For employees concerned that AI tools could one day put them out of a job, Adeta Gayah, director of social media and content at Visit Orlando, advises leaders to make it clear how the company will use AI technology and show that it can be used to enhance, not replace, the skills employees bring to the table. "As an employee, your voice matters, and leaders look for your take as a subject matter expert in your area. That's not going to change," says Gayah. Full Story: Ragan (3/27)
Is stress the next epidemic? An alarming 73% of employees in the U.S. rate their current stress levels as moderate or high. What steps can you take to help your employees manage life's stressors and reduce the potentially devastating effects on their lives and your organization? View this webcast to learn more! Watch now.
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Recruiting & Retention
Layoffs by email pose risks to employers Carefully planned conversations can render layoffs less likely to cause legal or reputational problems for companies -- especially in comparison with email layoffs, employment attorneys Danielle Bereznay and Paul Huston write. Many employees prefer discussions, even awkward ones, to impersonal emails and want them to be in person if possible, the attorneys note. Full Story: The National Law Review (3/27)
The 401(k) for Small Business Start a 401(k) for less than $100 a month. ShareBuilder 401k plans offer an easy way to cut costs while saving for the future. Named one of the best 401(k) plans of 2023 by Forbes. Get started.
How AR can improve the employee experience Manufacturing companies can retain talent amid a frontline worker shortage by embracing augmented technology to improve the employee experience, writes Rockwell Automation's Rachael Conrad. "Investing in digital technologies such as AR helps drive value through operational efficiencies and instills a greater sense of confidence and competency among workers," Conrad explains. Full Story: Training magazine (3/23)
Benefits & Compensation
Mental health is more of a priority for Black employees Nearly half of knowledge workers say their mental health is a top priority, increasing to 58% among Black employees, according to a study by Oyster. In addition, 64% of Black workers value mental health support, compared to 22% of white employees. Full Story: NBC News (3/27)
The HR Leader
Why "ambidexterity" is an important leadership skill "Ambidexterity" -- that is, the ability to navigate contradictory forces -- is an important trait for a leader, especially in turbulent times. Here are strategies to cultivate ambidexterity, including learning to embrace paradoxes and being prepared to frame situations in new ways. Full Story: INSEAD Knowledge (3/27)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Happy birthday, Stefani Germanotta! But what is she known for? Don't be afraid to check the answer here.
I started college intending to get a degree in psychology and become a school counselor. I wanted to work with kids, preferably teens. I got my associate degree and transferred to a four-year university known for its psychology department. Soon after transferring, I changed my major. I was intrigued with the field but soon realized I’d need a lot more education to get to where I wanted to go and frankly, I didn’t have the money. So, I became an English major, transferred schools again -- this time to one with a strong education program -- and decided to teach. I figured that once I was in the schools, I could move into a counseling role. I graduated with my English degree and started to substitute teach in local schools. By this time, I was married and had a baby. Substitute teaching allowed me to earn an income and be present for my son. This job peeled back more of the onion of my career. Working in schools gave me a first-hand look at the role of school counselors. It’s a wonderful job and I have enormous respect for those who do it, but it wasn’t the job I wanted. I wanted to work with young people in a different capacity. So, I put the counseling idea on the shelf and pursued other work. Just a few years later, I discovered the B2B publishing world. It’s been my career home for nearly 25 years. Today’s Leadership & Development story talks about the career paths we didn’t take. I don’t regret my decision. It was ultimately the best choice for me and my family. I also discovered that choosing a career in publishing did not preclude me from working with young people. I’ve been able to coach soccer and mentor student athletes. One day, I may return to graduate school to pursue a counseling degree. For now, though, I’m content right where I am. What about you? Ever wonder about the road you didn’t travel? Did you have different ambitions when you started your career? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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