July 2024

It’s 2024, and the calls for implementing greener initiatives as a business imperative are louder than ever. Consequently, there has been a marked shift in consumer preferences toward brands that demonstrate sustainability principles. Eco-conscious marketing has emerged as a vital part of meeting this obligation and standing out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

This venture can look like any number of things in action — from an eco-friendly product to recyclable materials and purpose-driven practices. The important thing is it stems from a genuine sustainability foundation mixed with the proper techniques to achieve desired outcomes.

Innovation is a tricky subject for tech companies. On one hand, they can surge ahead of the competition by making technological breakthroughs. On the other, it can be difficult to justify the costs of research and development when less disruptive products can still sustain a business. Tax incentives seek to make things easier.

The government offers several promising tax cuts and similar programs that can spur innovation. Here’s a closer look at how.

Many small-business owners are considering how cloud computing could help them strengthen their internal operations, reach new customers and more. What are some specific advantages of adopting such technologies? 

Increased Efficiency

Cloud products allow business owners to handle key parts of their operations more efficiently.  Whether someone needs to update a client list or find a specific document, cloud computing tools let them do so in minutes.

Many companies measure operational health by evaluating the productivity of their customer support teams. They track the number of emails sent, product demos booked, and tickets closed, focusing on the sheer volume of tasks completed. 

These activities are crucial for determining whether employees are performing well, but they only tell part of the story. To truly understand the impact on customer satisfaction and long-term success, companies must look beyond these metrics and measure the quality of customer relationships.

Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) has emerged as a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. This evolution allows even those with limited technical skills to launch sophisticated phishing attacks, making it easier for cybercriminals to target organizations of all sizes. Understanding PhaaS is crucial for IT professionals because it enables them to anticipate and mitigate these advanced threats.

The line between blue-collar and white-collar roles has always been well-recognized. However, as leaders seek clever ways to address the white-collar talent shortage, overlooked blue-collar professionals may help fill the gap. 

Recruiting former blue-collar talent could be a game-changer for businesses, especially since these individuals often deliver a wealth of knowledge, unique skill sets and an incredible work ethic. Here's why leaders should embrace blue-collar hiring, plus several ways to overcome the challenges of a dynamic workforce.

Retail shrink is a huge and ever-growing issue. While retailers need to act fast to prevent billions of dollars in losses, their current solutions adversely affect shoppers — and may drive them toward e-commerce alternatives. How can companies overcome theft once and for all? 

The lines between work-life balance are constantly blurred in today's remote and hybrid workforce, especially as modern technology has given rise to around-the-clock accessibility. Employees demand schedule flexibility and respect for their personal lives, while employers expect teams to prioritize their jobs, regardless of the time. The result is often burnout, stress and a decline in productivity. 

California's "Right to Disconnect" bill sought to remedy the issue by limiting communications during off-work hours, much to corporate dissatisfaction. However, the bill didn't pass, leaving many wondering what's next for ensuring work-life balance and supporting employee well-being. 

Many companies strive for an inclusive workplace culture, but it can be challenging without the help of some well-placed tools. In a perfect world, each co-worker would put themselves in others’ shoes. The team would value their input and see the strengths they bring to their role.

Unfortunately, empathy training rarely goes as smoothly as leaders would like. Fostering an inclusive work environment requires targeted education. At the same time, brands must be aware of taking a centered approach that makes everyone feel valued and wanted. Virtual reality makes improving company culture and creating a cohesive workplace easier. 

In the much-anticipated new book, "Dare to Relate: Leading with a Fierce Heart," trailblazing former federal agency CEO, TEDx speaker and renowned relational leadership expert Cheryl L. Mason, J.D.