by Kate Evert | Jul 3, 2017 | Hiring, Human Capital, Performance Reviews, Work Place
“The idea that an 18-year-old doesn’t know how to fail on the one hand sounds preposterous. But I think in many ways we’ve pulled kids away from those natural learning experiences.”
When he was seven or eight, my son was on a losing soccer team. I was thrilled.
Why? Because every week he still had to show up at practice and participate in games. I knew then that failure is an important lesson.
Why? Because I was in HR. I had discussed the importance of failure (and how to recover from it) with a former boss and mentor; try coaching an executive who has never gotten a “B.”The danger in the workplace is often that when high achievers fail, they are in high profile positions, with large amounts of money on the line, and absolutely no experience or coping skills.
Will employers gravitate toward hiring graduates from schools like Smith that are offering these programs and resources that help young adults cope with failure? They should. Read More Here
by Kate Evert | Jun 15, 2017 | Feedback, Performance Reviews
This article gives evidence that the old adage, “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar” is true! Many managers avoid giving crucial feedback, albeit negative or positive; or they tend to focus on the negative. But a good manager balances praise and criticism. “If you want to be seen as a good feedback-giver, you should proactively develop the skill of giving praise as well as criticism.” Providing specific, positive feedback helps strengthen relationships with colleagues and a leader’s effectiveness. Read More Here.
by Kate Evert | Jun 9, 2017 | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Human Capital, Labor Markets, Skilled Labor
Many baby boomers intend to work past retirement age, and one article contends they will potentially overcrowd the job market. The article goes on to say this could create a problem for both younger and older workers. If the overcrowding keeps wages lower, then older workers might need to work much longer to acquire the retirement savings they desire, and, “if employers end up using older workers instead of younger workers, this could also lower wages for younger workers or slow down their wage growth, the researchers say.”
But, this article presents a flawed argument, because many of the positions baby boomers currently hold are not the same jobs that are opening up for new college grads or entry level workers. In fact, some positions baby boomers fill right now are getting harder and harder to fill because of the expertise and experience level they require. Meanwhile, the reason fewer jobs were filled last month? The lack of skilled labor to fill it. Read More Here and Here
by Kate Evert | May 23, 2017 | Human Capital, Work Place
With Memorial Day next Monday, the traditional start of the American summer and vacation season, here is some valuable research: when it comes to using vacation time, “Planners have an advantage over non-planners. They use more of their time.” So before heading out to that BBQ on Monday, start planning your vacation, as this research shows, it will reap benefits. Use it or lose it! Read More Here
by Kate Evert | May 17, 2017 | Compensation, Economy, Labor Markets, Wage Increases
For college seniors entering the work force this year after graduation, there’s a lot to look forward to: high employment rate, higher salaries. The future is bright. Or is it? Others have a more pessimistic outlook. They paint a dimmer picture for this next generation: slow wage growth, and more inequality.
You might be left scratching your head with all the conflicting sources. Here’s what’s really going on: the data doesn’t lie, but it doesn’t give a full picture of what’s happening. That’s why compensation consultants are using more specific data, considering factors like industry, location, and demographic.
To read more of the positive, HERE or HERE or more of the negative HERE or HERE, but proceed with caution.
