US unemployment rate drops to 10.2% In July, the unemployment rate dropped to 10.2%, with 1.8 million jobs added, while the number of workers filing for unemployment benefits fell to the lowest level since March. However, nearly a third of workers who were called back to work have been laid off again, according to a Cornell University survey. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (8/7)
3 Dimensions for Safely Reopening the Workplace Is it possible to get back to work safely? How do we do it? And where do we start? This session will explore the critical factors of getting back to work readiness to maintain employee safety and business continuity during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Register here.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Recruiting & Retention
Recruiting during a recession: Lessons from the past Recruiters who have survived past recessions have tips for those who may be facing their first economic upheaval -- keep building those networks and keep an eye out for top talent. Consider short-term and gig workers for company projects, and work on your own skill set to make yourself indispensable. Full Story: LinkedIn (8/6)
News without all the B.S.Check out 1440 – The fastest way to an impartial point-of-view. The team at 1440 scours over 100+ sources so you don't have to. Culture, science, sports, politics, business and everything in between - in a 5-minute read each morning, 100% free. Sign up now!
Benefits & Compensation
Tips for managing open enrollment during a pandemic Open enrollment will be more challenging this year as the pandemic continues, writes Kim Buckey, DirectPath's vice president of client services. Buckey offers three ways HR professionals can successfully navigate the hurdles, including starting early and crafting messages targeted to purpose and audience. Full Story: HR Dive (8/6)
People who are highly connected at work -- those who send numerous emails and participate in several meetings -- tend to enjoy their work more and collaborate well with their colleagues, write Ethan Burris, Dawn Klinghoffer, Elizabeth McCune and Tannaz Sattari Tabrizi. The downside, though, is that these individuals struggle to keep a healthy work-life balance and are less likely to engage in action that might compromise their work relationships. Full Story: Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (8/5)
We Are Social and Barilla spotted a marketing opportunity via a viral video that attracted millions of views during the pandemic, which showed two Italian girls playing tennis across rooftops. The girls are big Roger Federer fans, so the brand surprised them with a visit from the tennis star, who replicated the viral rooftop game with them and chatted with them over a bowl of pasta, with their encounter attracting more than 3 million YouTube views. Full Story: Adweek (tiered subscription model) (8/3)
Sharing SmartBrief on Workforce with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free.
SmartBrief will donate $10 per new reader to organizations fighting for climate reform, women's rights, global health initiatives and more.
