Incomia

It’s no surprise that having a disability has historically been perceived as a weakness. That’s how disabilities have been portrayed in both media and society as a whole.  This perception of disability has also found its way into the workplace—which, rooted in capitalism as it is, tends to prioritize productivity. This has resulted in widespread ableism and has excluded many workers with disabilities. But Brittany McGuire , a human resources and talent acquisition partner at Caddi, Inc., in Chicago, notes “a growing trend of employers recognizing the value and contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace . However,” she adds, “there’s still significant room for improvement regarding how these candidates are perceived and evaluated during the interview process.” As a result of the overarching corporate narrative that paints disability as a weakness, discrimination continues to exist. Some of the latest career research shows that 25% of disabled workers sti

Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is planning to close 444 outlets across North America due to a significant rise in underperforming establishments. These closures are a part of a broader growth strategy at 7-Eleven, with the company expected to achieve a $30 million increase in operating income this year as a result, according to Restaurant Business . In its latest earnings report, Seven & i Holdings, 7-Eleven’s parent company, attributed the chain’s underwhelming performance to inflation and “a more prudent approach to consumption, in particular among middle- and low-income earners.” The report also revealed that consumers are increasingly prioritizing quality, with 69% of respondents indicating a desire for more high-quality options in stores.  Revamping for a new generation: 7-Eleven’s shift from tobacco sales to fresh food In an effort to counter six months of declining traffic, 7-Eleven will revamp its offerings for a new generation, focusing exclusively on consistently pro

Financial literacy for kids is more important than ever in today’s turbulent economic environment. Early financial education lays the groundwork for solid financial habits that will benefit children throughout their lives.  By introducing basic money management concepts early, parents and educators can help kids develop the skills they need to confidently navigate financial challenges down the line. Understanding the value of money, learning how to save and making informed spending decisions are essential lessons that contribute to children’s long-term financial well-being. Parents and educators play a pivotal role in introducing financial education to children. By incorporating financial lessons into everyday activities and using practical examples, they can make learning about money fun and impactful. The benefits of early financial education extend far beyond childhood, helping build a foundation for responsible financial behavior that will serve them well into adulthood. This pr

I hiked the Grand Canyon with a few girlfriends this past summer. Returning to my ordinary life as a wife and mother of three young children, I noticed that my emotional health had significantly improved beyond what I expected. I felt invigorated and inspired long after the endorphins and excitement from my adventure had worn off. Weeks later, I wondered if science could explain why a challenging two-day hike with friends had resulted in such an upgrade in my emotional health. Curious, I took to the internet and found an article from Harvard that focused on oxytocin, known as the “love hormone.” I discovered that while it’s primarily noted for its role in childbirth, oxytocin also plays an important role in emotionally bonding with others. Further, oxytocin levels increase with exercise. Were these combined factors the reason I felt better after my hiking trip with friends? Psychotherapist Kristie Tse of Uncover Mental Health Counseling believes so. Social activities, from the simpl

This year, many states have opted to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day over the problematic Columbus Day. These destinations offer visitors an authentic way to experience other cultures and leave the holiday weekend with an open mind and fascinating stories to share. 1. Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations — Wendake, Quebec, Canada This boutique hotel , combined with a museum and restaurant ( La Traite ), is operated by the Wendat people less than 10 miles outside Quebec City. The modern museum shares the creation story and history of the Wendat Nation and offers a guided tour exploring an Ekionkiestha longhouse (a dwelling of the Iroquoian peoples) and a small historic church that marries First Nations and traditional Catholic elements.  Adventurous types can even spend the night in the longhouse; a firekeeper will attend to the fire throughout the night. Luxurious backup rooms with views of the Akiawenrahk River await in the adjacent hotel. Don’t miss the nearby Onhwa’ Lumina night wal

We can all struggle with how to cope at certain times. Whether it’s being stressed about meeting deadlines at work or dealing with a child’s illness, life can take its toll. Factors like your environment and childhood experiences affect how you deal with stressors. Understanding your coping mechanisms can help you understand yourself better. It can also help you lean into healthy coping mechanisms that are essential to facing life’s challenges.  With adequate coping strategies, you can increase your emotional resilience and flexibility. In addition, you can strengthen your overall capacity for self and social awareness. Learn the basics of coping skills here and how to develop healthy ones with these powerful tips. Understanding Coping Mechanisms Coping mechanisms are thought and behavior strategies activated to help you manage difficult situations. Your early life experiences and environment shape your development of coping behaviors . They serve important roles in helping you ad

Over a dozen U.S. states have sued TikTok, arguing that the platform’s addictive algorithm is driving a mental health crisis among children and teens. A bipartisan group of 14 attorneys general is alleging that the Chinese social media platform is responsible for purposely making the app more addictive and misleading users on its safety.  “TikTok must be held accountable for the harms it created in taking away the time—and childhoods—of American children” “Our investigation has revealed that TikTok cultivates social media addiction to boost corporate profits. TikTok intentionally targets children because they know kids do not yet have the defenses or capacity to create healthy boundaries around addictive content,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, one of the many lawmakers urging for action against TikTok, in a recent press release . He added, “TikTok must be held accountable for the harms it created in taking away the time—and childhoods—of American children.”  The lawsui

Spotify prefers to keep its employees enjoying an ultra-flexible work setup, despite the recent shift at many other companies demanding their work-from-home employees head back to the office. The Swiss firm’s HR chief has even doubled down on why the streamer wants its staff to continue with their current work dynamic, even though we’re already in what most consider to be a post-pandemic world. In an interview with Raconteur , Spotify’s chief human resources officer, Katarina Berg, explained why the music streaming giant is committed to its “work from anywhere” policy even though the COVID-19 restrictions have long been scrapped. “You can’t spend a lot of time hiring grown-ups and then treat them like children,” Berg said. “We are a business that’s been digital from birth, so why shouldn’t we give our people flexibility and freedom? Work is not a place you come to, it’s something you do.” Berg acknowledged that other companies have already made their return to the standard office s

A recent study conducted by Payscale found that only 37% of employees have ever asked for a raise. The main reason? Fear of rejection or discomfort with discussing money. When feelings like these cloud our sense of self-worth, we might undervalue what we earn. But asking for a raise is less about getting money and more about speaking up for your contributions. It’s also about taking control of your career and getting the salary you deserve. Whether you’re just starting your career or already have 30 years under your belt, it’s essential to approach this process the right way. That’s why we’ve created the following guide for employees of all backgrounds. Below, you’ll discover actionable, research-backed steps for boosting your income effectively and appropriately. When to Ask For A Raise Timing is critical when asking for a raise. While the best opportunities often arise during performance reviews, there are other times you can make your case. Consider the following scenarios as

A friend in the throes of a terrible breakup texted me a link from the Mayo Clinic. The topic? Borderline personality disorder. “He had all the signs,” she wrote, referring to her ex. “That’s why it was so hard to be in a relationship with him.” According to Mayo, people with borderline experience unstable, intense relationships and have a significant fear of abandonment. Those symptoms did seem to match my friend’s descriptions of her ex. Maybe, I mused, she was correct in her diagnosis. My friend isn’t a therapist or psychologist. But she’s not alone in thinking her ex had some type of personality disorder. As mental health awareness improves, and with Dr. Google at our fingertips, more people are learning how personality disorders can impact relationships. “The trending one right now is narcissism,” says Aimee Daramus, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Clarity Clinic and the author of Understanding Bipolar Disorder . The phenomenon has even inspired some social media i