New regulations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act will push employers to improve mental health care coverage, effective January 2026. Despite the anticipated benefits of a healthier workforce, the compliance process is expected to be complex and may face legal hurdles. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (11/21)
Explicitly biased language such as gendered, ableist and idiomatic expressions can harm company culture and employee morale, Creativity Partners President Christopher Bell writes, noting that addressing these issues can create a more inclusive environment, boosting productivity and profitability. "Start small: update your style guide, educate your team and encourage open communication," Bell recommends. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (11/21)
A survey by HSA Bank found that while 90% of people with access to health savings accounts have an account and 75% make contributions, only 18% are investing those contributions. "This research emphasized the need for employers and their providers to bolster efforts in educating employees about using HSAs for medical expenses now and in the future so they will fund it as much as possible," said Ann Brisk, senior director of innovation and strategy at HSA Bank. Full Story: InvestmentNews (tiered subscription model) (11/20)
As a leader, you may often face the dilemma of when to "break glass" -- intervene in established processes to address urgent issues -- knowing that timely intervention can seize opportunities and mitigate threats while excessive intervention can undermine organizational culture and employee initiative, writes executive coach Ed Batista. To strike the right balance, Batista advises learning about your tendency toward one side of the spectrum or the other, getting hold of your emotions and soliciting feedback before breaking the glass. Full Story: Ed Batista Executive Coaching (11/20)
Workplace Chatter
Don't assume your guilty-pleasure viewing is a bad thing Returning to favorite shows such as "Gilmore Girls" or "Friends" again and again usually isn't something to feel guilty about, says licensed clinical social worker Jill Lewis, noting the repetition and low emotional load can be comforting. However, if you stop taking care of yourself or start losing all interest in outside activities, there may be cause for concern. Full Story: New York Post (11/20)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion, at 20, when he knocked out who in 1986?
Welcome to Friday Faves! Every Friday, I spotlight books, podcasts, email newsletters, documentaries or other content pieces that I enjoy. I also share suggestions that I get from you. Got a favorite for your peers? Send it to me. I may include it here for a future column. One of the first books I read after I got into B2B publishing was Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson. It was part of the swag bag at a company conference for the sales team. Ever the book nerd, I devoured it in a couple of hours. I enjoyed it back then but had no idea how big an impact it would make on how I would navigate change in my life and career. I’m sure many of you have read this book, but for those who have not, "Who Moved My Cheese?" is an allegory about how people respond to shifting circumstances in their lives. The story focuses on four characters in a maze, Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw (two mice and two people, respectively) and how they represent different approaches to adapting when life’s "cheese"— such as a job, relationship, or personal goal — moves. This isn’t your garden-variety self-help fluff. It’s practical and relevant, no matter where you are in your career. I gave my son a copy when he entered college. I’ve given copies to others who are considering a job transition. I believe even CEOs can benefit from its message, as a point of refreshment. Who are you in this story? Are you Sniff, Scurry, Hem or Haw? Also, how are you feeding your mind and soul these days? Let me know! I may profile it here in this column. Let me know! 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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