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Interior design activity trends positively in spring

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Coming off a slow start at the beginning of the year, interior design business activity surged in early spring. At present, activity is trending above that of last year, although modestly. Designers overall are optimistic conditions will remain positive going into the third quarter of the year. After three months of negative growth, the American Society of Interior Designers’ Interior Design Billings Index (IDBI) spiked more than 14 points in March, to 60.4.

Do leaders have moral obligations to their employees?

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

When I ask this question to clients, their employees, and my business ethics students, they all answer very clearly yes or no. When it comes to questions about morals and obligations, to have such definitive answers is pretty rare. In ethics, HR, and leadership, we are used to gray areas. So why is it that the answers I receive to this question are so black and white? Whether you answered yes or no, here are a few things to consider when it comes to the moral obligations leaders have to their employees.

5 fresh ways to boost interest in an aging brand

Lisa Mulcahy Marketing

As a marketer, you know that when a brand starts slipping out of favor with the public, you need to act fast to stop the bleeding. The problem with this strategy is that it can make you seem desperate. For example, you may start making choices that seem like obvious ploys for consumer attention. Focused, intelligent shifts in strategy that respect your audience's core emotional needs are more effective ways to recapture their attention and attract new consumers.

What you don’t know about growing old — and why

Patrick Gleeson Medical & Allied Healthcare

Americans haven't always faced our national shortcomings very well, although we're probably getting a little better at it. While we have a long way to go to achieve perfection, we've made substantial strides in some areas. However, despite the best efforts of various institutes devoted to the subject, such as the National Institute on Aging, growing old is something we don't want to hear about. This seems particularly strange when you consider that it's one of the few things in life that will certainly affect everyone who doesn’t die young.

10 tips for retaining employees in a hot jobs market

D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The U.S. currently has more than 6 million unfilled jobs, an all-time record high. In such a hot labor market, employers need to focus on retaining current employees as much or more than attempting to find brand-new ones. This article outlines some of the most important ways that employers can do a better job retaining employees.

Don’t let your business survey be one-and-done

Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Some days it feels like it's raining surveys and certifications. That's when my inbox is flooded with solicitations to get certified in yet another survey methodology. For over 25 years, I have been helping to create organizations where employees love to do their best work and customers love to do business. I use surveys and other methods to measure diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizational cultures. While surveys are useful, they can also be misused and create problems.

Travel2020: Where meetings and magic meet

Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Anyone who has planned a conference or attended one knows the "where" is as important as the "what." Whether it’s a meeting of healthcare professionals or Midwestern meat distributors, the time and money spent to attend a meeting become serious investments for both planners and their targets. It has to be worth it for all involved, and that involves a small, but critical factor: the wow. Recent trends in meetings show these gatherings need to be purposeful, pliable and push the envelope.

It’s not me; it’s you

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

We are frequently encouraged to focus on our strengths and "work on," that is, tamp down, our less sterling personality traits. But just who gets to determine what your strength is and what your character flaws are? Other people? Has anyone told you you’re obstinate? Or too blunt without any discretion? These "well-meaning" critics point out these damning personality flaws in the hopes that you’ll change and make their lives easier in getting along with you. But frequently, the so-called flaw is simply an exaggeration of an asset.

Luxury hospitality brands have a new partner: Hemp

Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed into law, legalizing hemp products, there has been a new vigor in the industry. CBD-infused food and beverages have received the most traction; CBD-infused oils and related products come a close second. Now we see that hemp is not just a hot trend; it is a revolution. There is still a lot of controversy over CBD products and FDA restrictions. It is important to know that while marijuana-derived CBD products are legal in only a handful of states, hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states.

Your company’s biggest cybersecurity risks: People

Terri Williams Science & Technology

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.

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