Study links kindness to worker happiness, job satisfaction | NYC employers must disclose if they use AI in hiring | How to take advantage of feeling bored at work
Kindness is directly connected with job satisfaction and happiness, according to a recent survey of employees from six organizations, including the Michigan University College of Arts and Letters. The study finds that kindness in the workplace is more predictive of job satisfaction than income, that being kind to one's boss is linked to workplace happiness, that feeling valued is key to employee happiness and that doing meaningful work increases feelings of well-being. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (7/2)
Recruiting & Retention
NYC employers must disclose if they use AI in hiring Starting today, job-hunters in New York City must be told if artificial intelligence is being used in companies' hiring decisions. Companies are also required to make third-party "bias audits" to check the tools they use. Full Story: CBS News (7/5)
Generation Z high-school students responding to a recent survey say they still value postsecondary education, but are increasingly looking at alternatives to traditional four-year colleges, a report by ECMC Group and Vice Media reveals. The survey found that 65% of students believe they will need education beyond high school, but 59% feel they can be successful without obtaining a four-year degree. Full Story: Higher Ed Dive (6/30)
Conflict between co-workers can be turned into a benefit by savvy leaders who can defuse the anger, bring clarity to the situation and are willing to have difficult, but transformational, conversations, consultant Marlene Chism writes. Chism outlines four areas to focus on and offers a series of questions to ask yourself to get to the root of the conflict and bring about positive change. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (7/3)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
When Charles Henry Dow started his Dow Jones Average listing in 1884, how many of the stocks were of railroad companies? Check your answer here.
I spent Saturday morning at the Nike outlet, searching for new shoes and workout gear. The workout gear was easy. I picked up three long sleeve Dri-fit tees in about 10 minutes. Done. Choosing a shoe, however, wound up taking longer. A lot longer. I roamed the aisles, picking up and putting down one shoe after another. I finally settled on a pair of Air Force 1s -- white on white, high tops. I loved the look and they felt great on my feet. So comfortable. And then the doubts and questions started rolling through my head. Was I too old to wear this shoe? Should 52-year-old grandmothers wear jeans, hoodies and AF1s? Would it be cool or cringeworthy? My friend’s son, Amaari, walked over to me while I was holding the shoe and playing question ping-pong in my head. “Those are dope,” he said, nodding and smiling. “You think?” “Definitely.” I decided to be honest. “Even for me? Like, should a mom wear AF1s? Should a mom wear ‘dope’ gear?” I asked, doing air quotes around “dope.” He looked confused. “Uh, yeah. Why not? You wear Timbs.” I nodded, but a question still nagged in my head. “True. But I guess I want to make sure I don’t look like one of those women who’s trying too hard to look young. Who looks awkward.” By then his dad, a childhood friend of mine, found us and overheard my concerns. He just laughed. “Kanoe, get the shoe,” he said, giving me a side hug. “It’s cool and you don’t look weird at all.” Amaari wagged his head in agreement and we all headed to the check-out line. I am a classic overthinker, as you can tell. Today’s Leadership & Development story from Self gives suggestions for battling “analysis paralysis.” A good gut check from an honest friend -- like Amaari -- can help you break the stall. Are you prone to overthinking? How do you manage it? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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