January 2026
Nearly three out of four executives say their stress has significantly increased since taking on a leadership position, and to make matters worse, employee trust in management has fallen to 29% (down from 46% just two years ago). Only 30% of leaders say they have time to perform all of their duties thoughtfully. Managers are not immune from burnout– plus if they prioritize wellbeing and time for reflection, these values may trickle down to their employees. (Worklife)
Despite a growing interest in blue collar jobs among Gen Zers, the booming manufacturing industry still holds little appeal. With 3.8 million jobs in industrial work expected to open up in the next 7 years, only 14% of Gen Z say they’d consider that track. Labor supply and immigration reform set back the sector even more. As boomers get ready for retirement, the manufacturing industry needs to appeal to the flexible, safe-space mindset that young workers prioritize. (Fortune)
A recent UK study revealed that 30% of Gen Zers have anxiety about making phone calls and 38% struggle to make small talk with coworkers. The upward trend in telephobia could partly be a result of lack of practice, due to the myriad of other communication options that have been developed over the years. Experts suggest practicing phone calls with friends and family, speaking slowly, and taking preparatory notes to boost confidence. (The Guardian)
Only 28% of workers in organizations using AI strongly agree that their manager supports its use, while a quarter of workers had no idea at all that their employers adopted AI. This suggests a need for employer initiative. Leaders convinced of the efficacy of AI would do well to communicate this to their employees by creating unambiguous policies. (Gallup)
Recent data analysis considering employment, affordability, and social life has determined that many of the best cities for Gen Z to work in are in the Midwest. Places like Madison, Wisconsin and Omaha, Nebraska have auspicious income-to-rent ratios and sizable Gen Z populations. Job hopefuls on the coast may consider looking inward (literally) and exploring options. (Checkr)
Fully 59% of young Americans see AI as a threat to job prospects, with 41% believing AI will make work less meaningful. These views are largely bipartisan, significantly overshadowing beliefs on the effects of immigration and outsourcing of work. The disconnect between rapid development of large language models and user trust promises big decisions for the future workplace. (Harvard Youth Poll)
When Amazon instituted its five-day RTO requirement two years ago, almost three quarters of employees considered quitting. But the days of coffee badging are dwindling, as the company is doubling down with a new employee tracking dashboard that will show how long workers are badged into the office. Rather than promote corporate surveillance, managers can use this data to initiate supportive conversations with struggling employees. (Business Insider)