Increased labor force participation by American women would help the US economy grow, writes Jason Gold. However, labor force participation by US women has actually declined since 2000 and currently stands at approximately 57%. U.S. News & World Report (12/18)
Recruiting & Retention
Employee engagement surveys tell companies what workers want Gallagher executives say employers are using employee engagement surveys to find out what workers think of the company. Effective employee engagement can help retain workers in times of low unemployment, and companies are finding people favor perks such as paid maternity leave and the opportunity to take a sabbatical over plain compensation. Crain's Detroit Business (tiered subscription model) (12/19)
Gender pay gap widest at the top of the business world The pay gap between men and women remains even at the highest levels of the business world -- and the disparity is actually largest at the top, according to an analysis. One key factor: Women are often treated differently during the negotiation process, noted Anna Beninger, senior director of research at Catalyst. CNNMoney (12/13)
Path to Workforce
Number of student loan defaults increases The number of student loan borrowers in default increased to 4.6 million at the end of September, compared with 2.2 million in default four years earlier, according to US Education Department data. An analysis by the Center for American Progress found that nearly 90% of those who defaulted on a loan received Pell Grants, and 49% of defaulters left school without a degree. Inside Higher Ed (12/14)
