Workforce experts discuss the merits of a "personality hire," a topic that's proving popular on TikTok. Such employees' positivity, energy and people skills add value to the workplace, experts agree, but caution against unconscious biases that can detract from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Full Story: WorkLife (12/14)
Supporting pet ownership = happier employees Attracting, retaining and engaging quality employees of all generations are three leading challenges that companies face in today's employment landscape. Luckily, supporting pet-owning employees improves their work experience—and positively affects these key metrics for employers. Find out more.
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Recruiting & Retention
EY reportedly laying off over 100 US partners Accounting firm EY is reportedly laying off dozens of US partners, affecting over 10% of partners in consulting and 4% in strategy and transactions. Some partners in the audit and tax arms will also be impacted, totaling over 100 partners in consulting and 30 partners in strategy and transactions. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (12/12),Bloomberg (12/12)
Complete and comprehensive care For many employees, they don't experience healthcare until they have to—and for many that experience is frustrating, time-consuming and costly. Included Health is improving the way millions of employees experience healthcare. Find out more.
Report: Two-thirds of insured don't get mental health care A report from the actuary firm Milliman found that two-thirds of insured people in the US who needed mental health care in 2021 were not able to get it because provider networks were affected by factors including inadequate reimbursement rates. The report's authors recommend increasing the use of peer support, offering more telehealth options and requiring coverage of out-of-network care by plans. Full Story: National Public Radio (12/13)
Technology
AI may help employers customize benefit packages The future of employee benefit programs may include packages personalized to the individual's needs with the help of AI technology. Employees at different life stages have varying requirements, and the technology could be used to make recommendations for them, curate appropriate benefits, and make the enrollment process less complicated. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (12/13)
Good leaders don't get tripped up by their talent -- they're too busy working hard, writes leadership coach John Baldoni, who shares the tale of actor/comedian Jackie Gleason's success. Getting where you want in life, whether it's success for yourself or others, is easier with talent but still requires that magic mix of hard work and good luck. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (12/13)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Who among us is smart enough to know which of the following scientists was first to advance the quantum theory?
Ashley is not an outstanding basketball talent. He plays at the 3 and the 4 for the frosh-soph team. He’s average height, average speed and is a decent shooter. But when it comes to work ethic, Ashley outshines his peers. He does whatever’s asked of him, without complaint. He treats practices like game days; he hustles every minute he’s on the floor. He pays attention to directions and asks smart questions. He studies the playbook and knows the offense. He takes correction without ego. He is punctual and responsible; coaches never worry about his academic eligibility. When you combine Ashley's work ethic with his talent, you get a solid player. You get someone whose talent will improve, year over year. And with that, you have the makings of a star. “Talent is a gift, but for all successes like [Jackie] Gleason, you must put in the work,” writes John Baldoni in today’s HR Leader story. He’s right. Stardom is the product of talent plus hard work. It’s studying, learning and practicing to keep skills sharp. It’s discipline; prioritizing where you spend your time and efforts. It’s working relentlessly to become a master in your field. How do you stay motivated for your work? What keeps you energized to put in the elbow grease? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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