Common workplace accidents lead to highest claim costs | Making child care affordable, accessible for employees | 5 key elements of a leader's mindset in the workplace
The leading causes of workplace injuries -- overexertion, slips, trips and falls -- also lead to the highest claim costs, with first-year employees particularly vulnerable, making up 35% of all claims, according to the Travelers' Injury Impact Report. Missed work days due to injury increased by one day to 72 days, with the construction and transportation industries logging the highest average number of lost workdays per injury. Full Story: DC Velocity (8/5)
Child care is a key issue, a Goldman Sachs survey of small-business owners suggests. Gene Marks, founder of small-business consultancy the Marks Group, notes that the federal government may not take action in this area but that small-business owners can. "We can attract better talent when we help our people tackle the challenges they face both in their professional and personal lives, and a big part of that in many people's lives is some sort of dependent care," says Nicole Schaeffer, chief people strategy officer of biotech company Insmed. Full Story: The Philadelphia Inquirer (tiered subscription model) (8/6)
Comparing in-house counseling, EAPs for staff wellness In-house counselors and employee assistance programs both offer options to address staff mental health concerns, but they may differ in accessibility, effectiveness and structure. Choosing between the two often comes down to organizational size, culture and particular staff needs. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (8/6)
Technology
Why a gentle process is needed to sell workers on AI Smoothing the way for workers to embrace AI involves not only training but breaking down overall resistance to change, experts say. "Give people the space to experiment with AI -- even if it's going to slow them down in the short term," says Rebecca Hinds, head of Asana's Work Innovation Lab. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (8/5)
Cal Newport, author of the book, "Slow Productivity," addresses the pervasive issue of pseudo-productivity in modern workplaces, exacerbated by frequent virtual meetings and continuous email exchanges. Newport suggests that knowledge workers should focus on fewer tasks with greater depth and quality, highlighting historical figures like Maya Angelou and Richard Feynman, who avoided distractions to produce significant work. Full Story: Nature (8/7)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
The Telegram app has been around since 2013. President Teddy Roosevelt sent the first ever old-school telegram, but The New York Times sent the first ever commercial message around the globe in 1911, as a test. What did the message say?
Aloha dear Workforce readers! It’s good to be with you again after a week back home, with my ohana, honoring my dad. It was a refreshing, sweet time. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Maui fires that torched the city of Lahaina and upended the lives of its residents. I remember a long night of prayer and tension as we waited to hear news about family members who had been forced to leave their homes. Fortunately, they all made it to safety. I also remember how wonderful you all were during this time. I received countless emails offering condolences, support, encouragement and prayer. I was overwhelmed -- the best way possible. People who barely know me came together to hold me up. It was the rainbow to my stormy week. And that’s the thought I’d like to leave with you today: Together. When my mom, siblings, niece and I gathered this week to honor Dad, the grief I worried would mar our time, did not. Coming together comforted us. Sharing stories about him made us laugh. Eating at his favorite restaurants or cooking his favorite meals warmed us. Staying up late, just hanging and listening to the waves break outside our cabin in Waianae refreshed us. Together. It’s a really good way to do Life. How can I serve you better with this brief? Let me know! I read every email I get from readers. And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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