Need folks back in the office? Make it a speakeasy | Balancing employee wellbeing with constant connectivity | Nonprofit workforce struggles to recover post-COVID
Cocktails on the bar at The Mirror in Washington DC (Eric Baradat/Getty Images)
Some companies are incorporating in-office speakeasies to lure employees back to the office, providing a private and relaxed environment for meetings and socializing. The spaces feature dim lighting, comfortable seating and amenities such as bars and lounge areas. Full Story: WorkLife (12/12)
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ADP's 2025 HR Trends report underscores the role of technology in enhancing employee wellbeing but warns of the stress from constant connectivity. HR leaders are encouraged to integrate tech solutions with personal interactions to foster a balanced and supportive work environment. Full Story: Human Resource Executive (12/11)
University programs boost employee homeownership Homeownership incentive programs at universities like the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University of Rochester provide significant down payment assistance to employees. In Baltimore, the Live Near Your Work program offers $16,000 from the university and $2,500 from the city. These programs aim to revitalize neighborhoods and support employees in building long-term wealth and community connections. Full Story: Higher Ed Dive (12/10)
Company holiday parties are seeing a decline in attendance, with 64% of workers opting out, according to a Visier survey. Workers cited a preference for keeping personal and professional lives separate, increased holiday stress and a lack of connection with coworkers due to remote work as reasons for passing on a holiday party, and 69% said they'd prefer a bonus over a party. Full Story: CFO (12/11)
Workplace Chatter
3 things to try when a team member irks you Difficult co-workers can be challenging, but Kathleen Davis, host of "The New Way We Work" podcast, suggests several solutions, including inviting them to lunch or coffee to understand better what makes them tick or using "I" statements such as "I know we don't see eye-to-eye, can we work on ways to find common ground?" "Chances are your workplace jerk might be acting that way because of stress you're not aware of. It also might not be personal," Davis notes. Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (12/11)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Astronomer Tycho Brahe changed our world view in the 16th century when he proposed that the sun was the center of our universe. Brahe was also once involved in duel in which he lost what body part?
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. Aloha dear SmartBrief on Workforce readers. Today’s Friday Faves will be a slight departure from the usual, when I highlight content pieces I like. Today I’m talking about tea (the drink, not the gossip). I’ve been a coffee gal most of my life. I love a rich, dark roast coffee that can hold its own in a cup, without a supporting cast of cream or sugar. My favorite is Beyond Black by Black Rifle coffee. It appears I may be evolving. A friend recently turned me onto Teeccino, a line of caffeine-free herbal coffees and teas. Folks, this is not the Diet Coke version of coffee. It stands on its own. I tried it with some trepidation, but it was love at first sip. Smooth, rich and delicious. My favorites so far are Dark Chocolate and French Roast. You can buy them online, or at your local Sprouts grocery market. I urge you to give it a try. I’ll be curled up on my couch this weekend, with a book and a cup of the dark chocolate tea, topped with a healthy dollop of foamed oatmilk and a dusting of cinnamon. 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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