Terri Williams

Terri is a journalist/copywriter working with such brands as The Economist, Yahoo, USA Today, Realtor.com, US News & World Report, The Houston Chronicle, and Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Digital Ethics and Policy. You can keep up with her latest adventures @Territoryone.

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Articles by Terri Williams

• Why 88% of businesses don’t onboard effectively — and how to be better at your organization

  Monday, June 14, 2021

  In the race for talent, attracting the right employee is only part of the equation. Companies also need to retain their best workers — and keep them engaged. Onboarding can play a major role in retaining talent. However, a Gallup report found that nearly 88% of organizations don't onboard well. According to Keith Kitani, CEO of GuideSpark, there are three specific reasons why organizations don't succeed with onboarding: Overloading employees, communication fatigue, and inconsistent application. We asked him to explain how these problems can hinder the onboarding process, and how organizations can overcome these challenges.

• Report: A majority of sales reps lost a sale because they couldn’t meet buyers in person

  Wednesday, June 09, 2021

  Some professions are more dependent on personal contact than others, and sales is one of those professions that relies on meeting with buyers. The pandemic put a serious damper on sales that relied on in-person meetings. Remote work has also negatively impacted the morale of sales reps. "In the past, sales professionals used to embody the ‘business trip’ mentality where you could build trust by meeting with and entertaining prospective buyers face to face," says George Donovan, chief revenue officer at Allego. "However, when social distancing and work-from-home orders became our new normal, these typical sales strategies didn’t have much purpose."

• ‘Impairment’ at work means more than just alcohol and other substances

  Monday, May 03, 2021

  When describing "impaired" workers, there’s a tendency to limit this term to alcohol, opioids, or cannabis. But according to the National Safety Council (NSC), the definition needs to be expanded. And 93% of employers who responded to a recent NSC survey agreed that workplace impairment includes more than alcohol and drugs. First, we need to define workplace impairment. According to Claire Stroer, MPH, CHES, NSC Impairment Program Manager, workplace impairment impedes the ability to function normally or safely.

• Survey: Employee incentives don’t align with their preferences

  Friday, April 16, 2021

  It’s important for employers to show appreciation for their workers. However, a recent survey reveals that many organizations are missing the mark in terms of incentives and rewards. Blackhawk’s "Employee Appreciation Survey" reveals that 80% of employees believe that it is important for employers to celebrate workplace accomplishments, anniversaries, and achievements and 86% of employees want their employer to express appreciation for their personal contributions. "The biggest mistake employers are making today is in not offering rewards and incentives to their employees," says Betty Weinkle, director of partnerships at Blackhawk Network.

• These are the non-insurance perks that workers want

  Monday, March 08, 2021

  Next to salary, insurance is probably the most important perk to workers. In fact, for some employees, health insurance is more important than pay. But workers also want other, non-insurance perks as well. Some companies boast that they offer ping-pong tables and pet-friendly offices, but these benefits aren’t really that popular. So, what do workers really want? Well, it tends to vary by generation.

• Meeting your employees’ mental health concerns and needs

  Tuesday, March 02, 2021

  The year 2020 brought anxiety and depression to many workers. The CDC reported that three times as many adults said they felt anxiety and four times as many adults said they felt depressed in the summer of 2020 compared to the summer of 2019. According to a survey commissioned by Spring Health and conducted online by The Harris Poll, 49% of American workers sought mental healthcare in 2020; 38% of those who sought care say they were driven by a desire to manage emotions related to the coronavirus pandemic; and 43% said the mental health benefits in their employer-sponsored health plan did not meet their mental healthcare needs.

• Who are the worst password offenders?

  Tuesday, February 09, 2021

  It appears that we won’t have fond memories of 2020. From COVID-19 to a very long and contentious election cycle, it was a terrible year. But, while most people were just trying to hang on, it was business as usual for cybercriminals who are nothing if not opportunists. And last year provided plenty of opportunities for hackers to take advantage of poor cybersecurity practices. Dashlane recently announced its annual list of the worst password offenders of 2020. The top 10 list — the worst of the worst — reads as follows.

• 4 of the top emerging technologies to watch in 2021

  Tuesday, February 02, 2021

  The innovation landscape changes rapidly, and each year, there are certain emerging tech innovations that will play a critical role in shaping the future. Digital transformation continues to be a megatrend. "The COVID-19 pandemic showed enterprises that embraced digital transformation were able to quickly adapt to the changing landscape," says Manjeet Rege, director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. "Most others were caught off guard and were unable to pivot their business models." These are some of the top emerging technologies to watch in 2021.

• Who should absorb home office costs?

  Thursday, January 07, 2021

  If there’s been one bright spot in the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the ability of employees to work from home. According to a new report by Owl Labs and Global Workplace Analytics, employees love working from home, and 77% of respondents say that even after COVID-19 is over, they would be happier if they could continue working from home. However, the report also reveals that only 20 to 25% of companies pay or share the cost of home office equipment, furniture, internet, etc. And employees believe that companies should be paying more.

• Has company culture improved during the pandemic?

  Tuesday, January 05, 2021

  The list of negative COVID-19-related implications is endless. However, it appears that the pandemic has actually improved company culture. According to a report by CHG Healthcare, 20% of respondents said that the culture actually improved since they’ve been working from home. In addition, 54% stated that their culture remained the same. Among workers who felt that the company culture improved during the pandemic, the top three factors were increased transparency/communication, maintained benefits/salary, and better leadership support.

• Nearly 4 in 10 workers suffer from video call fatigue

  Thursday, December 17, 2020

  One advantage of working from home is the absence of unproductive, time-consuming, in-person meetings. For a while, video conferences were rather interesting, and they gave workers a sense of connection with team members. But now, two different reports reveal that employees are growing weary of video communication as well. According to a Robert Half survey, 38% of respondents say they’ve experienced video call fatigue. The Owl Labs/Global Workplace Analytics State of Remote Work survey reveals that 44% don’t find it necessary to get dressed up for a video meeting, which is a good thing. However, 70% believe there should be a day each week without any meetings.

• Real estate goes virtual with contactless viewings, signings, and property management

  Wednesday, December 16, 2020

  Purchasing a home or renting an apartment can be a cumbersome process, exacerbated — and made less safe — by COVID-19. In-person showings and signings are difficult, if not impossible, to manage while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Syncing various schedules can also be a headache, especially for buyers and tenants with kids and inflexible jobs. And what about those last-minute questions that tend to pop up at 2 a.m.? However, some real estate and property management companies are making the homebuying, rental, and property management process a lot easier — and reducing the probability of contracting COVID-19 — through the use of a variety of virtual solutions.

• 10 holiday gift ideas for busy executives

  Monday, December 14, 2020

  For most busy executives, work hasn’t slowed during the pandemic, in fact, it’s likely to have increased. A study by Bupa Global, an international health insurer, found that 8 out of 10 business executives have experienced fatigue, disturbed sleep, and a host of other pressures as a result of COVID-19. So, when considering holiday gifts for these busy execs, consider items that can make their work — and lives — easier.

• Skilled trades report highlights significant job opportunities

  Tuesday, November 24, 2020

  Millions of Americans have either lost or are concerned about losing their job during the pandemic, and businesses large and small have closed this year. However, skilled trades in home services is a small business sector that is actually experiencing a labor shortage. HomeAdvisor released a new skilled trades report that found skilled home trades businesses present an opportunity for entrepreneurship — and 71% of workers in this industry believe there is a job shortage. We spoke with Mischa Fisher, chief economist at HomeAdvisor, about the report.

