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Employees want to be recognized, but not how you think

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

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.

The best and the worst of America’s airports

Matt Falcus Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

A new study is gaining a lot of attention as it gives travelers a ranking of the best and worst airports in America. The study published by The Points Guy (TPG) is now in its fourth year, and this time it ranks the top 50 airports in the country. Naturally, the airports at the top and bottom of the pile are receiving plenty of attention. They are San Diego in the top spot and Chicago Midway trailing in last place. While any ranking like this is largely subjective, this year the website made much more use of reader feedback, rather than solely the experiences of its own staff.

If you’re struggling, beckon ‘flow’ instead

Lisa Cole Mental Healthcare

Most of us know that sense of resistance when we’re just not feeling it and really need to get something done (or think we do). For me, it may be tackling my taxes, plowing through the piles on my desk, or trying to come up with an idea for an article. Even when I like what I’m about to embark upon, sometimes getting started or back into it is just not happening. Many expert strategies for how we should tackle our various obligations have merit. For now, though, let’s explore how examining our resistance and altering our attitude can help us get going.

Why PIPs should be a manager’s favorite tool

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Performance improvement plans (PIPs) are these amazing little forms that can pave a smoother path to professional growth or termination. They can end bad behavior and create positive new habits. Unfortunately, they require a few things of which we do not often have enough: time, patience and focus. Here are a few reasons why PIPs should be a manager’s favorite tool and how they should be used.

Pivot! How to take your marketing in a new direction

Brie Ragland Marketing

In an iconic scene from the show "Friends," Ross has purchased a brand-new couch, but decides to deliver it to his apartment himself, instead of paying the outrageous delivery fee the store charges. As he waits for help from his friends, he sketches a plan for easy movement up his apartment's stairway. To the characters' chagrin, the couch doesn’t fit up the stairs the way Ross originally planned in his drawing. Thinking on his feet, Ross "pivots" to a new plan…and the hilarity ensues. So, how can you apply this strategy to your own company? Well, no executive wants to admit his/her marketing efforts are failing, but when the numbers tell a story so grim even Phoebe Buffay couldn't put a good spin on it, it's time to pivot.

Some communities are putting the brakes on factory farming

Scott E. Rupp Food & Beverage

Wisconsin's Burnett County Board of Supervisors recently passed a one-year moratorium on large-scale farms with 1,000 or more animal units. The moratorium is inspired by plans from Cumberland LLC, which earlier this year announced plans to build a $20 million farm for up to 26,000 hogs in the town of Trade Lake. Don Taylor, Burnett County board chair, said a committee will examine potential impacts of large-scale farms, known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or "factory farms." Burnett County represents a microcosm of farming practices throughout the United States.

Beating age discrimination just got harder

Patrick Gleeson Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

Fighting age discrimination in employment was never easy. Perhaps the most important obstacle is that age discrimination isn’t easy to prove. Historically, when age discrimination in employment suits do go to trial, they’ve been decided overwhelmingly in favor of corporate America and against workers — about 99% of the time. As daunting as this sounds, recent significant appellate court decisions will almost certainly tilt the playing field even further toward corporate America and away from an increasing number of aging workers.

Cloud kitchens, virtual restaurants are the next big trends in food delivery

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

Co-working spaces have changed the way many people work, and now it's time for cloud kitchens to do the same for the food business. Statista reports that the online food delivery segment will have $107 billion in revenue in 2019. Some of the industry's rapid growth is attributed to the advent of cloud kitchens, which have helped businesses stay ahead of high rents and employee turnover. Another related concept that is making waves is the virtual restaurant. Also called Uber cooking by some due to its initiation by Uber Eats, these businesses take orders through online apps and prepare food exclusively for takeout, pickup, and delivery customers.

How to thrive in a competitive market sector

Anne Rose Retail

While certain retail sectors are struggling to cope in a competitive marketplace, Gold Country Ace Hardware in Cameron Park, California, has managed to thrive and surpass its regional hardware competitors, including the big-name/big-box stores and the local mom-and-pop shops. Robert Blum, vice president of Blum Enterprises, which owns Gold Country Ace Hardware, explains the management strategies that catapulted them to their success and being awarded Pinnacle status by Ace for "exemplary performance." "We have always tried to remain relevant to our local community," Blum explains.

The one thing you can do to prevent your star employees from bolting

Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Another company is about to lose a star employee. But they don't know this yet. You see, their star employee hired me a few months ago as his coach to help him better manage his relationship with his boss. We discussed his situation over a few sessions, and it became clear to me that his efforts to change his boss' way would fall on deaf ears. He said he wanted to see if he could make things work with his current employer. That was six weeks ago. He's now seen the light and is ready to move on.

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