Interesting Data Points

• Wage growth is actually beating inflation for over half of US employees – a welcome change.

• HR job postings are increasingly looking for AI skills (perhaps in response to the use AI in faking applications?). While still a small minority of postings overall are included, the growth rate exceeds that of other types of job listings. The need in HR is at “practitioner” levels, as opposed to other professions where the need tends to be at higher levels.

• AI skills tend to add 28% to pay levels, according to “Quartz.”

• Pointers to make events more meaningful and productive for employers and employees (excerpted from Harvard Business Review):

  • Recognition = Retention: Simple gratitude (e.g., public praise, thank-you walls) boosts morale—lack of it undoes all the other benefits. Make it visible.

  • Connection Requires Intention: Positive social interaction—especially across teams and locations—is the strongest predictor of post-event engagement.

  • Too Fancy Backfires: Overspending on flashy events can feel tone-deaf, especially during layoffs or other negative circumstances. Thoughtful, meaningful perks beat extravagance every time.

  • Forced Fun Hurts: Rituals that pressure people to act upbeat or sacrifice personal time backfire—authenticity and flexibility matter more. Forcing attendance or placing a stigma on non-attendance often have a negative impact as well.

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