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Why Google and Microsoft obsess over psychological safety

Timothy R. Clark Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Google and Microsoft know something a lot of other companies simply refuse to acknowledge — that organizations lacking psychological safety are galloping their way to extinction. Psychological safety is a social condition in which you feel included, safe to learn, safe to contribute, and safe to challenge the status quo — all without fear of being embarrassed, marginalized, or punished in some way. Basically, it means it’s not expensive to be yourself.

Healthcare’s furloughs continue even as parts of the US begin to…

Scott E. Rupp Healthcare Administration

The cratering of the healthcare job market has continued as COVID-19 spreads across the United States. In all sectors, more than 22 million people have filed for unemployment benefits as of April 17, with the virus, for now, wiping out a decade of job gains. The United States has not seen this level of job loss since the Great Depression. Healthcare, long seen as an untouchable career field — safe from the ups and downs of the economy — is among the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic.

Associations face a new advocacy landscape

Jeb Ory Association Management

As many people in Washington know, the COVID-19 crisis launched an advocacy boom. What they may not realize is that it is far from over. As Congress considered a $2 trillion stimulus bill — the largest in U.S. history — hundreds of organizations scrambled to ensure that lawmakers understood and addressed their needs, whether that meant safety equipment, financial support, tax relief or other necessities. Trade associations led that charge.

Survey: More than 60% of companies look at social media before extending…

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

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.

Who’s in control?

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Who's in control? Not you. And certainly not me. Yet most of us seek to control every aspect of our lives: where we live, where we work, who we befriend, how we dedicate our free time. That sounds reasonable, right? But nevertheless, that is a full-time job. If all that isn't enough, we also seek to control the uncontrollable outside ourselves. You should realize that there are many uncontrollable aspects to life. And that fact has shaken and frightened many people who thrive on order, not chaos, in the mistaken notion that they can control the variables of life. Here are some suggestions to keep you focused.

HR changes to make when your workers return from the COVID-19 quarantine

D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Hopefully, we are nearing the end of the havoc that COVID-19 and quarantine orders have wreaked on our economy. Every workplace is different but one thing we can count on — things will not be the same when workers return. HR professionals in all industries should be thinking now about changes that need to be made based on the lessons learned over the past few months. This article outlines some of the basic areas where employers will need to adapt and make changes.

Does workers’ compensation cover coronavirus?

Grace Ferguson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Though we still have much to learn about the novel coronavirus, symptoms range from mild to severe and can lead to death. In response, lawmakers and industry leaders have been implementing relief for impacted individuals — such as paid leave, additional unemployment benefits, and free COVID-19 testing. A common question among employees is whether relief extends to workers' compensation, also known as workers' comp. Long story short, if you're exposed to COVID-19 on the job, you might have a hard time getting workers' compensation — unless you’re a healthcare provider or first responder.

COVID-19: What can federal contractors do?

Lisa Pafe Civil & Government

Everyone involved in federal procurement — acquisition professionals, federal contractors, and others — has been busy rearranging personal affairs. Making sure you, those you love, and everyone in your community is safe is what should be the primary concern. But once the dust settles, the short- and long-term impacts will become apparent. While we can't predict the full extent of the impact at this time, change is happening. Here are some best guesses.

Why contractors need to prepare for legal disputes due to COVID-19

Justin Gitelman Construction & Building Materials

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the construction game. Contractors are trying to hold onto their cash as long as possible while still having to pay their subcontractors and suppliers. Cash is tight right now, and it’s leaving contractors with a major cash threat. Contractors already are faced with the longest waits for payment of businesses in any industry, which makes matters worse when the country is in the middle of a recession. As social distancing and stay-at-home orders remain in place, coronavirus will continue to impact the construction industry.

Product-focused videos: A key marketing strategy during and after COVID-19

Lisa Mulcahy Marketing

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life in every imaginable way possible. Now more than ever, consumers are clamoring for products that meet their needs, not their wants — and they have to know how those products work before they buy. How does a digital marketer answer the call? With user-friendly and product-focused video content. Wyzowl's 2020 State of Video Marketing Survey found that 85% of brands use video as a marketing tool and 86% of consumers actually want more video from brands.

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