New data shines a light on what employees feel about their companies, their work, and their lives and how leaders can use this information to create great cultures. According to a new study, workers feel isolated and pressured; but they also welcome positive change and are looking to their employers to lead the way. As a result, say the study's authors, “Leaders are turning their attention to creating workplace cultures that can withstand the uncertainty of changing business models, an increasingly diverse workforce, a flood of new technology, and the resulting disconnectedness.” … [Read more...] about The Human Side of Business Cultures That Promote Workforce Stability
Culture & Leadership
Survey: Employers Don’t Do Enough to Support Sick Workers
From the C-suite to the front lines, people are unsure how to help workers who’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness. A diagnosis of a serious and/or chronic medical condition such as cancer can be devastating for working Americans. There are all kinds of family concerns, financial worries, and questions. Having a supportive employer can make a big difference. However, according to a new survey, many workers wish their employer offered more assistance and accommodations for colleagues facing serious medical problems. A vast majority of survey respondents (89%) say that management could have done more to support employees diagnosed with a serious medical condition. They say that providing more workplace accommodations or creating more engagement and inclusion opportunities would be valuable. … [Read more...] about Survey: Employers Don’t Do Enough to Support Sick Workers
OK, Employer: Keep ‘OK, Boomer’ from Sparking Ageism Complaints
Don’t let an internet trend disrupt intergenerational bliss. You are doing everything possible to protect workers age 40 and older from discrimination, and you follow every word of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Then you see “OK, boomer” and “OK, millennial” memes, hashtags, and comments on social media. What does this mean, and how can you ensure a trend doesn’t cause intergenerational disputes or complaints of ageism or age discrimination? … [Read more...] about OK, Employer: Keep ‘OK, Boomer’ from Sparking Ageism Complaints
Are You Ready To Win When Candidates Want to Bargain?
In the current competitive job market, you can lose top candidates if you’re not willing to negotiate beyond salary. In a new survey, nearly half (43%) of workers say they have lost interest in a position when the company wasn’t willing to negotiate perks beyond salary. Even though 21% say they’ve never negotiated after receiving a job offer, you should be prepared to have these conversations. It’s important to realize that if you’re not willing to negotiate with job candidates, you are in the minority and more likely to lose out to the competition. Nearly all (98%) of finance executives interviewed for this survey say that their companies are open to some back-and-forth with candidates on job offers. About two-thirds (63%) say they’re willing to talk about compensation. Elsewhere, … [Read more...] about Are You Ready To Win When Candidates Want to Bargain?
We’ve Come a Long Way: Or Have We?
A new report suggests that companies have made progress in supporting and empowering female leaders; but it also shows that significant gender gaps remain. There are 24% more women at the C-suite level of companies than there were four years ago, according to Women in the Workplace 2019. However, before you boast, “Mission accomplished,” consider that the report also shows that there is 5% less representation of women at the manager level and that women still feel that gender is a barrier to advancement. … [Read more...] about We’ve Come a Long Way: Or Have We?
Take the Heat Off Employees If Fires Hit
While caring for residents is top priority, your workers need support, guidance, resources when a fire hits. With a little effort, you can have a big impact. As wildfires rage in northern California, you may think that you’re immune. However, accidents, industrial explosions, and other disasters could contribute to dangerous, life-threatening blazes anywhere. You have plans in place to ensure the safety of residents, but be sure to take some steps to help your employees through a fire disaster. … [Read more...] about Take the Heat Off Employees If Fires Hit
Candidates with Key Soft Skills Are Hard to Find, Say Employers
According to a new survey, companies need employees with critical thinking, creative problem-solving skills, but most college grads don’t stack up. Companies want job candidates with soft as well as hard skills, but are having trouble finding candidates who fit the bill. Particularly among recent college grads, a new survey says, employers say that there is a lack of critical thinking and other skills they need workers to have. In fact, 73% of employers describe finding qualified, capable job applicants as “very or somewhat difficult.” … [Read more...] about Candidates with Key Soft Skills Are Hard to Find, Say Employers
Informal Leaders: An Overlooked Treasure Trove
They may fly under the radar, but these people have knowledge, influence, skills, and power that you should be seeking to harness. It’s a classic win-win. Look around your organization. You are likely to observe people who self-identify as agents of positive change, but they may not see themselves as leaders. It is important to identify those individuals who have leadership potential and help them grow and thrive. This requires seeking out those people who may not have management or supervisory titles but who are informal leaders. These individuals are seen by others as experts, and they have knowledge to share. They have strong social skills, and they inspire others to go along with them. They have internal qualities that others respect and admire. These are the people you go to when you want to find out what is really happening. … [Read more...] about Informal Leaders: An Overlooked Treasure Trove
Break the Cycle of Bullying
Despite growing awareness, bullying presents a danger to the physical and emotional wellbeing of workers. Take these steps to ensure the workplace is a safe space. Bullying in the workplace is escalating, with up to half of U.S. workers saying they’ve either been a target of or a witness to abusive behavior. It can be challenging to identify instances of bullying and to encourage/enable employees to report problems. However, if HR and other leaders have a better understanding of bullying, they can maximize their ability to keep workers safe, happy, and productive. … [Read more...] about Break the Cycle of Bullying
Bias Busting Made Easy
Hiring discrimination is more common than you think, but you can leap to new bias-free heights with a few small steps. According to at least one study, diversity makes a company more innovative. However, even with the best of intentions, bias can sneak into the hiring process; and this can negatively impact diversity. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate bias, there are several steps you can take to minimize … [Read more...] about Bias Busting Made Easy