May 2023
When surveyed about their opinions on "work spouses," both Gen Z and Baby Boomers were relatively accepting of the concept, with only 39% and 40% disapproving, respectively. Millennials were surprisingly far less open, with 57% of this risk-averse generation against the idea outright. (Newsweek)
Gen Z job seekers rank Google, Tesla, and Patagonia as their top employers of choice, underscoring the way that this generation values not just innovation and sustainability, but also work-life balance and career stability. Younger hires value the job security that often comes with working at large organizations; companies looking to attract and retain Gen Z should consider these longer-term priorities when recruiting the next generation of employees. (Axios)
Derek Thompson’s new book, "On Work: Money, Meaning, Identity," explores the ways in which he believes that Americans have replaced organized religion with work. This isn’t a big stretch for workaholic Baby Boomers, largely responsible for defining our modern workplace culture – this generation has always had a penchant for imbuing every aspect of life with personal values and a deeper meaning. (The Atlantic)
Companies considering adopting a shorter work week should weigh the potential positive impacts on well-being and productivity for all employees, but should keep in mind that a four-day work week would be a major boon for women in particular. Women often face additional pressures in balancing work and family responsibilities, making advantages like improved work-life balance and reduced burnout especially impactful. (The Star)
Employee engagement trackers are pointing to an unsettling downward trend among Gen Z specifically, an unusual statistic given that younger workers have historically been the most enthusiastic. Although some point to remote and hybrid working models as the culprits, solutions that create space for collaboration, clarify institutional ambiguities, and give employees a voice will likely have a more positive impact than a mandatory return-to-office. (Business Insider)
A team of economists found that there may be one critical factor holding remote employees back in their professional advancement: Remote workers tend to receive less feedback overall from their managers and colleagues. Employers hoping to foster an environment that promotes constructive collaboration should take conscious steps to ensure that all employees have equal opportunities for career growth and development. (Yahoo Finance)
Workplace loneliness is a growing issue, particularly among women – over half of women at work say they experience loneliness, and that number only rises as women surveyed move up the corporate ranks. These findings have significant implications for workers’ well-being, engagement, and productivity, which makes fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment key to combating loneliness among all employees. (Fortune)
Japan is fighting an uphill battle against societal expectations by hoping to incentivize more male workers to take paternity leave. While family leave policies have been found to promote both gender equality and work-life balance, many fathers are reluctant to utilize them – cultural norms may be different around the world, but all employers should strive to create a supportive environment that encourages employees to take advantage of family-friendly initiatives. (CNN)