As the saying goes, the news never stops. In this weekly news roundup, we’ll cover the top news stories impacting the American workforce.
1. Gallup Survey: Women Seek Work-Life Balance Due to Burnout
There’s a new buzzword gaining popularity in the workforce: the “lazy girl” job trend.
A new survey from Gallup revealed that women in the workforce report burnout at a higher rate than men, leading them to shift jobs.
When it comes to personal well-being and greater work-life balance, women (69%) are more likely than men (58%) to take another job. Women are also more likely than men to move to another job because they want greater stability and security.
Gallup’s research underscores that clear communication, manageable workloads and fairness are needed to reduce burnout.
2. Employees Opt for More Sick and Mental Health Days
Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been a significant shift in employees prioritizing their mental and physical health. This has led to a surge in sick days, with some workers opting for mental health days.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) wrote that companies are proactively encouraging self-care and offering mental health and unplugged days to prevent burnout and enhance well-being. The trend is recognized as mutually beneficial for employees and employers.
3. Americans Turn to Job Stacking for Financial Security and Flexibility
Another workforce trend gaining traction is job stacking, the practice of simultaneously working multiple full-time jobs.
According to Entrepreneur, workers who job stack claim the practice allows them to alter their income streams and achieve work-life balance.
This approach resonates with those seeking greater control over their time and financial stability – in particular, parents, individuals prioritizing work-life balance and those who are underpaid by employers.
4. New Mandatory Form I-9: What Employers Need to Know
As of November 1, all employers must use the latest version of Form I-9, introduced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The new form, available since August, streamlines Sections 1 and 2 to a single page. It also makes minor revisions to the Lists of Acceptable Documents and includes a new box for eligible employers to check when documents are examined remotely.
According to SHRM, Form I-9 compliance remains challenging for employers, necessitating updates to training and policies regarding the process. Employers using electronic I-9 providers should ensure their systems align with the new requirements and consider the advantages of E-Verify’s remote verification option.
5. White House to Develop National Strategy Against Islamophobia
The White House has developed the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia in the United States.
This initiative comes amid concerns about Islamophobia sparked by the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategy aims to protect Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim from discrimination and hate.
President Biden has faced criticism for his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and has expressed support for a humanitarian pause but did not endorse a ceasefire.
