The psychology behind expressing thanks at work | Advanced tech skills give workers the upper hand | Gig workers are facing "algorithmic wage discrimination"
Dr. Sara Algoe, a professor at the University of North Carolina, outlines psychological studies that prove how expressing thanks at work improves productivity, relationships, manager effectiveness and business performance. Algoe explains how best to express gratitude, including focusing on the recipient, making it public and being genuine. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (4/16)
Don't let career advancement pass you by With how quickly the workplace changes, your skills need to keep pace. When a job opportunity becomes available, ensure that you have every aspect of the job description covered. Get the training you need to advance your career. Explore topics and locations of SHRM Seminars.
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Recruiting & Retention
Advanced tech skills give workers the upper hand Employees with skills in 5G, machine learning, edge computing, robotics and other advanced tech earn nearly 49% more, compared with U.S. employees who don't have such tech skills, according to a report from Amazon Web Services and Gallup. At least 4 of 10 workers also believe that acquiring digital skills helped them increase their income, get promoted or work more efficiently. Full Story: CNBC (4/13)
Be mindful of beverages as well as food for health, RDs say While you may be closely watching what you eat at each meal, experts say to be mindful of what you drink as well, since beverages like soda, energy drinks and fruit juices can add unwanted amounts of sugar to your diet. Opt for whole fruit that contains fiber rather than juice, and registered dietitian Heather Nace says that while "there's a time and place for everything to fit into a healthy diet ... if you're somebody who's drinking soda as your main beverage throughout the day, it's something to be mindful of." Full Story: HuffPost (4/14)
Benefits & Compensation
Retirement plan options grow for small-business workers More states are taking action to increase small-business employees' retirement savings through state-sponsored 401(k) plans and offering tax advantages. Still more small companies are opting to adopt their own retirement plans for even greater savings. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (4/13)
Creating a talent pipeline within your own company makes hiring easier and results in happier employees as they see the company investing in their futures, entrepreneur and Microsoft senior business systems analyst Rashan Dixon writes. Successful leadership development programs have clear expectations and measurable objectives and feature mentorships and peer-to-peer support, Dixon notes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (4/14)
What an issue! I couldn’t limit myself to reflecting on one story. Say thanks! A quick note or word of thanks can go a long way in the workplace, as we see in our top story. Be authentic and specific when you do, writes researcher Sara Algoe. Genuine sentiment is what resonates with the recipient and makes them feel valued. It’s not about you. I needed today’s story about 1-to-1 meetings. I get so caught up in using the ones I have with my team members for updates and planning that I forget this isn’t the most important thing for us to discuss. Updates matter but really these meetings are for building relationships. These meetings are when I get to learn about them and see how they need my support. So, this week, I will be focusing on keeping my mouth and opening my ears. Are you drinking your calories? My best friend used to be addicted to Monsters. He had 1-2 each day, sometimes more during his basketball seasons. I’d be on my way to watch a game and would get a text: “Hey, can you bring me a Monster? The big one.” I delivered but always with a,”You know you’re killing yourself, right?” lecture. He quit them recently and replaced them with water. He’s feeling and looking 100% better. Energy drinks, sodas, juices and alcohol (served with mixers) are all filled with empty sugar calories. Diet versions aren’t better; they may have fewer or no calories, but they’re cans of chemicals. All of them -- when consumed routinely -- can contribute to weight gain, feeling sluggish and overall poor health. Our jobs require us to be in good mental and physical health. Even our jobs don’t seem like they’re physically rigorous, they still require expend mental energy -- and that has an impact on physical well-being. So does drinking empty calories. Let’s aim to do well this week. Let’s endeavor to practice gratitude, focus on others and fuel our bodies properly. Let’s get after it! How can I serve you better with this brief? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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