weight-loss drug coverage The Biden administration's proposal to require Medicare and Medicaid coverage of weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic could prompt private employers to cover them as well, although this might lead to higher health insurance premiums and employee costs, analysts say. The proposal aims to address obesity and would take effect in 2026 if approved by the incoming administration. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (11/26)
The HR Leader
CHROs reveal top HR strategies for 2025 HR leaders from Kraft Heinz, Philip Morris International, Fortive, Hiscox, and Conga outline their 2025 strategies, focusing on AI implementation, business integration, and talent enablement. These CHROs emphasize the importance of ethical AI, cultural integration post-mergers, and adapting to technological changes to enhance performance management. Full Story: Human Resource Executive (12/2)
You know what’s scary about high blood pressure? You can have it and not know it. It often presents with no symptoms, according to today's Health & Wellness story. I find that maddening. A visit to my doctor last week revealed my blood pressure was high -- again. I had no idea; I felt fine. Worse, this time the numbers showed it was in the scary zone. “Kanoe, we have you on two meds, but you’re still in the high range. We have to do something different,” my doctor said patiently. Something about her tone made me sit up straighter. I’ve heard warnings before from my doctors, but this felt different. She decided to up the dosage of one of my meds. “But,” she said looking at me straight in the eye, “You also have to take your blood pressure daily. If your numbers don’t change over the next week or so, we have to consider a new option.” I promised I would. I began tracking my blood pressure the next morning. To my chagrin, the numbers were still high. I was stunned. I had taken the medication and assumed it would pull the numbers back down. It always had before. I waited an hour and took my blood pressure again. The numbers came down a bit, but were still in an elevated range. This was serious, I realized. I’m 54, with a family medical history that includes heart attacks, strokes and kidney disorders. Add to that a job that’s high stress and largely sedentary and I was a prime candidate for some pretty nasty medical incidents. That moment changed me. Seriously. The numbers glared at me. I started doing research on foods to eat, what to avoid and what kind of exercise was best. Much of what I found I already knew, but now, it took on new meaning. It changed my mindset from “I want to lose weight” to “I want to get my blood pressure into the healthy 120/80 zone.” I believe this is working. Today, when I made breakfast, I didn’t use salt and loaded my breakfast scramble with spinach, onions and a small handful of ham. It wasn’t nearly as hard as times past. Doing it for my blood pressure instead of my waistline seems to have made a difference. I’m still working on managing the stress. How do you keep your stress in line? Let me know! I’d love to run your suggestions in a future issue. Do you enjoy this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”
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