• Survey: Workplace rivalries are on the rise

  Friday, November 20, 2020

  The pandemic has created separation among work teams, but it has also created an increased level of competitiveness as well. According to a new report by global staffing firm Robert Half, 28% of professionals in the U.S. say that workplace rivalries have increased compared to a year ago. Younger workers were more likely than older workers to say that workplace rivalries have increased, and men were more likely than women to report a rise in competition levels.

• Property management during COVID-19: Here’s what you need to know

  Thursday, November 19, 2020

  Owning and managing rental property has never been a walk in the park. However, the pandemic has created a high level on uncertainty regarding evictions, service requests, how to interact with tenants who have contracted COVID-19 and more. Aaron Marshall, co-founder and CEO of Keyrenter Property Management, addresses some of the most pressing issues for property managers.

• US employers explore overhauls to employee benefits to preserve jobs, budgets

  Tuesday, November 17, 2020

  COVID-19 has led to the loss of over 1 million lives worldwide (over 245,000 in the U.S. alone). It has also decimated economies and led to global upheaval. For U.S. employers trying to stay afloat, balancing business continuity, safety, and compliance — while attracting and retaining employees — is challenging at best. Gallagher’s 2020 Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey Report reveals how the pandemic is affecting hiring, employee benefits, and compensation.

• Survey: Employers face potential exodus of supply chain talent

  Tuesday, October 20, 2020

  In the face of record unemployment, many workers are staying put — and frankly, glad to still have a job. But despite the current labor market, employees in some industries are hedging their bets that the grass is greener on the other side. Those are the results of the Job Confidence Index 2020. The annual report by DSJ Global, a logistics and supply chain recruiter, includes responses from workers in the U.S., Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. It reveals that even though 40% of employees believe it may be difficult to find a new job opportunity, only 36% plan to stay with their current employer over the next six months.

• Workplace survivor syndrome is another consequence of COVID-19 for businesses

  Thursday, October 15, 2020

  COVID-19 has resulted in the loss of over 210,000 lives, but also the loss of livelihood for many Americans. According to September data from the U.S. Labor Department, 2.4 million people are experiencing long-term joblessness. By November, that number could more than double. While the employees who are still employed may feel grateful or fortunate, Challenger, Gray & Christmas present another emotion that these workers may experience: guilt. The executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas recently recommended that companies acknowledge their remaining employees may be dealing with survivor’s guilt and find a way to deal with it.

• The ultimate WFH guide: Everything you need to create the perfect home office space

  Monday, October 12, 2020

  Working from home is the new normal for millions of Americans. In the past, you may have occasionally worked from home — which typically involved balancing a laptop on your knee or creating some space on your kitchen countertop. But now that you’re working from home on a regular basis, neither is a viable option. However, creating an effective (and comfortable) work-from-home office space includes various components. We rounded up a variety of interior designers, organizers and other experts, along with some of the coolest WFH items, to create the ultimate home office guide.

• Study: Coronavirus crisis is a mentorship opportunity unfilled by most organizations

  Thursday, October 08, 2020

  The pandemic has changed how we work, but it hasn’t necessarily changed the fact that employees are still interested in career development. While the opportunity for face-to-face training or coaching has been paused, companies can still take advantage of mentorship opportunities. According to a new study by Doodle, 49% of people don’t think they’re receiving enough coaching, training, or mentoring to successfully advance their careers. And half of those respondents would describe their career development as "stalled" or "regressing backward."

• Survey: Skills shortage forces 31% of organizations to prioritize investment in IT staff education

  Tuesday, October 06, 2020

  The pandemic has forced many organizations to reconsider their projects for the rest of the year — and beyond. While a lot of plans have been put on hold, some companies have elevated IT training to a priority project. According to the 2020 Netwrix IT Trends Report, 38% of CIOs and IT directors now plan to invest in the education of IT staff, compared to 20% who had it on their top five list before the pandemic. We asked Ilia Sotnikov, VP of product management at Netwrix, to discuss this and some of the other IT trends revealed in the report.

• Study finds 61% of Americans aren’t comfortable returning to the workplace

  Wednesday, September 16, 2020

  As the country struggles to return to normal — or adjust to the new normal — navigating the world of work is particularly problematic. Some employees consider working from home an added stressor. On the other hand, other employees actually find solace in work, as it provides a respite from the daily deluge of COVID-related headlines. But there’s one thing these employees agree on. A new study by Qualtrics finds that the majority of employees who have been working from home would prefer to continue that arrangement.

• You’ve closed the deal. Now what?

  Friday, September 11, 2020

  Negotiating is a valuable skill in any industry or role. However, one thing that separates good negotiators from great negotiators is that the latter understand that closing the deal isn't the end of the process. As the world becomes more interconnected, it’s increasingly more important to comprehend the various nuances involved in international negotiations. According to Eliane Karsaklian, author of "The After Deal: What Happens After You Close a Deal?" the success of a negotiation depends on understanding that the negotiation process is not over when a deal is signed.

• How the CDC’s ban on evictions affects small landlords

  Tuesday, September 08, 2020

  On Sept. 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an order to halt residential evictions through Dec. 31, 2020. The CDC issued the order under Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The CDC notes that the order doesn't relieve individuals of their obligation to pay rent, and doesn't preclude charging or collecting fees, penalties, and interest as the result of failing to pay rent in a timely manner.

• COVID-19 migration study shows where people are flocking to, fleeing from

  Thursday, September 03, 2020

  The pandemic has caused many people to shelter in place. However, people are also looking for new places in which to hunker down. And a new COVID-19 migration report by HireAHelper sheds light on not only where people are moving from and to, but also why. The report is based on moves that took place between January 2020 and June 2020. Among cities, San Francisco and New York had 80% more people moving out than moving in.

• Preparing your home for hurricane season — and how to handle hurricane damage

  Thursday, August 20, 2020

  The pandemic has delayed or canceled many routine events, but hurricane season has elected not to take a break just because we’re in a pandemic. In fact, the National Hurricane Center is predicting a busy hurricane season from the end of August through early September. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your home during hurricane season.

• Report: Women twice as likely to leave employer within a year following pandemic

  Wednesday, August 12, 2020

  The coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted companies and employees. However, some groups of employees appear to have worse experiences than others. A report by WerkLabs, the insights division of The Mom Project, reveals that the pandemic is impacting working women particularly hard. And as a result, these women are more likely to express dissatisfaction with their employers — and a desire to leave.

• Survey: Americans start tapping 401(k), other retirement funds as COVID-19 economic pain lingers

  Monday, August 10, 2020

  A June poll by American Consumer Credit Counseling, a nonprofit credit counseling agency, reveals an increase in Americans who report having zero confidence in the U.S. economy. The majority — 80% — of respondents say they were impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown. As a result, 22% of respondents say they’ve borrowed from their 401(k) accounts or other retirement savings.

• Online retailers struggle to keep up

  Wednesday, August 05, 2020

  COVID-19 and a lack of foot traffic have forced many brick-and-mortar stores to file for bankruptcy or liquidation. Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penney, Pier 1 Imports, California Pizza Kitchen, Brooks Brothers, and Ascena Retail are just some of the most recent companies to close stores. Online shopping has exploded, but as a result of increased demand, many online retailers are struggling with sales and support.

