Promotions are hard if you have a "thin file" The informal processes that many firms use to award accounts and deliver feedback to associates is susceptible to biases, behavioral economist Iris Bohnet writes. Research suggests that professionals who are victimized by these biases accumulate "thin files," which makes them seem less worthy to gain promotions. The New York Times (free-article access for SmartBrief readers) (10/3)Can't take a mental health day? Try this instead If you're feeling signs of chronic stress, taking a mental health day might be a good decision. If that's not possible, take short breaks to walk outside regularly, which changes your environment and helps to ease built-up tension, says therapist Marianne Clyde. Glassdoor (10/3)
Offices where too much communication takes place online can become a source of rude behavior, says Stanford professor Robert Sutton. "We all know that it's true that there are things you would say in an email or a text message to someone that you would never in a million years say to their face," says "I Hate My Boss" podcast host Liz Dolan. Business Insider (10/3)
Your Next Challenge
How to succeed in a new industry When you take a job in a new industry, you should willingly tackle tasks that may help you understand the job and your role better. Ask your boss for regular informal evaluations and seek advice from coworkers, writes Martin Yate. Society for Human Resource Management online (10/3)
The Water Cooler
Swedish company to sell pop-up tents for open offices Pause Pod is hoping that professionals who work in open office environments will crave privacy enough to buy indoor pop-up tents. The tents can provide a break from noisy work environments, according to testimonials from workers who have used them. Ladders (10/2)
Villainy wears many masks, and none so dangerous as the mask of virtue.
