The average salary for jobs posted on ZipRecruiter in 2023 is down from 2022, a year that saw pay hikes across 75% of job listings on the platform. The biggest declines in wages this year are for jobs in technology, transportation and other industries that experienced recruitment growth during the pandemic. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (8/21)
Recruiting & Retention
Key NLRB decisions could be coming A number of forthcoming decisions from the National Labor Relations Board could represent significant shifts in labor rules. The decisions, potentially coming as Democratic board member Gywnne Wilcox's current term nears its end, could affect the rules surrounding issues such as union recognition and so-called captive audience meetings. Full Story: Bloomberg Law (8/21)
Why employers should offer AI upskilling opportunities Employers should be preparing to upskill their workforce in AI and can tap the technology to develop digital training programs, advises Chibeza Agley, co-founder and CEO of OBRIZUM. "As technology continues to develop and new capabilities are discovered and adopted, workers must be given every opportunity to grow with the business," Agley writes. Full Story: Training magazine (8/14)
Benefits & Compensation
Some employers offer benefits for women in menopause Mayo Clinic research suggests that 15% of US women miss work or reduce their hours due to menopause symptoms, resulting in $1.8 billion in lost productivity each year. Some employers are adding care benefits specific to women's menopause needs, including access to specialists and coverage for expensive hormone therapies, and Jennifer Weiss-Wolf of the New York University School of Law says further research to prevent symptoms and regulations that prohibit related discrimination are also needed. Full Story: The New York Times (8/19)
Being laid back and giving others room to have their say can backfire as a leadership trait if colleagues view you as disengaged, writes author and executive coach Joel Garfinkle. Make sure an easygoing attitude is backed up by assertiveness and willingness to make decisions, Garfinkle counsels, pointing to employee interviews for an executive he was coaching. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (8/21)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
When the Curiosity rover touched down on Mars in August 2012, the spot it landed on was named after which science fiction writer?
Parenting is exhausting (even as it is rewarding). One thing that used to wear me out was constantly solving the problems the children brought me. “I can’t find my library book.” “Kiaha put too much jelly in my sandwich. Can you make him stop?” “Something smells weird in the fridge. I didn’t do it.” Finally, I’d had enough. “That’s it!” I declared one night after yet another round of problems requiring my intervention. The kids looked at me, surprised. “From now on, no more just dumping problems in my lap,” I told them. Library book missing? Look for it -- everywhere. A problem with your lunch? Make your request with courtesy and respect. Something foul in the fridge? Open up containers and look. “I’m not the only person who can find the source of objectionable smells," I said, to Kiaha's disappointment. "You’re both smart and capable. Don’t just drop a problem on someone else’s desk. Get used to coming up with solutions. You won’t always be right. That’s okay. What’s more important is that you try.” Problem-solving is a defining trait of employees who are proactive, according to today’s Leadership & Development story from Forbes. These workers are always looking for ways to contribute, even when facing challenges. They will take the initiative to seek out and recommend a solution. They may come to you for direction, but not to problem dump. They take responsibility. They are your stars. How do you nurture this quality among your teams? How do you encourage folks to be proactive problem solvers? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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