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Why purpose doesn't always pay: the career cost of workplace climate activism

Employees advocating for climate action are more likely to receive recognition when their efforts support business goals, while purpose-led activism often goes unrecognized. Researchers found that organizations tend to reward environmental initiatives when they contribute to commercial objectives, such as attracting clients, expanding ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHuman Relations·TypeCase study·DateSep 3, 2026

Skills are replacing age-based labor supply as the engine of economies

A new study by IIASA researchers reveals that China's economic growth is being driven by the skills of its workforce, not just its large working-age population. Improvements in skill composition have become a key driver of economic expansion, and a more favorable age structure enhances economic returns to workforce skills.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2026

If you’re a perfectionist at work, your boss’ expectations may matter more than your own, research finds

A new study from University of Florida finds that employee perfectionism impact depends on alignment with supervisor's expectations and clarity in understanding. When employees' standards match supervisors', they experience less uncertainty, better performance, and higher job satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateApr 8, 2026

The hidden cost of ‘bullshit’ corporate speak

A new study by Cornell University researcher Shane Littrell finds that employees who are more susceptible to corporate BS have lower scores on analytic thinking, cognitive reflection, and fluid intelligence. This can lead to less effective workplace decision-making and lower performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2026

Tourists are fuelling exploitative working conditions by demanding cheap holidays warns new research

A new study from the University of Surrey and Strathclyde University finds that customers' obsession with cheap travel is linked to low wages and harmful working environments for service staff. The research highlights evidence of widespread harassment of service workers, particularly among airlines and hospitality companies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2026

Flexible schedules and other negotiated arrangements may affect teams’ success—for better or worse

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology found that flexible schedules can lead to heightened relationship conflicts within teams, negatively affecting customer service. However, granting task i-deals can have beneficial effects on team performance by tailoring tasks to each member's strengths and interests.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalHuman Resource Management·DateOct 6, 2025

Research on stigma says to just ‘shake it off’

A recent University of Cincinnati study reveals that employees with high self-confidence are less affected by societal stigma, while supportive management can help mitigate emotional exhaustion. The research suggests that pride in one's job is crucial to offsetting negative judgments from others.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Management & Organization·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2025

New core competency framework enhances support for SNAP-ED policy and environmental change implementers

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior defines key skills needed to advance community-level nutrition and public health efforts. The framework addresses the unique demands of systems-level public health work, covering areas such as community capacity building, strategic planning, and partnership development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 12, 2025

Mortality among surgeons in the United States

A recent study reveals that surgeons in the United States have a disproportionately high mortality rate compared to other highly educated professionals, including nonsurgeon physicians. The study suggests that factors such as work environment and lifestyle may contribute to this disparity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 30, 2025

The Career Optimism Special Report™ Series: Moms in the Sandwich Generation, reveals critical insights on the career cost of dual caregiving and the imperative for increased employer support to serve the fastest-growing employee segment in the US

The report reveals that 51% of sandwich generation moms have left a job due to caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the need for employer support. Flexible work arrangements, caregiver leave, and educational resources are essential to improving retention among this group.

SourceUniversity of Phoenix·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2025

Few diffusers and many bottlenecks: the French labor market according to statistical physics

A new study applies network analysis to large-scale data from the French labor market, identifying four main clusters: diffusers, channels, hubs, and condensers. Diffuser occupations offer wide exit opportunities but are hard to enter, while channels and hubs face accessibility issues.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2025

Employees assigned more complex projects early in their work history had better outcomes later in their careers

A study by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Kentucky found that employees assigned to more complex projects during their first two years had higher levels of learning, professional certifications, and promotion rates. This suggests that early career experiences play a crucial role in shaping future career development.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 27, 2025

Study finds unfair expectations place extra pressure on new teachers

A new study by QUT researchers reveals that 'classroom readiness' is a policy construct rather than a genuine assessment of teaching capability. Teaching performance assessments oversimplify the demands of diverse classroom settings and assume graduates can seamlessly transition into teaching with minimal guidance.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 22, 2025

Q&A: What makes an ‘accidental dictator’ in the workplace?

A leadership trap known as the 'accidental dictator' can be avoided by embracing circumscribed empowerment, shared vision, and long-term perspective. Leaders must empower their team members within defined boundaries, engage them in the process of creating a shared vision, and prioritize a long-term perspective to build effective teams.

SourcePenn State·JournalOrganizational Dynamics·DateApr 18, 2025

Challenging our intuitions: How social forces shape success

A literature review reveals that our intuitions about success are often misleading, with failure being a predictor of future success and early successes reinforcing inequalities. The study also shows that persuading 'bridge' individuals in social networks is more effective at driving mass adoption than celebrity endorsements.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 4, 2025

Jacobs Foundation Awards grants to the Society for Research in Child Development and the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development to support early career scholars from Ghana and Colombia

The Jacobs Foundation has awarded grants to the Society for Research in Child Development and the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development to support early career scholars from Ghana and Colombia. The grants will facilitate high-level training, networking, and collaborative opportunities for these scholars.

Logic-based approaches add value and longevity for user entrepreneurs

A study by Bayes Business School suggests that training aspiring entrepreneurs on strategic decision-making can help them identify blind spots and open up new business ideas. The research found that women entrepreneurs who receive such training are more likely to successfully translate their product or service ideas into actual ventures.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalOrganization Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2024

Absolute numbers of women matter more than proportion for achieving gender equity in STEM

A recent study from Kyushu University found that the absolute number of women in STEM departments significantly influences research output, fostering a supportive environment and promoting higher and more stable results. Traditional metrics focusing solely on proportion show little correlation with academic performance.

SourceKyushu University·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024