The number of Americans who quit their jobs hit a 16-year high in January, with over 3.2 million workers leaving their positions, while job openings rose 1.6%, according to new data from the US Labor Department. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen says the increase in workers quitting their jobs is a positive sign because it shows that people have faith in the job market. The Associated Press (3/16)
Recruiting & Retention
The benefits of hiring overqualified workers There are certain downsides to hiring overqualified workers, but there are also good reasons to take them on. Slightly overqualified workers may be able to think creatively about their jobs and come up with better ways of performing tasks, research suggests. Quartz (3/13)
Leadership & Development
The effect of March Madness on office productivity March Madness may hurt or help office productivity according to two recent studies. A study by an outplacement firm estimated that the basketball series will cause employers to lose $4 billion in productivity, but another survey found that tournament office pools helped people enjoy coming to work. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (3/16)
Benefits & Compensation
UN Women launches equal pay platform UN Women has partnered with the International Labor Organization to launch an initiative to raise awareness of the gender wage gap, which UN Women calls "the biggest robbery in history." Documentary filmmaker Kamala Lopez noted that "every one of us can be a champion for women and girls. There are no superpowers necessary." Inter Press Service (3/14)
The HR Leader
Nurturing your team requires just 5 minutes each day Leaders need to consistently invest time in communicating with team members, writes Steve Keating. He suggests conducting a daily five-minute "innerview" with at least one team member, seeking to hear about that person's goals, development and motivation. LeadToday blog (3/10)
Workplace Chatter
App connects job seekers, employees BetterCompany Interview is an app that allows job seekers to initiate discussions with employees of companies where they're considering applying. The forum will allow job seekers to get tips on the interview process or insights on what it's like to work for an employer. Forbes (3/14)
Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.
