Professionals unable to get salary raises in 2018 may still be able to negotiate certain benefits or perks with their employers, writes Yasir Khan. Employees may also be able to earn more through company referral programs. Glassdoor (12/15) Leaders should focus on positive transformations Leaders should drive transformation in their companies toward stable business models through "innovation ecosystems," writes Tendayi Viki. Successful transformation may take time to pay off but will provide better long-term results than a focus on short-term innovation will. Forbes (12/17)
Making the Connection
Use empathy to avoid workplace conflicts Professionals with emotional intelligence respond to potential conflicts with co-workers by displaying empathy, which can defuse most problems before they progress. Those who can manage their emotions and contribute to a drama-free work environment are highly valued by hiring managers, writes Marcel Schwantes. Inc. online (12/12)
The Landscape
NLRB reverses course on joint-employer issue The National Labor Relations Board on Thursday reversed a joint-employer standard that had made it easier for employees to hold companies accountable for the behavior of contractors and franchisees. The decision could derail a long-running case against McDonald's involving the question of whether corporations can be considered joint employers of franchise workers. Reuters (12/14)
According to the recent Capital One Small Business Growth Index, the state of small business is strong. Regardless of some uncertainly that small business owners have felt this year around potentially impactful legislative issues, small business confidence is at its highest point since 2012. See the full results of our business owner survey.
Informational interviews offer an opportunity to inquire about the characteristics needed to succeed in a certain position. Interviewers should also consider asking an interviewee about previous experiences that were helpful in the current role, writes Kat Boogaard. The Muse (12/15)
Balancing Yourself
How to stay positive after being laid off Losing a job during the holidays is very difficult, so avoid dwelling on the negative by taking time to exercise and making the most out of time spent with loved ones, writes Jane Burnett. By adopting a positive mindset, the next job hunt will be less stressful and more successful. Ladders (12/14)
Holiday burglar gets stuck in chimney Would-be burglar Jesse Berube found himself lodged in a chimney as he attempted to slide down it and into a Citrus Heights, Calif. business. After getting stuck, Berube had to use his cellphone to call 9-1-1 for assistance. CBS News (12/16)
When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you till it seems as if you couldn't hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that's just the place and time that the tide'll turn.