• Overwhelmed and overworked: 8 out of 10 employees struggle to keep up

  Tuesday, July 28, 2020

  Millions of Americans are currently out of work, so those who still have jobs are feeling grateful just to be employed. However, these workers also report feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work they're doing. A new study by VitalSmarts reveals over half struggle to say "no" when they've hit their project threshold, only about a third successfully negotiate their workload as needed, and fewer than 30% successfully manage urgent requests so their to-do list won't be wrecked.

• Mass adoption of remote work could result in a $700 billion economic benefit

  Friday, July 24, 2020

  The pandemic has forced many employees to work from home. And even when the coast is clear (although it might not be clear for a while), some employees will continue to work from home. According to Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, a research-based consulting firm, working remotely is advantageous to both employees and companies.

• Digital natives are more likely, more eager to go back to the office

  Wednesday, July 15, 2020

  Many employees who started working at home during the pandemic have adjusted nicely and several recent surveys reveal that the majority of employees prefer remote work. In fact, a PwC survey from June reveals that 83% of office workers want to work from home at least one day a week. However, digital natives (under the age of 26) who used to work in an office, store, worksite, or other physical workplace and are now working remotely are eager to return to work.

• Employees may hate their jobs — but they’re not going to quit

  Friday, July 10, 2020

  According to June data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate was 11.1%, and 17.8 million people were unemployed. May data on separations reveals that total separations decreased to 4.1 million, or 3.1%. Quits rose by 190,000 to 2.1 million. However, this stat is interesting because in May 2019, the BLS reported that 3.4 million people quit. Does this mean that there may be people who hate their jobs, but right now, they’re scared to leave? Tim Sackett, president of HRU Technical Resources in Lansing, Michigan, certainly believes that’s what happening.

• How the pandemic is changing employees’ summer vacation plans

  Wednesday, July 08, 2020

  Most employees use a huge chunk of their vacation time during the summer months. COVID-19 has certainly increased stress levels, making a summer break even more important. However, employees are also reconsidering their vacation time as a result of the pandemic. Recent research by Robert Half reveals how those plans have changed. According to the report, 37% of employees aren’t planning on taking a break during the summer; they plan to take it later in the year — and hope they’ll be able to travel by then.

• The best ways companies can use technology to interview and hire virtually

  Tuesday, June 23, 2020

  COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions in most business operations. However, companies are beginning to return to the new normal, which includes resuming their hiring plans. Gone (at least temporarily) are the days of forcing applicants to fidget in the lobby, evaluating their appearance from head to toe, and analyzing the firmness of their handshakes. However, technology can help companies streamline the interview process and provide a more effective way to onboard new employees.

• How to avoid COVID-19 scams

  Wednesday, June 17, 2020

  COVID-19 has led to a loss of life, decimated the economy, and instilled uncertainty and fear. Unfortunately, those aren't the only negative effects. The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning regarding numerous coronavirus scams, which have the potential to cause even more financial woes among consumers. And Self Financial, a credit-building company, recently published a comprehensive list of current COVID-19 scams.

• How COVID-19 is affecting landlords and renters

  Monday, June 15, 2020

  COVID-19 is having a negative impact on almost every industry and segment of society. However, its effects on landlords and renters present particularly tough challenges. A new report by Avail, which provides online tools, education, and support for landlords, reveals just how much of an impact the coronavirus has had on these two groups.

• How COVID-19 might affect the commercial real estate market

  Friday, May 22, 2020

  COVID-19 has negatively impacted every industry, including the commercial real estate sector. Whether or not this industry can bounce back — and to what extent — is dependent on several factors. "COVID-19 will usher in a form of real estate Darwinism where only the financially strong will be able to survive," warns Michael Gevurtz, CEO of Bluebird Lending in Philadelphia.

• Do you live in a top mosquito city? Here’s how to keep the bloodsuckers at bay

  Thursday, May 14, 2020

  Three major events typically occur during the month of May: Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and the beginning of mosquito season. And the last event is never a cause for celebration. There are roughly 176 mosquito species in the U.S., and almost 3,000 worldwide, but all of the females share the desire to bite and sting. And now, a new report by Orkin reveals the top 15 mosquito cities of 2020.

• How millennial managers are reshaping the workplace

  Tuesday, May 12, 2020

  If you're older than 40 or so, there's a tendency to think of millennials in terms of popular stereotypes: avocado toast-eating youngsters job-hopping at the drop of a hat. However, some millennials have been working for almost two decades — and many of these individuals are managers. A new report by Zapier reveals that 62% of millennials manage at least one direct report. For years, we've been studying how millennial employees are changing the workforce. But now, the more appropriate question is: how are millennial managers shaping the workforce?

• Can pandemic-surviving shopping malls actually thrive?

  Tuesday, May 05, 2020

  The coronavirus pandemic has hit U.S. shopping malls particularly hard. Shopping malls — by definition and function — have numerous stores in close proximity to each other. Typically, that creates a convenient shopping experience, as consumers can easily travel from one store to the next. But in our current environment, proximity is a negative attribute. Can shopping malls survive the pandemic and actually prosper on the other side?

• Survey: 78% of job applicants lie and 66% of hiring managers don’t care

  Tuesday, April 28, 2020

  Wait, what? 78% of job applicants lie and 66% of hiring managers don’t care. These stats are based on a new survey by Checkster, "Is Your Company Hiring Charlatans?" Are so many applicants lying because they know hiring managers don’t care … or is it the case that since so many applicants lie, hiring managers have stopped caring? I’m not sure which came first: the lies or the nonchalance, but this is definitely a problem on both sides of the hiring table.

• Survey: More than 60% of companies look at social media before extending a job offer

  Tuesday, April 21, 2020

  Resumes and cover letters tend to be edited by several people, while job interviews are practiced over and over. So, there’s a practice among HR and hiring managers to turn to social media to learn more about job candidates. In fact, a recent survey by The Manifest reveals that 67% of companies view job applicants’ LinkedIn profiles, and 65% view Facebook profiles. In addition, 29% view Twitter profiles, and 39% evaluate the professional blogs or websites of job candidates.

• How technology can help prevent workplace injuries

  Tuesday, April 14, 2020

  A few months ago, we reported on workplace fatalities being at their highest levels since 2008, although workplace injuries are trending down. And now, the National Security Council recently released its first Work to Zero research report, "Safety Technology 2020: Mapping Technology Solutions for Reducing Serious Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace." The report identifies the most relevant workplace hazards, along with technologies that can help to mitigate the risks.

• Chief Elusive Officer: 21% of non-managers have never met their CEO

  Thursday, April 09, 2020

  The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is usually the most visible person in the organization and is responsible for not only setting strategy and direction, but also for setting and modeling the company's culture. However, it may be hard to rally the troops and set an example when some of the troops don't see the person in charge. According to a recent report by Unit4, a people-based ERP software provider, 21% of employees in non-managerial positions have never met their CEO. Is this a problem, and if so, why?

• Survey: 1 in 5 managers unprepared to lead remote teams

  Wednesday, April 01, 2020

  Remote work has become essential for many organizations. However, it appears that some employees and managers are ill-equipped for this type of work arrangement. According to a new survey by leadership training company VitalSmarts, 21% of employees don’t feel their team members have good enough collaboration habits to work effectively from home and 20% of leaders are either unprepared or very unprepared to manage remote teams. Additionally, a VitalSmarts survey conducted before COVID-19 found that remote workers were already experiencing challenges when issues arise.

• How important is good office space design?

