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The best methods for client presentations

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

While some still prefer the napkin sketch, architects and designers today have a battery of tools they can employ to convey their visions to clients and stakeholders. But which have the biggest impact on viewers? It may seem a no-brainer that animated digital representations such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial reality (AR) win hands down. That, however, is not always the case. What matters most is not the medium, but the message.

Wellness trends in the workplace: Do they stack up?

Ana Reisdorf Medical & Allied Healthcare

According to the recent Workplace Wellness 2017 Survey Report conducted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, up to 75 percent of employers offer some type of wellness program to employees. The primary goal of these programs is not only to help maintain a healthy workforce, but also to reduce healthcare costs, boost attendance, and increase productivity. The survey revealed that common wellness trends for 2017 include coverage for chiropractic services, sponsoring wellness events and competitions, providing standing desks and fitness trackers, as well as offering healthier food in cafeterias and vending machines.

The essence of an association

Robert C. Harris Association Management

Does an association have an essence? Every nonprofit has a statement of purpose, programs, members and a board of directors — but what about essence? Essence means a core nature or indispensable quality, especially something abstract that determines its character. There is reason to know the essence. It can help predict outcomes. It may differentiate the association from organizations with similar purposes.

The best ways to handle your business’ influx of Facebook messages

Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of notes in your business’ Facebook inbox? Over the last two years, people have been talking and communicating more than ever before. That means more social media posts, emails and video chats. But the biggest increase has been in messaging. Sixty-seven percent of people say they use messaging apps more now than they did two years ago, according to a 2017 Facebook study.

Ideal vs. best: Rethink assumptions about the right candidate

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Fit is like the F-word of hiring: it can mean so many different things and using it can get you in trouble. Yet, when determining which candidate to hire, how they mesh with the rest of the team is a critical component of success. We can end up distracted by the things we think are important as opposed to focusing on the things we need. Here are a few tips to help rethink assumptions and hire the right candidate, right now.

US adds 157,000 jobs in July as unemployment falls to 3.9 percent

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Nonfarm payroll jobs rose 157,000 in July compared with 213,000 in June, as the unemployment rate fell to 3.9 percent from 4.0 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Employment rose in healthcare, manufacturing, professional and business services, and social assistance. Meanwhile, workers' pay is flat. Standard economic theory holds that a falling jobless rate motivates employers to raise workers' pay, as the pool of job-seekers declines. Empirical data, though, shows otherwise.

5 ways high-performance organizations make meetings effective

J. Elise Keith Business Management, Services & Risk Management

For many entrepreneurs, the decision to become a founder promises both a shot at realizing a dream and an escape from the frustrations of their old jobs. "In my company," they vow, "we’ll never waste time in pointless meetings." Fast forward to employee 25, and their team is bogged down in pointless meetings. What’s worse is that scrappy entrepreneur is leading these meetings! As our businesses grow up, are we doomed to be just like the leaders from our past?

Developing leadership that builds diversity, equity, inclusion is a learning…

Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

An inclusive leader takes their best practice and inclusion mindset with them wherever they work. While we most often hear about inclusion, diversity and culture in corporations, good leadership is also found in higher education, health care and other industries. I recently spoke with Terri Givens, provost of Menlo College in California, about how she came to be seen as an inclusive leader.

Cryptologistics: Where supply chain meets blockchain

Delany Martinez Distribution & Warehousing

One of the most universal issues facing logistics is the ability — or lack thereof — to process data in a fast, useful way. Like an unorganized warehouse packed with product and short on shelves, logistics professionals are often forced to put aside efforts to streamline in favor of staying on top of periodic targets. While computers have historically aided in bridging that gap, they too rely on a standard set of numbers presented in a specific way in order to produce useful results.

Organizations work to bolster cybersecurity, but employees’ devices…

Scott E. Rupp Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Per a new study from Infoblox Inc., there appears to be a significant threat posed by shadow devices on enterprise networks. The report, titled "What Is Lurking On Your Network: Exposing the Threat of Shadow Devices," showed that enterprise networks across the U.S., U.K. and Germany have thousands of shadow personal devices, including laptops, Kindles, mobile phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as digital assistants and smart kitchen appliances, all connecting to their network.

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