Two in five office employees say they regularly work extra hours, and many feel pressured to put in the time because of their workload, according to a Slack report based on a Qualtrics survey of employees in the US, UK and several other countries. "Constantly feeling like you need to catch up is hurting employees and businesses," says Christina Janzer, head of Slack's Workforce Lab. Full Story: Society for Human Resource Management (tiered subscription model) (12/19)
How to lead better by leading less Leadership is often more effective when it focuses on motivating employees instead of telling them what to do, supporting them when they make their own decisions and establishing a clear vision, writes Frank Martela, an assistant professor at Aalto University. "While minimalist leadership may feel counterintuitive and uncomfortable, those who dare to practice it will gain an edge in industries requiring engaged and innovative employees," Martela writes. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (12/18)
Finding meaning in adversity or suffering can help develop "post-traumatic growth," which, combined with a growth mindset, can lead to healing and a new sense of purpose and connection to others, writes LaRae Quy. Embracing spiritual practices such as meditation, mindfulness or yoga and finding a supportive community can also transform trauma into strength, Quy notes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (12/20)
Making the Connection
Execs offer up some favorite advice from mentors Executives from companies including Macy's and PepsiCo share some cherished advice from their mentors on topics including the importance of building relationships and collaboration among departments, putting business partners first and taking the time to listen. Allison Auclair, group vice president of product management for Oracle NetSuite, says her mentor advised she always ask clients "What keeps you up at night?" and then produce customer-centric solutions to create "a whole new level of understanding about customer problems." Full Story: CO— (US Chamber of Commerce) (12/19)
The Landscape
How these employers rated best for company culture Adobe, Instacart, Boston Consulting Group, Toast and Uber are the top five companies for culture this year, according to a Comparably ranking, based on almost 20 million employee ratings across more than 70,000 businesses. Chad Herring, CHRO of Comparably's parent company ZoomInfo, says the top-rated employers "are transparent about their business decisions, value their employees, and remain committed to their mission, vision and values." Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (12/21)
Target's Minneapolis staff to come to HQ 4 times a year As part of Target's hybrid work model, the retailer in 2024 will be asking Minneapolis-based corporate employees to come to global headquarters during "core weeks" in March, May, September and November to mark various events and milestones, while employees outside the area may choose whether to attend in person. About 35% of the Minneapolis workforce comes into the office at least once a week, and the new program aims to "drive connectedness, celebrate our team and build our internal culture," says spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo. Full Story: Footwear News (12/15)
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Molson Coors' Miller High Life brand was originally coined "The Champagne of Bottle Beer" when it rolled out 120 years ago due to being released the day before New Year's Eve, its high level of carbonation and packaging that resembled champagne bottles, said Daniel Scholzen, Molson Coors corporate archivist, adding demand for the beer was so high after WWII, people began smuggling the beer out of Wisconsin. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (12/20)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
The house in the holiday movie "Home Alone" last sold for $1.5 million in 2012, so says Zillow.com, but you can opt for the $299 Lego replica that has how many pieces?