  Friday, March 27, 2020

  There's no magic formula for creating an office environment that fosters productivity and collaboration while increasing employee engagement levels. However, it appears that the physical office space may be as important as the intangible factors that companies routinely chase. A new survey of top-performing employees in Denver conducted by Layton Construction, reveals that office space is so important that it’s only trumped by salary, working hours, healthcare benefits, and the daily commute.

• How often and why college students are dropping out

  Thursday, March 12, 2020

  A college degree can lead to increased income and job opportunities. According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns 31% more than an individual with an associate degree — and 84% more than someone with a high school diploma. However, a study by Strada Education Network and Lumina Foundation reveals that over the past two decades, a staggering 31 million people have dropped out of college. What’s causing them to leave early?

• What are the features homeowners want the most?

  Friday, March 06, 2020

  Americans are a diverse group, and as a general rule, that's a good thing. But a level of uniformity, especially as it relates to homes and neighborhoods, can also be good. For example, despite the snickers and snide remarks surrounding "cookie-cutter homes," these types of properties sell very well. And millions of people choose to live in a community that has a homeowners' association to ensure that no one paints their house purple. A survey by Porch and Homes.com has identified the top features that people want when they're looking for a home — and how much they’re willing to bust the budget to pay for it.

• Survey: US workers want pay increases, salary transparency

  Tuesday, March 03, 2020

  Workers want a fulfilling job, but let’s be clear: compensation is a key factor in attracting and retaining workers. Randstad's 2020 U.S. Compensation Insights survey reveals the importance of both compensation and transparency regarding pay. According to the survey, 74% percent of millennials expect a pay raise every year in order to stay at their companies, versus 62% of baby boomers and 66% overall. Additionally, 40% of employees say they've only ever received a raise if they've asked for one, but this number is higher among younger employees.

• Report: Only 6% of US companies offer comprehensive child care benefits

  Thursday, February 27, 2020

  According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 33.6 million U.S. families (around 40%) have at least one child in the household under the age of 18. In 90.8% of these families, the BLS reports that at least one parent is employed — and among married couples with children, 63% of households have two working parents. However, a new report by Clutch reveals that only 6% of U.S. companies offer significant child care benefits. The report also reveals that the average annual cost of daycare for one infant or toddler is $11,666.

• Cybersecurity attacks aren’t random, and your defense shouldn’t be, either

  Tuesday, February 18, 2020

  Did you know that most cybersecurity attacks don't occur randomly? According to Thomas Johnson, chief information security officer at ServerCentral Turing Group, a cloud consultancy, they’re coordinated with important business events, including major product or service updates, periods of restructuring, acquisitions, and new product releases. "And when companies discover the root causes of the attack, they often find their systems have been infiltrated for months, as hackers waited for the right time to strike," Johnson says.

• How tech trends will affect homebuyers

  Thursday, February 13, 2020

  When searching for a home, buyers used to have three options. They could search the classified section, drive around neighborhoods looking for sale signs, or enlist a realtor to find available properties. However, these methods were time-consuming and often produced high failure rates — in part because sellers and their agents were likely to highlight a home's positives and downplay any negative features. "But now, homebuyers have so many new ways to search for their perfect home," says Jerry Clum, founder and CEO at Hommati.com, a searchable real estate website that uses technology to help agents promote their listings to potential buyers.

• 2020 job search trends: What employers like and dislike

  Tuesday, February 11, 2020

  You may be the most qualified person for a particular job, but you shouldn't forget that presentation is everything. Using certain tactics can significantly hurt your chances of landing an interview. Fortunately, most of these faux pas can be avoided. A new survey by Accountemps reveals some of the most important job search trends for 2020, including what hiring managers want to see and what turns them off.

• How to weigh and implement the 4-day workweek

  Thursday, February 06, 2020

  In August 2019, Microsoft Japan launched a pilot program consisting of a four-day workweek — with employees off on Fridays. Most meetings were replaced with in-office messaging, and the meetings that were held could not last longer than 30 minutes. Microsoft said the company had a 40% increase in productivity compared to a year prior. But can this strategy work for any company? "The four-day workweek requires that companies establish a set of core values and guiding principles as a framework to help supervisors and managers enhance their decision-making regarding the equitable distribution of work," says Dr. J. Gerald Suarez at the University of Maryland.

• Workplace fatalities are at their highest levels since 2008. What’s going on?

  Tuesday, February 04, 2020

  In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics released workplace injury data from 2018. There were 5,250 fatal workplace injuries, which represents a 2% increase over 2017. This is also the highest amount since 2008, and it should be noted that from 2009-15, workplace fatalities were in the 4,500 to 4,600 range. Two particular causes of workplace fatalities increased significantly. Deaths from unintentional overdoses as a result of nonmedical consumption of drugs or alcohol while at work increased 12%. Work-related suicides increased by 11%.

• Tips for choosing to make smarter decisions

  Monday, January 27, 2020

  If you're driven and ambitious, you know that there's usually a trade-off in life. Typically, your health and relationships suffer in the process, and it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to sustain long-term success while protecting what matters the most. However, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it, too. As a result of 25 years of extensive study and executive coaching, international leadership coach Janine Woodcock has developed a trademarked program for making smarter decisions and developing skills to gain liberation from the unrelenting pressures of success.

• Is your job affecting your sleep?

  Wednesday, January 22, 2020

  Experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, not getting enough sleep could negatively impact your immune system. That's in addition to other sleep-deprivation issues, such as a lack of focus and productivity. But even if you sleep the recommended number of hours each night, you may not be getting "good" sleep, especially if you're dreaming about work. A study by Healthy Sleep reveals that 79% of people have work-related dreams.

• Practical steps to take your leadership to new heights

  Thursday, January 16, 2020

  Being a transformative leader — more than just a good leader — takes a lot of work. Many leaders try to emulate other successful leaders, and they often end up getting stuck in a rut. However, according to Doug Conant, building a sturdy and firm foundation is the key to enduring success as a leader. Conant is the founder of Conant Leadership and has served in the senior ranks of leadership for various companies over 20 years. He is also author of "The Blueprint: 6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights." We asked Conant to share some of his tips with MultiBriefs readers.

• Harvard professor offers advice on using adversity to your advantage

  Tuesday, January 14, 2020

  While hard work is the key to success, sometimes hard work isn't enough. You also need an edge — and sometimes, adversity can provide that edge. Factors that may appear to be shortcomings can be turned into assets if you know how to flip the circumstances. Laura Huang, a professor at Harvard Business School and the author of "EDGE: Turning Adversity into Advantage," explains how to turn weaknesses into strengths and find your edge.

• Do applicant tracking systems work?

  Monday, January 06, 2020

  Applicant tracking systems (ATS) automate the recruitment, interview, and hiring process. They provide a tremendous benefit to companies, but at what cost? Do they improve the process for job seekers or actually make it more cumbersome? And to what degree could an ATS hinder companies from finding the best applicants? Gene Mal, CTO at Static Jobs, has been on both sides of the table, and he’s not a fan of using an ATS. "Employers are starting to realize that applicant tracking systems don't work," he says.

• New study finds 64% of employees trust a robot more than their manager

  Wednesday, December 18, 2019

  We can probably all agree that it’s great when robots perform those routine, mundane workplace tasks that we hate — because it frees us up to focus on management, leadership, and strategic planning. However, robots may also be encroaching in some of the latter areas as well. And employees might prefer AI-driven management. A report by Oracle and Future Workplace reveals 64% of employees would trust a robot more than their manager, 50% of employees have turned to a robot instead of their manager for advice, and 82% of employees think robots can perform some tasks better than their manager.

