Return-to-office requirements have spread recently, although hybrid working models continue to affect the market. "We've seen an incremental improvement in office utilization since 2023, and as we look to 2025, we're expecting to see a continuation of this trend," said Dylan Burzinski of Green Street. Experts weigh in on key trends, with Ronald Kamdem of Morgan Stanley noting that "Solid S&P earnings growth over the next two years is a tailwind for corporations and their potential space usage." There is some geographic variation, with Blaine Heck of Wells Fargo saying that "New York City continues to lead the charge from a leasing and investment perspective." Full Story: Nareit (2/26)
Recruiting & Retention
Building a high-performing team: 7 essential steps Success in business relies on building high-performing teams that align with company vision and deliver results, writes Saulo Da Rós of Coworking Smart. Key steps include purposeful hiring, structured training, setting clear expectations, fostering ownership, addressing underperformance, continuous training and recognizing excellence. Full Story: Entrepreneur (2/28)
Experts suggest resistance training for brain health Neuroscientist Robert Love suggests resistance training as an effective exercise for promoting brain health and reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease due to its ability to release brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which supports the growth of new brain cells. Other experts, including neuroscientist Dayan Goodenowe and Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, also emphasize the benefits of resistance training, noting its role in lowering inflammation, regulating stress hormones and preserving cognitive function. Full Story: Newsweek (tiered subscription model) (3/2)
Benefits & Compensation
Survey: Many workers unaware of mental health benefits More than 25% of employees are unsure whether their employer provides mental health benefits, and only slightly more than 50% know how to access those benefits, a National Alliance on Mental Illness and Ipsos survey has found. Seventy-five percent of employees say that training on topics such as insurance benefits and mental health crisis response would be helpful. Full Story: HR Dive (2/28)
The HR Leader
Employers hesitant to add retirement income solutions Employers are slow to implement retirement income options, with only 17% likely to add such solutions in the next 12 to 18 months, according to results of the 2024 MFS DC Plan Sponsor Survey. Instead, plan sponsors are focusing on investment lineup changes and advisory services amid concerns about participant retirement readiness and savings rates. Full Story: 401(k) Specialist (2/25)
My manager Melissa recently asked my opinion about what to include in an upcoming training session with the content directors. I suggested we look at market research about content products and reader preferences, with the goal of getting a better understanding of what’s trending and working with audiences today. She agreed that would be useful and added it to the training agenda. I have long appreciated that my company prioritizes professional development for all its employees. I’ve never understood employers who pinch pennies on training. I like the way Coworking Smart CEO Saulo Da Rós puts it in today’s Recruitment & Retention story. “Training isn't an expense -- it's an investment in long-term success," Da Rós writes. Everyone, including seasoned professionals, benefits from ongoing learning and development, especially now with the dynamic nature of business markets. Change is happening constantly and at a faster pace than we’ve seen in some time. Professional development is often the linchpin of success. Employers who invest in it and make it part of their culture will see the benefits of a smarter, more agile, more engaged workforce. I’d love to hear about your learning and development strategies. Talk to me if: You support training for all your employees. Do you create your own training? Do you encourage employees to seek outside learning opportunities (through professional associations or local course offerings)? How do you embed this PD mindset into your culture? How do you get employees to embrace it? You are not offering training options for all workers. Why not? Lack of employee interest? Limited budgets? Strained resources? All responses are kept confidential unless you give me permission to share. So send me a note! I’d love to hear what challenges and successes you’re having in this area. Do you enjoy this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”
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