The Connector: Edition 103
Sep 11th, 2024 | The Connector
On this day, The O'Connor Group stands with our nation in honoring the memory of September 11th, 2001. This day remains deeply ingrained in the hearts of all Americans, marking a pivotal moment in our history and a reminder of the strength, courage, and unity that define us.
As we reflect, we remember not only the tragedy but also the resilience, heroism, and hope that rose from the darkness. Together, as a nation, as communities, and as individuals, let us continue to uphold the values that unite us and work towards a brighter, more peaceful future.
We will always remember, honor, and never forget.
1. 9 Ways You Can Participate in 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance
This day has become a symbol of hope by uniting the goodwill and good deeds of the nation. The 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance can help pay tribute to those touched by the tragedies of this day, as well as keep hope for a better future alive. It is a chance to strengthen communities and pay tribute to those touched by the tragedies of this day, as well as keep hope for a better future. Learn more here.
2. Employers add 142,000 jobs in August
In August, U.S. employers added 142,000 jobs, up from July’s revised 89,000, with gains in health care and construction. Despite this, experts warn the labor market is still cooling, as job growth falls below expectations and the average from the past year. The ratio of job openings to unemployed workers has dropped to 1:1, a sharp decline from 2022's tight labor market.
Wage growth has also slowed, and job switchers are seeing fewer perks like signing bonuses. High interest rates, aimed at controlling inflation, are further challenging businesses' ability to expand, despite improving employee retention. Read the full article here!
3. Boost productivity in hybrid teams
Hybrid work offers flexibility for individual employees, but it can challenge team productivity. As teams work from different locations and schedules, collaboration becomes harder to manage.
A Gallup study of 2,877 U.S. hybrid workers highlights key areas for improvement in team coordination, including planning, feedback, and training. Employers can enhance productivity by focusing on four steps based on this research, helping hybrid teams work more effectively together. Read the full article here.
4. Reskilling to help fill jobs
With budget constraints limiting hiring, reskilling workers has become a key strategy for managing costs and filling roles, according to an Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll survey.
68% percent of over 1,000 hiring managers plan to reskill employees this year, up from 60% in 2021. Most companies offering reskilling plan to provide company-led training sessions and on-the-job training by current employees. Read the full article here.
5. Retirement disconnect across generations
A "retirement disconnect" is emerging among Americans across all age groups, from Gen Z to boomers, according to SurveyMonkey CEO Eric Johnson.
While most workers dream of spending retirement traveling, pursuing hobbies, and enjoying family time, a new CNBC and SurveyMonkey study reveals that many now have more modest expectations for what their retirement will actually look like. Read the full article here.
6. TOC Client Opportunities
Finding a meaningful and rewarding job can be a long journey. Our goal is to make that process as easy as possible for you and to create a satisfying work environment - one that you'll look forward to coming to every day.
Check out these three opportunities:
Explore our Client Opportunities here!
7. Let's Get Local...
Complete Care Strategies is your professional family member for life's complex challenges. They specialize in enhancing the quality of life for special needs children and adults, medically complex individuals, and aging adults. Their interdisciplinary team of Social Workers, Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists, and Certified Care Managers goes above and beyond, from organizing skiing adventures for people with quadriplegia to advocating for clients in hospitals.
Complete Care Strategies handles everything from routine medical appointments to daily money management to homecare, ensuring our clients live life to the fullest. With Complete Care Strategies, you're not just cared for – you're empowered to thrive.
8. Wednesday Wellness Tips...
Do you need to improve your memory? Have you tried changing your habits?
While books like Atomic Habits and habit-stacking routines have been game changers for building healthier, happier lifestyles, sticking to the same routines too rigidly can leave you in a rut. Even more concerning, this rut could harm your cognitive function and affect your memory. It's true—falling into repetitive patterns can negatively impact your brain health, and research supports this. EatingWell shares why.