Dental hygienist Marie Grob felt like a black sheep in her career because of job hunting disappointments until she found a circle of driven and motivated hygienists through social media, where she met people working in public health who were passionate about what they did, constantly wanted to improve and kept up with emerging technology. According to Grob, she has been inspired by these online friendships, many of which developed into opportunities and support networks, to think beyond her goals. "So, if you've ever asked yourself if you are the black sheep, reach out -- your herd is waiting for you," she writes.
Working with a boss who has an inconsistent management style can be frustrating for team members. To improve the situation, employees can demonstrate empathy and potentially take steps to make the manager aware of the issues they are facing.
For those seeking to advance in their company, "there is no substitute for being in the room," writes Ken Goldstein, who recommends that if your company offers a chance to return to the office, take it, and seek ways to build relationships with peers and managers. "To be in the room is a gift, perhaps not every day, but on the days that matter and will stay with you for a lifetime," Goldstein writes.
Researchers in Canada have quantified "Zoom fatigue" and how it has an effect in the workplace. The brains of participants in the study "synchronized" when the people were together as opposed to chatting via Zoom, with nine "cross-brain links" observed, compared with only one during the online chat.
"Sadly, traditional metrics used in hiring such as education, emotional intelligence, GPA and interviews are poor predictors of a new employee's success," writes talent strategist Ronda Robinson. In this commentary, Robinson suggests that "behavioral and cognitive assessments combined with a precise behavioral-based interview" can double the rate of hiring success.
After its inaugural year, PepsiCo Beverages North America is expanding its program to offer career development support for women and other caregivers who left the workforce to now include supply chain management and sales. "Their previous experience translated into meaningful contributions to the business and informed our decision to make a particularly high percentage of full-time offers," said Heather Hoytink with PepsiCo.
If the Federal Trade Commission's proposed ban on noncompete agreements ultimately takes effect, companies could look to alternatives to accomplish their goals, including nondisclosure clauses and employment contracts that incentivize loyalty, according to lawyers.
The lore of famed leaders like Barack Obama, Margaret Thatcher and Elon Musk being so-called "short sleepers," or people who can get the same level of rest as a regular sleeper over a truncated period, is sometimes seen a product of public mythology. But Andrew Coogan, a neuroscientist in Ireland, says it is, in fact, a real condition. However, it is likely influenced by genetics, so you can't necessarily train yourself to become one. Moira Junge from Australia's Sleep Health Foundation estimates "far less than 1% of the population" can truly be labeled short sleepers.
