How overthinkers can manage the challenge of remote work | DEI initiatives fall flat for some frontline workers | Diversity disclosure coming to Wall Street
People who tend to overthink events and require reassurance may face challenges with remote work due to the lack of face-to-face communication. However, overthinkers can take certain steps to short-circuit problematic thought patterns, and managers can focus on better communication to put workers at ease. Full Story: BBC (8/9)
The benefit they'll brag about. Do you know how much student debt is stressing out your workforce? Consider this: about half of U.S. employees would rather get their student loans paid off than get a promotion. Source: SoFi Workplace Financial Well-Being Report. Here's how to help.
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Recruiting & Retention
DEI initiatives fall flat for some frontline workers People of color in low-wage retail and restaurant positions are often passed over for career advancement opportunities given to their white counterparts, suggesting that corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are often ineffective, according to a recent study by McKinsey. Moreover, the high rate of turnover in these positions is completely avoidable if companies lay out a solid blueprint for advancement, the researchers say. Full Story: Bloomberg (8/5)
Everything you need to know about on-demand pay With on-demand pay from DailyPay, employees can access their earned wages before their traditional payday. Businesses who use on-demand pay are able to increase retention, improve employee engagement, and hire more quickly. Visit us to learn more about the #1 benefit for employees.
More companies offer pet bereavement leave Some employers have begun allowing employees to take time off when a pet dies, both in an effort to retain valued employees and in recognition of the central role pets play in many families' lives. Some workplaces have formal pet bereavement policies, which psychologist Kristin Bianchi says is a good idea as people often have a hard time concentrating after losing a pet. Full Story: MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (8/8)
Widespread workforce shortages have led to a resurgence in apprenticeship programs, with a growing number of US firms recruiting high-schoolers. Federal data shows that the number of 16- to-24-year-olds in apprenticeships this year is more than two times the number from 10 years ago. Full Story: Bloomberg (8/3)
The HR Leader
Leaders acknowledging fear can make employees feel safe Leaders should create an open and trusting culture so everyone, from the C-Suite on down, can express their fears and get curious about how to improve work for everyone, write executive coach John Baird and Velocity Group CEO Edward Sullivan. "Leaders who embrace their fears and talk with their teams about them are more likely to make their employees feel safe, creative, and committed to solving whatever problems the company may face," they write. Full Story: Next Big Idea Club Magazine (8/8)
About the Editor
Kanoe Namahoe
Are you an overthinker? *raises hand* Guilty. I was an overthinker long before the term became commonplace in culture. It drove my parents -- especially my dad -- crazy when I was a kid. “What ah you doing? You making dis mo hahd den it needs to be!” he would growl in exasperation, as he watched me fumble through homework or a project. It was a common point of contention between us. He is a straightforward thinker. I have to think through every detail of a task or project. It often slowed me down. I’m still prone to overthinking, but I’m better now at catching -- and stopping -- myself before I go running down rabbit holes. I routinely have to stiff-arm the demon Perfectionism that likes to haunt me. But I’ve also learned that there are benefits to the character of an overthinker. We might make things a bit tougher than needed, but we’re also conscientious, responsible people who take our work seriously. We pour ourselves into every task and project. So be kind to the overthinkers among you, especially those working remotely, like we see in our top story. Leverage their strengths. Help them better manage their energy and time. Find the best ways to communicate with them. You’ll be glad you did. They’ll be among your hardest working, most engaged employees. What conferences and trade shows do you attend? ATD and SHRM held their annual conferences in May and June respectively. HR Technology Conference & Exposition takes place next month, Sept. 13-16 in Las Vegas. Are these on your calendar? We are in the process of planning content for 2023 and want to know what events matter to you. We want to be where you are -- attending the sessions and looking at the products that are important to you. So tell me what conferences you attend, either live or virtually. Your input will help guide what we cover in this brief and in SmartBrief Leadership Originals. And if you are enjoying this brief, share it with others.
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