Percentage of workers in unions hit new low last year | Labor market could still be favorable for job seekers | Outcome-based goals crucial to success of remote work
Only 10.1% of workers were members of labor unions last year, marking the lowest percentage on record, although the total number of union members increased, according to the Labor Department. The data represents a continuation of declines that began after the mid-1950s. Full Story: The Washington Post (1/19)
Recruiting & Retention
Labor market could still be favorable for job seekers Several major technology companies are reducing the size of their workforces, but unemployment in the broader economy remains low despite the Federal Reserve's interest rate increases. The vast majority of workers will be looking for a new job this year, according to jobs site Monster, and many say they need higher pay to counteract inflation. Full Story: CNBC (1/20)
Should you work out if you're sleep deprived? Experts consider the conundrum of balancing the right amount of exercise with the right amount of rest -- an issue that's particularly relevant because 1 in 3 Americans are sleep deprived, according to the CDC. Use common sense, experts say, and continue normal exercise routines after a bad night's sleep, but stick to activities such as yoga or walking if sleep deprivation becomes chronic. Full Story: CNN (1/20)
Benefits & Compensation
Shorter workweek could help employees avoid burnout Experts at a World Economic Forum panel discussion said more workplace flexibility, including a reduced workweek, could help staff members avoid burnout and positively influence productivity. A study by advocacy organization 4 Day Week Global found that with a shorter week, employees experienced less anxiety and stress, slept better and exercised more, and companies saw efficiency and revenue gains. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (1/19)
The HR Leader
The 3 building blocks of a culture of well-being Leaders can build a culture of well-being by setting an example, by rewarding people who support the well-being of others and by making honoring employees' health goals part of company policy, writes Dr. Richard Safeer, chief medical director of employee health and well-being at Johns Hopkins Medicine. "When the team works together to create a healthy norm, it's more likely to come to fruition, and everyone benefits," Safeer writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (1/20)
I hate the days when I have to drag myself into the gym. That happens when I don’t get good sleep the night before. It poisons my whole day. Work is a struggle and the gym is a joke. I’ll rush reps and lose count of sets. Cut corners on exercises. Basically, I do just enough to make myself feel OK, but no real work happens. Improper sleep has an enormous impact on our exercise regime, says USC Keck School of Medicine professor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, in today’s Health & Wellness story. It can affect exercise motivation and performance and impair the body’s ability to recover. Worse, it can also lead to poor food choices (I’ve had more than one occasion of wolfing down cold spaghetti right after a cruddy workout. Don’t judge. Pretty sure I’m not alone in this.) So I’m trying to be more intentional about getting good sleep. I realize now that this starts during the day. I make sure I’m eating a healthy mix of proteins, good fats, excellent veggies – especially greens – and bone broth. I’m curtailing weeknight activities that go late. I take melatonin. I set an alarm that prompts me to get ready for bed. It’s definitely an effort, but it’s paying off. My sleep has already improved in quality and I don’t have to fight myself to get out of bed as much. I’m also seeing glimpses of better effort in the gym and less sleepiness during the workday. What about you? How do you make sure you’re getting good rest? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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