An annual review of 2018 and early 2019 job numbers from the US Department of Labor shows job gains were lower -- by a half million -- than originally reported. The revision shows that hiring during 2018 averaged fewer than 200,000 jobs per month -- rather than the 223,000 initially reported -- and that the largest job drops occurred in consumer-oriented markets, such as retail and hospitality. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (8/21)
Recruiting & Retention
Initiative in Ariz. would let employers restrict marijuana use A proposed initiative in Arizona, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana, also would provide protections to employers who want to prohibit such use of marijuana at work. Some companies already have zero-tolerance policies for alcohol or prescription drugs, and recreational marijuana would be treated similarly, says Stacy Pearson of Strategies 360, which consulted on the initiative. The Business Journals (tiered subscription model) (8/20)
Cut through dental plan confusion Shopping for employee dental plans is easy, once you know the basics. Unum's new buyer's guide, Drill Down Into Dental Insurance, tells you everything you need to know — whether you're a first-time buyer or thinking about switching carriers. Download for free
Employers embrace telehealth, but employees slower to adopt Employers are embracing telehealth but employee adoption lags, according to data and experts. Teladoc Health's Stephany Verstraete said three reasons why employees are slow to participate are not knowing they have the benefit, not remembering they have it when they need it, and hesitancy due to questions about quality care. Employee Benefit News (free registration) (8/20)
Technology
AI brings opportunities for humans, too Increased use of artificial intelligence in the financial-services industry is expected to eliminate certain human jobs. However, recruitment agencies report an increase in opportunities for people with AI expertise, while LinkedIn reports a surge in banks' search for such personnel. Bloomberg (tiered subscription model) (8/20)
The HR Leader
Pa. Supreme Court agrees to hear no-poach case The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear a challenge to no-poach agreements that businesses use to prevent other companies from hiring away their employees. In 2016, a court ruled that one such provision "was unenforceable as a matter of law," and the finding was later affirmed by a higher court. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (tiered subscription model) (8/20)
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