• Don’t let toxic employees ruin your organization

  Wednesday, December 11, 2019

  Toxic fumes and toxic waste illicit emergency responses because everyone realizes that these poisonous substances must be addressed immediately. Toxic employees? Not so much. Companies tend to have a much more subdued, almost nonchalant response to toxicity in human form. In fact, according to a survey by Fierce Conversations, companies prefer to pretend nothing is wrong. Sidestepping the problem doesn’t bode well in the long run. So, what is a toxic employee, why are toxic employees so dangerous, and how should they be handled?

• Survey: Over 40% of job candidates say ‘bye’ if employers won’t negotiate

  Tuesday, December 10, 2019

  We're currently at or close to full employment, and companies need to be more flexible if they want to snag desirable job candidates. According to a recent Robert Half survey, applicants aren't afraid to walk away when companies aren't willing to negotiate — and not just on salary. In the survey, 43% of respondents said they lost interest in a job offer because the company was unwilling to negotiate elements beyond salary. So, what are the other areas that job applicants want to negotiate?

• 10 holiday gifts for busy executives

  Thursday, December 05, 2019

  The secret to gifts that are memorable and appreciated is to get something people really want and/or need. When choosing gifts for busy executives, it may help to consider their lifestyle and work routine. This can lead to selections that are practical, stylish, and sometimes downright fun. Below are 10 gifts that we think any busy executive would like to receive.

• Holiday stress: The secret cost of the season

  Wednesday, December 04, 2019

  It's the most wonderful time of the year, but apparently, it's also the most stressful. Some of that stress is related to holiday expenses, but it's also a result of trying to make everything perfect. Roughly half of the respondents in recent survey by Yelp say holidays are the single most stressful time of the year. Whether hosting a dinner, a party, or having guests spend the night, respondents are anxious because they don’t have time to clean in advance, worried that they don’t have enough time to prepare everything, concerned about preparing the actual holiday meals, and not looking forward to cleaning up later.

• What is the future of leadership?

  Monday, November 25, 2019

  If everything rises and falls on leadership, are we in good hands, or should we be concerned? While technology is moving at the speed of light and leveling everything in its path, leaders often seem hesitant to change their rather archaic traditions and beliefs. This is causing some uneasiness among employees and other stakeholders. So, what is the future of leadership, and how can leaders be effective and successful in this brave new world?

• Tech CEOs hesitant to upskill workforce despite anticipated impact of AI on jobs

  Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Within the next three years, only 42% of tech CEOs plan to upskill the majority of their workforce, according to a KPMG report. However, the 2018 World Economic Forum projected that at least 54% of employees in all industries will need to be reskilled and upskilled if companies are expected to remain competitive. So, why aren't more tech CEOs reskilling or upskilling their employees — and is this a problem?

• Companies loosen job requirements, but are they going too far?

  Friday, November 15, 2019

  Unemployment is at historically low rates, which is great for employees and the economy. However, when the job market is at — or past — full employment, companies struggle to recruit workers. "In short, companies cannot hire and keep the talent they need," explains Ian Cook, Vice President of People Solutions at Visier. In fact, according to a new survey by Adecco USA, 37% of companies have loosened job requirements to hire in a tight labor market.

• Do you really need to check an applicant’s references? Absolutely

  Monday, November 11, 2019

  We've all been there: a job candidate looked perfect on paper and sounded perfect during the interview. But soon after, you realize that this picture-perfect employee probably won't reach the one-year milestone at your company. You probably shouldn't be surprised. According to research by Monster, 85% of recruiters say that candidates exaggerate skills and competencies on their resume. Whether this is intentional or "accidental," the result is the same: an employee who is ill-equipped to do the job. So, what's the solution? Checking references.

• Workplace boundaries: Some workers don’t like your hugs or your pets

  Wednesday, November 06, 2019

  You may spend more time at work than you do with your family, but that doesn’t mean employees want to be treated like your family members. According to the 2019 Workplace Boundaries Report by Udemy, some workers are overstepping boundaries, and it’s making their co-workers very uncomfortable. In an effort to make the workplace feel more like home, many companies are relaxing their rules. However, some workers think organizations have gone overboard in certain areas. For example, 66% believe co-workers shouldn’t be allowed to bring pets to work, and 65% believe that workout or athleisure clothes are not appropriate for work.

• Survey: Almost one-third of workers have left a job due to lack of flexible work

  Tuesday, October 22, 2019

  Flexible work used to be a “nice-to-have” benefit, but it is rapidly becoming a requirement for workers. In fact, according to a recent survey by FlexJobs, 30% of workers reported leaving a job because it did not offer flexible work options. The survey findings were not a revelation to Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of FlexJobs. "I wasn't necessarily surprised because so many of the people we help every day are in that exact situation — they're working in a job that lacks the flexible work options they need or want, so they're in search of a better way to work."

• Survey: Fear of a pending recession causes ‘layoff anxiety’ for many

  Thursday, October 17, 2019

  Is there a recession on the horizon? Whether there is or not, about half of Americans fear that another downturn is imminent, and they also believe that they’ll be laid off when it occurs. Despite record low employment levels, a new survey by CareerArc reveals that 48% of employed Americans suffer from layoff anxiety. So, what is layoff anxiety, what’s fueling it, and how prepared are Americans?

• Employers aren’t worried about unethical AI, but maybe they should be

  Tuesday, October 15, 2019

  Artificial intelligence can make work easier, more efficient, and more accurate. It can also help companies make better decisions. What’s not to like? Well, for starters, AI can be used unethically. However, this is not a concern for the majority of respondents in a recent survey by Genesys, which provides customer experience and contact center solutions. The survey includes responses from employers and employees in the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

• Does your company need a chief data officer?

  Wednesday, October 09, 2019

  Your company has a CEO, COO, CFO, CMO and a CIO. But did you know that you might also need a CDO? Many organizations assume that the chief information officer can serve as the chief data officer, but according to a survey by NewVantage, only 10.3% of companies believe that the technology executive fits the profile of a successful CDO. So, what is a CDO, and how do you know if your company needs one?

• Should your company have a political expression policy?

  Thursday, September 26, 2019

  Political discussions can turn heated in a heartbeat. At work, this may be energy that is better spent on work-related projects. On the other hand, political discourse can also lead to greater understanding and perhaps result in new friendships. Knowing that the former may be more likely than the latter, some companies are implementing political expression policies. But is this really necessary?

• Want to improve your employees’ health? Lead by example

  Tuesday, September 24, 2019

  Most employees spend at least eight of their 24 daily weekday hours at work. And whether companies want to assume responsibility or not, employees believe that their jobs play a role in their health. For example, a 2017 CareerBuilder survey found that 56% of Americans are overweight and they blame it on sitting at a desk most of the day; being too tired from work to exercise; having to skip meals because of time constraints; and having to engage in workplace celebrations. Employees, especially healthy employees, are the lifeblood of an organization.

• Community revitalization: 10 tips to get people to come downtown

  Wednesday, September 18, 2019

  The heart of any city or town is its downtown area. While the lure of the suburbs has seduced many to put down roots in the outlying areas, there are ways to coax residents back to the city — if not permanently, then at least for shopping, eating, and entertainment. Once they’ve experienced a fun, walkable downtown, they’re more likely to want to live there. But how can you get people to come downtown? Programming. "Essentially, programming means creating activities that drive people downtown," explains Quint Studer, a community revitalization expert.

