December 2024

The holiday season can be a complicated time for people. Many emerge from this period and realize they pushed themselves too hard. How can you as a leader stay mindful of that reality and provide the best support for your workforce?

Learn What People Need 

Although you can probably take an educated guess about some of the season’s biggest stressors, they don’t impact everyone with equal intensity. Someone facing the first holiday season after losing a close family member will probably have felt different pressures and challenges than one with money troubles as the primary concern.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has big implications for the workforce of tomorrow. While some employees may fear the technology will replace them, it can help them expand their careers in some cases. Optimized training and development is an increasingly popular application, especially as roles shift amid broader AI adoption.

Savvy businesses can use AI to upskill their existing workforce to meet such changing demands, but doing so requires careful planning. Here are some crucial steps to follow.

More stay-at-home parents (SAHP) are returning to the workforce to engage in either part-time or full-time work, and this shift presents an incredible opportunity for your business. These individuals bring valuable skills like multitasking, problem-solving and adaptability — traits honed through managing households and raising kids. But rejoining the workforce isn’t without challenges.

Many parents struggle with outdated skills, a lack of confidence, or balancing work and family life. Creating a welcoming environment and offering flexibility allows you to help them transition smoothly and gain loyal, hardworking employees.

Mobile apps offer another way to engage donors and remind them a nonprofit needs their contributions to thrive. Watching technology combine with philanthropy is thrilling. Nonprofits have struggled over the years to attract and retain donors, but tapping into app technology improves the odds. 

Nonprofits are already using mobile app technology to build relationships with the people they serve and those who believe in their causes. Knowing mobile apps can drive success and implementing them for success are two different things. Many factors come into play, such as what type of device people use, how the app functions and what the organization should offer through the app.

Modern businesses cannot survive for long when relying on a single sales channel. In today’s hyper-competitive environment, organizations must coordinate their efforts across in-person, e-commerce and social media platforms to stay afloat. However, doing so effectively can be challenging.

Many managers use key performance indicators (KPI) to measure workplace success. These tangible metrics offer a straightforward way to track progress and achieve goals. 

While KPIs provide valuable information, they often keep employees from feeling motivated to perform at their best. Workers must feel excited about their roles, so they care deeply about their contributions. Instead of focusing solely on the numbers, organizational leaders drive more meaning by leveraging several actionable strategies.

Businesses thrive today thanks to technology’s efficiency, but this increasing reliance also poses new blind spots. Understanding shadow IT is crucial for brand leaders, especially when it puts their enterprises at risk.

What Is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT is when employees turn to unauthorized software, devices or cloud services without the IT department’s knowledge. Examples include employees using personal cloud storage to access corporate data from anywhere or unauthorized collaboration tools to transfer documents. 

Overhead music in brick-and-mortar stores is so common today that many people don’t think twice about it. There’s a reason why it’s become an unofficial industry standard — music has a powerful psychological effect on shoppers.

The best marketing is the kind that customers don’t even perceive as such. In-store music can fall comfortably into that category if you use it correctly. Once you know how your song choice can influence customers, you can use it to your advantage.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries at a remarkable pace, and 2025 promises even greater transformations for businesses leveraging this technology. With predictions highlighting significant advancements, organizations must stay ahead to harness AI's potential effectively. 

Explore key AI trends for 2025 and actionable strategies that will help businesses thrive in this ever-evolving technology landscape.

1. Generative AI Driving Creativity and Innovation

Generative AI tools are expected to evolve beyond content creation to enable design, product development and marketing innovation. 

Knowing your customers’ needs will help you reach them on a deeper, more engaging level. When it comes to customer journey mapping, there are dozens of tools you can use to improve performance. Which measurements are crucial to your business success? It depends on your industry, business model and specific target audience. 

What Metrics to Consider When Mapping the Customer Journey

Gone are the days when people interacted with sales clerks or business owners face-to-face. Today's customer journey looks more like a winding road with detours, hills and valleys.