February 2025
Employees are being more secretive at work, with 62% saying they hide aspects of themselves and Gen Z being the most likely to do so. Although everyone lives a life outside of their job, a gap in trust between employees and employers could jeopardize effective communication and blur expectations. Workplaces can consider structured forums where individuals can choose to speak their minds without fear of backlash. (Fortune)
Hope is the quality that individuals have been most positively impacted by when describing their leaders. Fully 56% of survey respondents around the globe alluded to hope when discussing positive aspects of their leaders, with 33% mentioning trust, 7% bringing up compassion, and 4% referencing stability. Managers should consider these as employee needs and use their strengths to cultivate a successful team. (Gallup)
Employee burnout is not just a workplace issue– ‘revenge bedtime procrastination’ (RBP) may be making it worse. RBP is the phenomenon in which individuals put off sleeping to make up for time they “lost” at work. Fostering a workplace culture that encourages breaks, creates “no-screen zones,” and sets boundaries to avoid work creep may result in healthier choices at home. (Worklife)
In response to political headwinds, organizations are reframing DEI as a business value rather than a matter of compliance. DEI initiatives can help boost innovation, market reach, and decision making, all while co-existing with merit-based employment. The advice for workplaces is not to abandon DEI, but embed it. (Forbes)
Many workplaces are transitioning back into a top-down approach. As companies and government agencies push for stricter office mandates and increased performance expectations, they risk alienating employees who have adapted to flexible work models. Managers who prioritize employee well-being and results-driven performance will have a competitive edge in retaining talent. (The Washington Post)
The freeze on federal grants and financial assistance has sparked concerns about employment. While the Trump administration argues that the freeze aims to prioritize spending, employees in education and research, social work, health care, and other fields may be seeing the detrimental effects more clearly. Employers would do well to have a contingency plan for when the money runs out. (Newsweek)
The industrial sector faces a severe recruitment crisis, with a projected global labor shortage of over eight million in manufacturing by 2030. While AI is simplifying the automation of physical tasks, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are not sold on the prospect of industrial work. Companies must leverage engagement strategies that emphasize innovation and sustainability to attract younger talent. (World Economic Forum)
An estimated 22.6 million Americans planned to be absent from work the Monday after the super bowl, a 4% increase from last year. Many Eagles fans came down with the “Birds Flu.” Symptoms include: hoarse voice from screaming with joy, sore arms from fist pumping, and heartburn from excessive buffalo chicken dip. (The Hill)