• How to make exit interviews count

  Thursday, September 05, 2019

  Exit interviews are usually perfunctory and meaningless for two reasons: departing employees don’t really care to provide insight to a company they’re leaving, and organizations tend to brush off these remarks. According to a 2018 survey by HR Bartender, most employees leave for better compensation and benefits, increased opportunities for advancement, more supportive managers, and flexible work schedules. However, if companies take the approach that they can’t increase wages, create additional opportunities for advancement, or let employees work from home three days a week, they may consider exit interviews a waste of time.

• CFOs reveal their employees’ most outrageous expense report submissions

  Wednesday, August 28, 2019

  If it's your job to monitor and approve expense report submissions, you may have noticed an uptick in employees trying to submit inappropriate requests. According to a recent survey by Robert Half Management Resources, 56% of chief financial officers have observed an increase in unsuitable expense report submissions during the last three years. There are at least two factors contributing to the rise in inappropriate expense report submissions.

• Employees want to be recognized, but not how you think

  Wednesday, August 21, 2019

  Your employees want you to recognize their hard work and efforts, but a survey of 16,000 professionals in 4,000 companies representing various industries and roles reveals that they may not want to be recognized for only major accomplishments, don’t necessarily want a cash reward, and some would prefer that the recognition didn’t occur in front of everyone in the organization. According to a recent Deloitte Greenhouse survey, most employees (54%) would prefer a verbal "thank you" for day-to-day accomplishments, while 31% would prefer to have that thanks in writing.

• Employers are using severance packages to protect their brands

  Tuesday, August 20, 2019

  The employee experience has typically included the recruitment and hiring process, onboarding, and how workers are treated on a day-to-day basis. However, the employee experience has now evolved to also include how companies handle severance and workforce transition. According to a recent report, 44% of all companies surveyed now offer some form of severance benefits to all employees, not just senior managers. These are some of the trends pertaining severance and transition.

• Why you should stop trying to get better at multitasking

  Wednesday, August 14, 2019

  There aren’t enough hours in the day for everything you want to do, and this realization leads many people to multitask. However, multitasking can actually be counterproductive. While you may consider yourself an exception to the rule, the science and the experts disagree. Exhibit 1: In a Stanford University study, people who frequently engage in multitasking — and think they’re excellent multitaskers — shift back and forth so often that it negatively impacts their ability to distinguish between important and irrelevant information. Over time, they can’t even focus when they’re not multitasking.

• Green buildings can make employees more productive

  Wednesday, August 07, 2019

  There are a lot of things that you can do to increase employee productivity, but there’s one thing you probably haven’t considered: the physical workplace. According to a new report, creating a "green" environment isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for your company’s bottom line. The World Green Building Council's (WorldGBC) report, "Doing Right by Planet and People," demonstrates the additional benefits that green buildings can offer besides decreased energy use.

• What every entrepreneur needs to know before making the big pitch to investors

  Wednesday, July 24, 2019

  Entrepreneurs know how important investors can be. According to the 2019 State of Entrepreneurship Survey by the Kauffman Foundation, 83% of entrepreneurs do not access bank loans or venture capital, and 65% rely on personal and family savings for startup capital. The right investors can provide much-needed funds and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your business. The right investors also have a lot of experience and they can provide valuable advice. But, your pitch to investors needs to be compelling and persuasive.

• Ghosting: When job candidates disappear without notice

  Thursday, July 18, 2019

  Most companies typically have more job applicants than they can handle, and they've grown accustomed to candidates clamoring for positions. This has led, perhaps inevitably, to a lax attitude when responding to job candidates. Now it appears that job candidates may have adopted this communication approach as well. "Ghosting" is becoming a widespread phenomenon in which job candidates who are hired don't show up for the first day of work. Or, they stop responding to calls and messages following the interview. What's causing job candidates to disappear without notice and how should employers respond?

• Your company’s biggest cybersecurity risks: Technology and processes

  Tuesday, July 16, 2019

  A recent SANS survey of security professionals identified today's biggest cybersecurity risks. Among survey respondents, 61% chose people as the greatest risk, and Part 1 of this article examined why. However, 22% of security professionals identified technology as the greatest risk, and 14% selected processes and procedures. Part 2 of this article examines those risks in addition to ways to making your company more secure.

• Your company’s biggest cybersecurity risks: People

  Wednesday, July 10, 2019

  As it relates to cybersecurity, most leaders are aware of threats from malicious hackers, and some companies also face threats from nation-states and organized crime. However, non-malicious or unintentional threats also pose cybersecurity dangers to organizations. Whether malicious or not, security professionals believe that people represent the biggest risk to cybersecurity, according to the 2019 State of OT/ICS Cybersecurity Survey by SANS, which provides cybersecurity training.

• Why a ‘culture of nice’ may be a bad thing for business

  Wednesday, July 03, 2019

  We can all agree that being nice is a desirable human trait. In the workplace in particular, companies want employees to be pleasant, agreeable, and polite — not just to customers and clients, but also to each other. But when is niceness more of a hindrance than an asset? New research by Fierce Conversations reveals that 63% of employees aren’t sharing honest opinions and concerns because they want to continue being viewed in a positive light. These responses cut across gender and seniority level.

• Don’t confuse perks with company culture

  Tuesday, June 25, 2019

  We've all heard of companies that offer fun and trendy perks like free food, pingpong tables, a gym, and a policy that lets workers bring their pets to work. Many organizations believe that incorporating these types of perks will create the right type of desirable workplace culture and result in uber-productive workers. But here's the problem. Perks and benefits aren’t the same as corporate culture and they don't necessarily incentivize employees.

• How to use negotiating to get what you want

  Wednesday, June 19, 2019

  According to the Rolling Stones, "You can’t always get what you want." However, with the right negotiation skills, you just might find you get what you need and what you want. If you want to succeed in business — and in life — you need to learn how to negotiate successfully. Martin E. Latz, founder and CEO of Latz Negotiation, is an expert on this topic, and is the author of "Gain the Edge! Negotiating to Get What You Want." Latz has five golden rules of negotiation. MultiBriefs asked him to provide insight on the first rule: "Information is Power — So Get It!"

• Wellness experts think Twitter CEO’s wellness habits can be harmful, isolating

  Thursday, June 13, 2019

  On a recent podcast, billionaire Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter and Square, shared several of his wellness habits, including how he only eats one meal per weekday, fasts all weekend, and alternates between saunas and ice baths several times each day. However, wellness experts Addie Greco-Sanchez and Lynne Everatt, co-authors of "The 5-Minute Recharge," believe that some of Dorsey’s habits may be harmful and isolating.

• Report: Millennial workers 5 times more likely to seriously consider suicide than baby boomers

  Friday, June 07, 2019

  Millennial workers are different from their older workplace counterparts in a variety of ways. However, one difference in particular is cause for alarm. According to a recent report by Catapult Health, millennials are more likely to be depressed and more likely to consider suicide than other generations in the workforce. The report, "Depression and the American Workplace," is based on an analysis of over 150,000 preventive health checkups that Catapult Health conducted in the past year in various workplace settings around the country.

• Should companies talk to baby boomers about retirement?

  Tuesday, June 04, 2019

  Before baby boomers retire, companies need to plan for possible successors and skill transference, among other issues. However, a survey by Willis Towers Watson, a risk management and insurance brokerage company, found that companies have several concerns regarding potential retirees. The company surveyed 143 human resource managers, representing close to 3 million employees. The resulting report, "Employer Concerns and Responses to an Aging Workforce," reveals that companies struggle to plan for replacing retiring workers, in part because these employees don’t share their retirement plans.

