The US job market in 2025 is expected to see gradual improvement with hiring picking up in sectors like technology, defense and energy, while professional services and retail may continue to stall. AI adoption is set to increase as companies realize the need to lead or risk falling behind, and the C-suite will see a shift with millennials taking on more leadership roles, emphasizing diverse skills and soft skills. Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (12/16)
Recruiting & Retention
Are mentoring programs delivering on expectations? Mentoring programs have long been hailed as an effective way for college graduates to navigate their careers. However, despite 98% of Fortune 500 companies offering mentoring programs, only 37% of employees say they benefit from them. This article explores why mentoring programs often fail and what can be done to boost their performance. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (12/16)
Corporate gifting as a strategy for talent retention Corporate gifting can help tackle recruitment and retention issues, according to Giftpack's CEO Archer Chiang. Strategic gifting can differentiate organizations, enhance candidate experiences, and reinforce employee engagement. Tailoring gifts to individual preferences and celebrating milestones companies can foster a strong employer brand and nurture a culture of appreciation, ultimately driving sustainable growth. Full Story: Training magazine (12/16)
Benefits & Compensation
Employers use annual 401(k) matching to cut costs Employees have expressed concerns over the shift from per paycheck to annual 401(k) matching, citing potential loss of matching contributions if they leave before year-end. This change can also delay the benefits of compound interest and create employee distrust due to lack of communication from employers. Full Story: 24/7 Wall St. (12/15)
New leaders often mistakenly believe they need to fix a broken culture when taking over struggling organizations, but executive coach Art Petty argues that culture should be respected and leveraged to evolve naturally. Petty offers nine rules for leaders, including looking for the root cause of any problems instead of assuming it's the people, the budget or the strategy. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (12/17)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Thomas Edison's inventiveness extended well beyond the light bulb. He also patented a system to build houses with what material?
I believe that filmmaking -- as, probably, is everything -- is a game you should play with all your cards, and all your dice, and whatever else you've got.
