June 2026
The American workforce spans five generations and roughly a fifth of those 65 and older still hold a job (that number has quadrupled since the 80s). While half of those attribute putting off retirement to the desire for social interaction, 60% cite higher costs of living. Effective succession planning can help where young prospective workers struggle to get a foot in the door yet retirement hopefuls lack the confidence to leave. (BBC)
Recent studies have concluded that hybrid workers are happier and quit at two thirds the rate of fully in-office employees. Though leaders may take this as a sign to reap the benefits of fully remote employees, those that do not visit their workplace at all are actually at higher risk for loneliness, anxiety, and depression. When a flexible schedule is possible, balance is key to fostering connection, productivity, and creativity. (The Wall Street Journal)
For Gen Z,Instagram is the new LinkedIn. When hundreds of applications garner no results, some opt to put their content creation skills to task, creating introductory videos that showcase experience and act as the cherry on top of resumes and cover letters. While this online presence may help prove that there is a person behind that application, no one should have to become an influencer to secure work. (The Guardian)
Five years after the Great Resignation, the wage gap between job hoppers and their stalwart counterparts is shrinking. While the former saw 18% growth in 2022 versus the latter’s 7%, those switching careers now are seeing just 8% growth versus 5% for those who stay put. Trading places every few years is no longer the best advice, as the older generations who are more likely to remain loyal to their workplace may ultimately be rewarded for playing the long game. (Fortune)
For many, working smarter—not harder—meanseschewing the typical nine-to-five and lunch break in favor of microshifting– integrating personal activities throughout the day while maintaining productivity. Organizations can support this approach by establishing clear expectations around deadlines and collaboration while protecting uninterrupted "deep work" time. (Forbes)
Organizations are starting to ask: is the ROI on AI usage worth it? After encouraging widespread AI adoption, many workplaces are now introducing limits as costs have grown significantly faster than expected. Companies such as Pylon, Coinbase, Walmart, and Amazon are implementing token budgets, usage caps, and AI model restrictions to control spending. An important equation for leaders to remember is: meaningful business value > prompts. (Business Insider)