• Randstad Sourceright discusses healthcare’s tightening talent market

  Wednesday, May 22, 2019

  First, the good news: life expectancies are rising, 10,000 baby boomers are retiring every day (which provides jobs for other workers and gives boomers an opportunity to enjoy their golden years), and the life sciences and healthcare sector is projected to grow by 5.4% annually, outpacing global GDP. Now, the bad news: According to Randstad Sourceright's 2019 Talent Trends survey, 85% of human capital and C-suite leaders in the life sciences and healthcare sector say talent scarcity is one of their greatest concerns.

• How successful women avoid burnout: You need a tribe

  Tuesday, May 21, 2019

  Achieving success is a praiseworthy feat that usually requires a certain level of sacrifice. But women may pay an additional price for their career achievements. Research reveals that women are more likely than men to suffer from depression. This could be related to the stress of balancing work and family responsibilities, feeling isolated at work, and/or a host of other reasons. Many successful women end up experiencing burnout, but is it necessary to choose between your career goals and your health and happiness?

• Millennials present communication, engagement challenges for HR

  Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce, and, according to a recent report, they’re also the hardest group to engage. A new Speakap study, "Technology’s Role in Managing and Retaining Employees," reveals that millennials present a unique challenge to human resources. According to the study, which targeted HR professionals in retail, hospitality, entertainment, construction, consumer goods and other industries, respondents said their biggest challenges include recruiting and retaining top talent; ensuring the onboarding process is smooth and informative; and creating a positive, tolerant, trusting work environment.

• Ensuring the safety of women business travelers

  Tuesday, May 07, 2019

  According to a 2018 report by the Global Business Travel Association, 83% of surveyed women business travelers said they experienced a safety concern or incident within the past year, and 90% said safety concerns determine how they spend their free time while on a business trip. Also, 86% of women respondents stated that safety concerns determine how they book travel — for example, choosing not to fly at night. What are the top threats facing women business travelers, and how can they remain safe?

• Is customized pricing more effective than a national strategy?

  Thursday, May 02, 2019

  Pricing can vary as much as opinions. Sometimes, companies sell identical goods at different prices in different parts of the country. But is this the best approach, or should retailers follow a national pricing strategy? And what factors should be considered when determining a pricing strategy? "In theory, it is always more profitable to implement price differentiation strategies if possible," according to Fei Gao, an assistant professor of operations and decision technologies at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

• Companies typically underinvest in managers — so invest in yourself

  Tuesday, April 16, 2019

  Managers play a crucial role in organizations — in fact, the employee-manager relationship is usually the determining factor in whether an employee is engaged and committed to the organization. And yet, many companies don't invest heavily in training their managers. However, if you want to be a great manager — which can lead to being recognized and rewarded for your efforts — you may need to invest in yourself.

• The trends that will power the energy industry in 2019

  Tuesday, April 09, 2019

  2019 promises to be a busy year for the energy sector. With the expansion of renewables, we can expect a plural energy future. However, many energy policies are in limbo. MultiBriefs spoke with several energy experts to find out some of the biggest energy trends for 2019.

• Deloitte survey recommends focusing on extended enterprise risk

  Tuesday, April 02, 2019

  According to a new Deloitte survey, 90% of respondents rely on third parties for some part of their business, and 70% have a moderate to high level of dependency on external entities that might include third, fourth or fifth parties. However, it appears that companies aren't holding these external entities to the same standards: almost half of respondents said their organization had an external entity risk incident within the past three years. What are some of these extended enterprise risks, and how can they be mitigated?

• Career advice from 8 successful women

  Wednesday, March 27, 2019

  Women's History Month, celebrated every March, recognizes the remarkable achievements and contributions of women. However, it's also an opportunity to inspire and educate other women. So, we asked eight very successful women in various occupations and industries to share their tips and advice with fellow women.

• Why your subscription-based customers may be jumping ship

  Monday, March 25, 2019

  Subscription-based services can provide a reliable source of revenue for your company. Netflix, Dollar Shave Club, Blue Apron, Shoe Dazzle, Graze and Birchbox are just some of the popular companies with a subscription business model. However, customers are likely to bolt at any moment, and according to subscription business expert, Robbie Kellman Baxter, author of “The Membership Economy: Find Your Superusers, Master the Forever Transaction, and Build Recurring Revenue,” they rarely leave because of pricing.

• March Madness may be good for the workplace

  Tuesday, March 19, 2019

  March Madness is a boon for TV and streaming media ratings, and the NCAA earns over $1 billion per year during the tournament between ticket sales and broadcast rights. There's one stat that doesn’t increase during this time frame: employee productivity levels. But is this necessarily a problem? According to some estimates, corporate losses during the yearly NCAA Tournament are close to $4 billion. Companies may be losing the productivity game, but according to two recent studies, they may be winning in another important area.

• Do you have a crisis management plan for the inevitable social media car crash?

  Tuesday, March 12, 2019

  It took years to painstakingly build your company’s brand, but it can be destroyed in an instant. One bad online post or conversation is all that it takes. From employees forgetting to switch from company to personal accounts before they start a drunken rant, to having a Twitter account hacked, to laying off employees and forgetting to change passwords, to one irate customer who has not received the expected level of support from customer service, social media is a ticking time bomb for companies of every size and in every industry.

• Safety tips for real estate professionals meeting with buyers or showing houses

  Tuesday, March 05, 2019

  In 2018, 67 percent of real estate professionals experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or the safety of their personal information, according to the 2018 Member Safety Report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In fact, 28 percent of respondents reported that they feel unsafe every few months. According to Mark Leetch, senior risk control consultant at CBIZ Inc., this is a very real problem. "Realtors face the exposure of sexual assault, robbery, and even being murdered," he says.

• Is ‘temp before perm’ the new hiring strategy?

  Wednesday, February 27, 2019

  Resumes, cover letters, and interviews can tell you a lot about job applicants. But unless you have a crystal ball, there’s no way to know beyond a shadow of a doubt if you’re making the right hiring decision. That’s why Elaine Varelas, managing partner at Keystone Partners, a career management and leadership development consulting firm, believes that 2019 will be a year of major changes in how companies approach recruitment and hiring. "Companies will hire all new employees as a contract hire through a staffing firm on a contract basis for the first year to eliminate the risk of bad hires," Varelas predicts.

• Do candidates really accept job offers based on an employer’s brand strength?

  Tuesday, February 19, 2019

  Companies often search a job applicant's background before deciding to extend a job offer. A less than favorable background has caused many employers to shy away from an applicant. However, the results of a reputation management study by MRINetwork reveal that job candidates are also checking an employer's background. According to the study, 59 percent of job candidates believe that an employer's brand strength is either important or very important. Compensation and opportunities for advancement are seen as positive factors influencing the employer's brand.

• Workplace romance: Happy ever after or a lawsuit waiting to happen?

  Wednesday, February 13, 2019

  The average person in the workforce spends eight hours a day at work. This time represents more waking hours than are spent doing anything else. Co-workers often become friends for life: as close as, if not closer, than family members. So, it’s no surprise that people would also find romance at work. In a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey conducted before the #MeToo movement gained steam, 24 percent of employees reported that they either had been or were currently involved in a workplace romance. But is this a bad idea?

