We’ve all heard the phrase “new normal” at this point—months into grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with the effects it’s had on our lives. Our routines, our families, and our careers have all changed to some degree. But what exactly is the new normal? How do we define it? Better yet, how do […] Read Article “What “new normal” should we expect from the COVID-19 recovery?”
CEOs and executive team members have clear lines of ownership and, ultimately, a great deal of accountability for their companies and teams. However, ownership isn’t an idea reserved for management. Having a strong sense of ownership and accountability are traits top employees demonstrate as well, and introducing autonomy in the workplace can help increase these traits. […] Read Article “How to Have More Autonomy at Work”
Well that was awkward… That common catchphrase is usually good for a laugh, but it’s not so funny when muttered in the workplace. Why are Soft Skills Important The inability to effectively interact with others is one of the most obvious examples of the increasing lack of employee “soft skills” that are essential to landing – and keeping […] Read Article “6 Soft Skills to Improve”
According to a blog published by 7Geese last year, only about 33% of the U.S. workforce is engaged in their work. This number is quite alarming — more than half of the population is not engaged with their work, and thus not reaching their full potential. In some case this translates into fewer sales than […] Read Article “Use Gamification for Employee Recognition”
Addressing the skills gap in the labor market is a complex challenge that requires buy-in from several parties, including educational institutions such as high schools, universities and trade schools, job seekers themselves, and employers and businesses as well. Placing the burden of responsibility on educators alone isn’t a sustainable solution, though it is true that […] Read Article “How Businesses Can Help Close the Skills Gap”
What exactly is an entrepreneur? According to Merriam-Webster, it is “one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.” While that is an accurate definition, there is much more to it. Generally speaking, entrepreneurs dream about being their own boss, enjoy motivating others, are driven by financial success, and—perhaps most important—thrive […] Read Article “Embracing Entrepreneurship Across the Globe”
Apprenticeships are a time-tested idea that is getting new life as employers seek better ways to develop and keep talent. In Italy where I grew up, and throughout much of Europe, apprenticeships have remained a staple of workforce development. In Switzerland, for example, 70% of high school graduates enter apprenticeships in “new-collar” fields such as IT, […] Read Article “Apprenticeship: Old Idea Offers New Opportunity”
For most of my career, I believed I had to check e-mails, be on conference calls, and tend to other work-related things while I was on vacation. This is what was expected, and what I thought was “normal,” and others followed suit. PTO – what should stand for Personal Time Off – started being called […] Read Article “Why PTO should be a staple in your company’s culture.”
While the unemployment rate rose in June to 4.0%, up from a historic low of 3.8% in May, job growth is on the rise with open positions still outpacing new hires. With the holidays fast approaching and many businesses experiencing consistent growth, more companies will be seeking employees to address demand. And in a candidate-drive […] Read Article “What You, the C-suite, Should Know about the Current Labor Market”
Hard skills can be learned in a teaching environment whether that’s high school, college, or, most likely, in the workplace. When you think of hard skills, think more technical skills—industry know how, technology familiarity, etc. On the other hand, traits—or soft skills—are qualities that are learned over time based largely on experience, observance and relationships. […] Read Article “The Top Five Traits You Need for Work (and Tips to Acquire Them)”