Should young workers forgo work-life balance to advance? | Playing video games can build teamwork | What employers can do to foster digitally savvy workers
One theory about business culture holds that younger people must work long hours and forgo balance early in their career to position themselves to enjoy success and a more balanced lifestyle later. However, this philosophy is at odds with expectations of strong work boundaries among members of Generation Z, and companies that ignore work-life balance might have difficulty recruiting and retaining talent.
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Video games are often associated with wasted time, but some experts say they can help professional teams build morale. Certain games can also help workers build translatable skills, such as leadership, budgeting, problem-solving and strategic thinking. As the metaverse gains more and more momentum in personal and professional settings, there will undoubtedly be great interest in how companies navigate gamification.
Benefit managers considering whether to renew or replace existing health insurance plans have several factors to consider to make the process go smoothly, writes Ross Klosterman of Poppins Health. Managers should strive to select a broker who is objective and up-to-date, ask appropriate questions about broker services and compensation, balance the pros and cons of potential brokers and plans, look for ways to save costs and be knowledgeable about newer, more innovative types of coverage.
HR teams need to focus on more than just hiring, retention and talent development, according to leaders at McKinsey, Mercer and Zoetis. Experts suggest creating a culture that includes continuing development of skills, upskilling, a skills inventory and an efficient hiring process.
Strategically minded leaders understand that success depends on asking innovative questions that encourage people to think creatively, writes David Burkus. The five most important questions leaders need to ask are about identifying the organization's top priorities, deciding what success looks like, identifying obstacles, figuring out needed resources and deciding which people need to be on the team.
I talk to young people often about navigating their early years of adulthood. I tell them not to finance anything -- to buy a used car and pay cash for it. Spend wisely, but give generously. Find a good financial counselor and begin investing, even modestly.
“And when you go to work, plan to be the first one in, last one out and soak up every lesson you can,” I say. Stay healthy; eat good food and prioritize exercise, I advise. “You’ll likely work longer hours because you’re building skills and a reputation. Do this while you’re young and your body can sustain the more punishing schedule. You’re paying your dues.”
My “paying your dues” advice is unpopular in the current culture that preaches work-life balance, as we see in today’s top story. But I learned something important when I was young in my career and it’s still true today.
Grinding -- applying yourself 100%, mentally and physically -- is how you become great at your work and get the things you want. We see this in the Kobes, Kevin Garnetts, Abby Wambachs and Carli Lloyds of the world. And we herald them for their sacrifice and work ethic.
I wanted to be excellent in my field. I wanted to buy a house, send my kids to private school and take us to Hawaii for summer vacation. I wanted to help financially support important causes and organizations.
The price for that was the grind -- the kind that makes you feel good and that you’ve done solid work.
And as we master this, we also master the balance of rest and self-care. We put aside time to enjoy a great book; go wine tasting; or spend time volunteering. We learn how to invest in the activities that fill our soul and make us better at every aspect of our lives.
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