• Auto industry expected to experience significant decrease in demand — but there’s a Plan B

  Tuesday, February 12, 2019

  A recent report by Bain & Company reveals that, by 2025, U.S. vehicle demand will drop to 11.5 million — and perhaps even lower if the rate of immigrants entering the country declines. Demand was at 16 million in 2009, and 13.5 million in 2018. What's causing the decline in demand, and how can U.S. auto manufacturers weather this disruption? According to Rodney P. Parker, Associate Professor of Operations Management in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, there's a consistent opinion that auto sales in the U.S. will shrink. There's not one specific reason for the slowdown in U.S. car sales. Rather, there's a perfect storm brewing.

• Flu season could cost employers $17.5 billion

  Wednesday, February 06, 2019

  In the second week of January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that between 6 and 7 million people were already sick with the flu, and between 69,000 and 84,000 people had been hospitalized. While flu activity tends to peak between December and February, the CDC notes that activity can last through May. The news comes as no surprise to executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which predicts that this flu season could cost employers $17 billion in lost productivity.

• Why are on-the-job deaths of large-truck drivers on the rise?

  Wednesday, January 30, 2019

  The number of large-truck drivers who died in a traffic fatality reached a record level in 2017 — the last year with complete data available. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large-truck occupant fatalities in multiple-vehicle crashes increased by 28.5 percent from 2016. Large-truck occupant fatalities in single-vehicle crashes increased by 8.7 percent from 2016. This increase is the result of several factors. "Behavior is at the root of most safety failures," according to Brian Fielkow, CEO of Jetco Delivery, a trucking company based in Houston that has been praised for its safety record.

• Job-hopping: A red flag or a promising sign?

  Tuesday, January 15, 2019

  To many recruiters and hiring managers, job-hopping used to be viewed as a warning sign that the candidate was flaky and uncommitted, or a bad worker who would soon be fired. But now, that perception seems to be changing as a result of several factors. In a good economy and at almost full employment, many companies say they’re struggling to find good workers and they’re turning to the best place to find them: industry competitors. This creates an ideal situation for employees with in-demand skills. On the flip side, there are also workers on the lower end of the pay spectrum who may be changing jobs in an effort to make ends meet.

• Can an introvert be a good leader?

  Tuesday, January 08, 2019

  Do you think of leaders as outgoing, sometimes larger-than-life individuals who command attention? If so, you may have a hard time seeing an introvert as a good leader. And those misconceptions may be stopping you from promoting some of your best and most talented employees. "It is sometimes incorrectly assumed that an introverted leader cannot be an inspiring public speaker, a strong facilitator, or a tough negotiator," according to Suzanne Vickberg, Ph.D., senior manager of Business Chemistry at The Deloitte Greenhouse Experience.

• Workplace dress code: Necessary or outdated?

  Wednesday, January 02, 2019

  In 2016, Nicola Thorpe, a London-based temporary receptionist at one of the Big Four accounting firms, gained international attention when she was sent home from work for violating dress code, which required women to wear heels between 2 to 4 inches high. Thorpe started a petition in the U.K., which led to a fierce debate. The dress code came from Thorpe’s temporary employment agency, not the accounting firm. And, the temp agency’s dress code also included other stipulations. This policy was rather extreme, but is it necessary to even have a dress policy?

• Over half of employees are uncomfortable asking for time off during the holidays

  Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  "It’s the most wonderful time of the year," and yet, many employees don’t feel they can fully enjoy the holiday season because of work demands. In fact, a West Monroe Partners study found that 51 percent of employees are uncomfortable — or at least somewhat uncomfortable — asking for time off during the holidays. The results are no surprise to veteran HR expert Tim Sackett, president at HRU Technical Resources, and author of "The Talent Fix: A Leader’s Guide to Recruiting Great Talent."

• Report: Managers overestimate their coaching, mentoring abilities

  Wednesday, December 12, 2018

  Most people agree that the manager-direct report relationship is vitally important to an organization’s success. And managers who can effectively coach and mentor their employees can increase performance and engagement levels. However, a new survey reveals that managers may be overestimating their coaching and mentoring abilities. According to a report by Betterworks, a continuous performance management platform, HR professionals and managers don’t agree on the coaching abilities of the latter.

• Inadequate workplace benefits cause employees to jump ship

  Friday, December 07, 2018

  Employee benefits might be more important than you think. Smart companies are using them to attract and retain talent, and employees indicate that they prefer workplace benefits over a salary increase. A report by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) reveals that by a margin of 4 to 1, American workers favor workplace benefits over an increase in salary. So, why are benefits so important to employees, and which benefits do employees want?

• ‘Tis the season to avoid office party lawsuits

  Tuesday, December 04, 2018

  According to a new OfficeTeam survey, 93 percent of organizations will provide some type of seasonal activity this year — whether off-site or on-site. Also, 41 percent of companies plan to spend more on this year’s festivities. "Hosting holiday activities is a great way for companies to recognize teams and thank them for their hard work," according to Stephanie Naznitsky, executive director of OfficeTeam. On the other hand, almost everyone has a "Hey, remember that time at the holiday office party when . . ." story about out-of-control behavior.

• 4 tips to ensure that your company’s open enrollment is a success

  Wednesday, November 21, 2018

  Employee benefits are typically 32 percent of total compensation costs, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). During the open enrollment period, employees can select new benefits or change their benefit options. However, they don’t always understand the enrollment process or the importance of selecting certain benefits. Below are four tips to help ensure that your company’s open enrollment is a success.

• There’s a sales talent crisis — but it’s solvable

  Friday, November 02, 2018

  According to the 2018 Sales Talent Study, a new report by CSO Insights, only 16 percent of sales leaders think they have the talent they need to be successful in the future. However, the global survey of more than 320 sales organizations also reveals that only 22.6 percent of companies are making changes to hiring profiles. On average, it takes over a year to find and onboard a new salesperson to full productivity. According to the survey, it takes 3.7 months to find and hire someone, and an additional 9.2 months to train that person.

• What the federal rate hike means: The good, the bad, the possibilities

  Tuesday, October 16, 2018

  For the third time this year — and the eighth time in three years — the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates. The most recent hike, which occurred during the last week of September, increases the federal funds rate a quarter percentage point, to a range of 2 to 2.25 percent. The hike brings good news, bad news, and financial planning opportunities.

• Can listening to music at work make employees more productive?

  Thursday, October 11, 2018

  "Whistle while you work," the popular song from Disney’s "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," might be more than just a catchy tune. A new survey by Robert Half/Accountemps reveals that most professionals who work in an office like listening to music at work — and are more productive when they do. Among survey respondents, 44 percent can listen to music at work with no restrictions and 38 percent can listen to music at work, but with restrictions, such as wearing headphones.

• How customers buy, why they don’t, and how you can change their minds

  Wednesday, October 10, 2018

  If your company offers a great product or service, it can be difficult to understand why everyone isn’t lining up to buy it. Who wouldn’t want something this great? What possible reason could anyone have for not purchasing what you’re selling? It turns out that there are a lot of reasons customers — both individuals and companies — choose not to make a purchase. Understanding these reasons requires understanding how they make buying decisions, and armed with this information, you’re in a better position to overcome any objections.

• Workplace violence is a challenging HR compliance issue

  Wednesday, September 26, 2018

  It’s not a topic that anyone wants to think about, but companies should be preparing workplace violence prevention and response plans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence can include verbal abuse and threats, physical assaults, and homicide. Employees, customers and clients, and visitors can be the perpetrators or victims of workplace violence. While over 2 million American workers a year report being a victim of workplace violence, OSHA notes that millions of other incidents are never reported.