Need for extra income, more workers propels gig economy | Top considerations tech pros make when picking jobs | Workers continue to resign; many seek different career
Employment in the gig economy has surged 30% since the start of the pandemic, and the sector is now on track to grow larger than the full-time workforce in about five years, according to a Mercer report. Factors driving the growth include workers' need for additional income amid rising inflation and businesses' demand for employees in a tight labor market, and many companies are turning to on-demand labor platforms such as Hyer and Upwork to find the gig workers they need. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (7/21)
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Recruiting & Retention
Top considerations tech pros make when picking jobs Tech workers are always checking the professional landscape for higher pay and better growth opportunities, preferring to work for companies that offer flexible work setups. They also gravitate toward good work-life balance, recognition and rewards for hard work. Full Story: TechEU (UK) (7/22)
Even short workouts can offer physical, mental benefits People with busy schedules, physical limitations and chronic health issues may not be able to engage in long, intense workouts, but research suggests that with the right approach, they still can see physical and mental benefits from shorter periods of exercise, even 10 minutes or less. "We all need to get our five fruits and vegetables a day -- but how we mix it up, there's a lot of variation there," said Anthony Wall of the American Council on Exercise, adding, "Movement works the same way." Full Story: Medscape (free registration) (7/21)
Benefits & Compensation
Many Americans feel unsure about retirement security US employees' confidence in their own financial readiness for retirement is on the decline, but Generation Z workers are showing discipline in saving for the future, according to a BlackRock Read on Retirement survey. Among other findings, the survey showed that 37% of respondents who had a workplace plan felt unprepared or unsure about retirement, and 51% of those who did not have an employer plan felt they were on the right track. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (7/22)
The HR Leader
How "emotional bravery" can create effective leadership Female leaders have a leg up on their male counterparts, says former marketing executive Dalia Feldheim, because they practice traits including passion, purpose, perspective and a positivity that evokes empathy. "It's about something I call 'emotional bravery,' which goes way beyond emotional intelligence -- it allows emotions and empathy to come out," says Feldheim, who led Procter & Gamble's Always #LikeAGirl campaign. Full Story: McKinsey (7/21)
“The best people and leaders put their friends, colleagues and company above their own ambition,” writes Jim VandeHei in today’s Leadership & Development story. I thought of my nephew, Vince, when I read VandeHei’s words. Vince is a good-looking young man -- nearly 6’ tall, athletic with hazel-green eyes and a ready smile -- and heads often swivel when he walks into a room. But when you meet him and start talking to him, you realize something else that’s even more stunning, more beautiful than his 1,000-watt smile. His character. Vince is that rare soul who puts others ahead of himself and is kind and respectful to everyone. I saw this when he was in high school. He was a star student and athlete, well-liked by faculty and his peers. But he never let this popularity poison his character. He was the first to applaud his teammates’ achievements and looked for opportunities to help others shine. He was always friendly to his student peers, regardless of their social status -- and those interactions were genuine. He smiled, looked them in the eye and gave them his full attention. Selflessness is the hallmark of truly effective leadership. Leaders who have servant-like hearts nurture trust and loyalty among their teams. People want to work hard for them and often do their best work as a result. What kinds of leaders do you have in your workplace? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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