How to overcome "analysis paralysis" and take action | Don't scare away job applicants with these phrases | Coded language in help-wanted ads deters older workers
How to overcome "analysis paralysis" and take action Overthinking problems can lead to "analysis paralysis," but this can be overcome by focusing more on progress than a final goal, prompting team members to take action even if they may still make some mistakes, writes corporate coach and author Lison Mage. "The process of practicing is more important over time than the result in itself," Mage writes. Full Story: Thinkers50 (9/16)
The language in your job ad could be discouraging today's job applicants, many of whom are focused on balance and wary of overwork. A Paychex survey says some of the phrases in ads that concern job seekers include "must handle stress well," "we're one big happy family," and "willing to wear many hats." Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (9/13)
The Landscape
Coded language in help-wanted ads deters older workers Economics professors conducted a study using fake job postings for low-level jobs, half of which used neutral language and half of which used coded language designed to discourage older workers from applying, with the coded ads drawing fewer applicants over age 40. AARP senior attorney Laurie McCann argued that ageism may be "one of the last acceptable forms of prejudice in our society," with only about 10% of age discrimination complaints ending in a settlement or finding of reasonable cause. Full Story: MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (9/15)
Inflation complicates return-to-office initiatives Companies that are working to bring employees back to the office are facing certain challenges, including the extra costs that employees face from commuting and meals -- expenses that are exacerbated by high inflation. Commuting costs can work out to almost $15 per day, and meals can total about twice that, according to an Owl Labs survey. Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (9/18)
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Is your body language undermining your leadership? Leaders who cross their arms, fidget or look distracted during meetings -- whether virtual or in-person -- undermine their authority and give others the wrong impression, writes Lolly Daskal. "Just as you choose your words carefully, it's important to make sure your body language isn't sending unintended messages," Daskal writes. Full Story: Lolly Daskal (9/13)
Working yourself to death? There's a chair for that If you feel like you're stuck in a dead-end job, a UK chair designer is offering a solid wood rolling office chair shaped like a casket. Chairbox says of "The Last Shift Office Chair": "Once the employee dies at work, the management just needs to nail the lid and roll them into a corporate cemetery." Full Story: Laughing Squid (9/12),My Modern Metropolis (9/16)
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