Why it's worth it to do the hard work of culture change | CHRO touts success of returnship program for women | Will talent managers' use of AI go beyond training?
Mind Share Partners and Qualtrics saw shifts in perspectives on workplace mental health over the course of administering the Mental Health at Work Report, conducted in 2019, 2021 and 2023, concluding that business has made strides in acknowledging mental health and that ultimately employees want "mentally healthy cultures." The five strategies emerging from the most recent report include prioritizing comprehensive culture change, paying attention to root causes rather than focusing on quicker fixes such as meditation apps and sustaining a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (10/10)
Recruiting & Retention
CHRO touts success of returnship program for women Unanet's successful Encore returnship program recruits women who have been out of work for an extended period and retrains them so they can rejoin the workforce at Unanet or another company, says Stacy Critzer, the company's chief HR officer. "Aligning with local women's centers, women-in-technology organizations, veterans' resource groups and the like has helped generate broad awareness of and interest in Encore," says Critzer, who recommends companies determine the skills they want to develop before starting a similar program. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (10/11)
Survey shows how retirement surprises some Americans A survey report from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that many older Americans have not anticipated certain aspects of retirement, including important financial and emotional considerations. A slide show illustrates nine ways Americans have been surprised by life after work, including fewer fears than they anticipated, the often unexpected timing of their retirements and the rarity of partial retirement strategies. Full Story: ThinkAdvisor (free registration) (10/10)
The HR Leader
HR exec: Avoid playing the "boss card" Leaders should use the "boss card" sparingly and focus on asking more questions before drawing conclusions, says Jeffrey Schmitz, chief people officer for Zebra Technologies. "There are times when, as the leader, you need to make a decision, but it's always better that you've vetted that out with the team, so that you fully understand the pros and cons," says Schmitz, who also advises leaders to refrain from micromanagement. Full Story: LinkedIn (10/11)
The Gallaudet University Bisons debuted a 5G-connected augmented reality football helmet this weekend that enables coaches to transmit plays to players on an AR screen. The NCAA allowed the new helmet, developed by AT&T, to be used on a trial basis by the quarterback in the team's season opener against Hilbert College. Full Story: National Public Radio (10/7)
About the Editor
Reflections
Kanoe Namahoe
I’m in Dallas this week, covering an education conference. It’s being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort. This place is gorgeous -- spectacular grounds, a beautiful courtyard and atrium, onsite water park, several eateries, a Sprinkles vending machine and (my favorite) gelato booth. I’d come back here in a heartbeat. Would a facility like this help draw your workers back to the office? According to yesterday’s story about work resorts, it might. Outdoor gardens and fountains, art galleries, restaurants and cafes, plus different workspaces to choose from -- co-working spots, secluded desks, fun seating areas -- aim to provide a totally different work experience. I have to admit that I would dig this type of environment. I would have no trouble showing up to an office where I can work and sip coffee at a private table -- tucked among plants and trees -- and enjoy the peaceful serenading of a beautiful fountain. But how many employers can afford this type of lavish set-up? And would it truly end the remote work tug-of-war between employers and employees? What do you think? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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