Working parents on the challenges of summer | Consider 3 types of bias when making hiring decisions | More women return to work as employers offer flexibility
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Working parents talk about the challenges they face during the summer vacation and the toll it takes on them financially and emotionally. "I have some serious guilt about the 'camp dance' because my kids tell me that it feels like just being in school all summer," says Kickstand's Nycole Walsh, while Project Mockingbird's Lauren McKinnon says, "Summers have become a logistical and financial nightmare for working parents." Full Story: WorkLife (7/5)
Recruiting & Retention
Consider 3 types of bias when making hiring decisions Don't just rely on your gut when deciding on the right person to hire. For example, your instinct to hire or promote someone with whom you share common traits or interests may have nothing to do with how well the person will do the job. Full Story: Inc. (tiered subscription model) (7/5)
Major toy manufacturer emphasizes staff wellness Mattel's vice president of health and well-being, Keith Saucier, says innovation and creativity are only possible when employees feel supported and have the right combination of wellness benefits. The company approaches staff well-being from physical, emotional, financial, social and career development perspectives, and free counseling sessions, medical plans with behavioral health access, on-site fitness facilities, paid parental leave and fertility assistance are among its benefits. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (7/5)
Technology
AI drives layoffs, reshapes hiring practices in tech Tech companies in Silicon Valley are experiencing layoffs and reevaluating hiring practices due to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technology. Rather than completely replacing human workers, AI is prompting companies to realign their resources and prioritize employees with AI expertise, highlighting the need for a skill set that can effectively integrate AI into daily tasks. Full Story: CNN (7/4)
The HR Leader
Feeling dismissed? Don't get frustrated ... get curious When you don't get immediate support for your new ideas, instead of getting frustrated, get curious and ask about that person's viewpoint and any alternatives they may offer, writes Dan Rockwell. "Defensiveness defeats you. Ask curious questions with an open heart," Rockwell writes. Full Story: Leadership Freak (7/5)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
The story goes that Lennon and McCartney first met on July 6, 1957 at a church in Liverpool. What song did Paul remember John was singing? Check your answer here.
I loved summers as a kid. We spent most of ours on Maui, in Lahaina, where my mom grew up. My cousins and I would load up coolers with tuna sandwiches, leftover chicken and rice balls, and sodas and head to Sandbox beach, down the street from Grandpa and Grandma Reimann’s house. We’d be there the whole day, swimming, eating and hanging out. At night, everyone came to the house. We ate and then went outside to enjoy the balmy evening. The kids played games on one side of the yard -- no holing up inside with video game consoles -- while the adults gathered at the other end of it to “talk story” and play music. Eventually, Grandma would come outside -- in her polyester shorts and slippers with socks -- with a box of Popsicles for us. We’d sit in the grass, eating our treats and listening to Dad and the uncles play their ukulele, as the stars lit up the evening sky. Those were good days. Unfortunately, summer has become a bit more complicated for many families, as we see in our top story today. I feel bad for parents who have to wrestle with limited daycare, high-priced activities and inflexible day camp schedules. This is tough for any parent, but for single parents, it’s a logistical nightmare. I was fortunate to have my parents nearby when I was raising my two children. Mom and Dad took the kids to the movies and on vacations and helped offset the costs of summer camps and other activities. How are parents in your organization managing their summer schedules? Are you aware of the challenges they might be having? How can you support them better? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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