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LinkedIn’s annual “Big Ideas” that will change our world forecast of workplace trends is a window into tomorrow’s office. In 2025, we can expect to see AI reshaping corporate workflows , corporate influencers emerging and millennial CEOs ushering in a new era of workplace culture. By comparison, the resurgence of office lunches in the era of in-office returns is a modest but critical proposal on the list. The return to the workplace has been bumpy. Dell tried to play chicken with its employees last year and discovered that a sizable portion of its workforce would rather work remotely than move up the corporate ladder. Business Insider also reported that AT&T didn’t have enough desks, parking or elevators for its returning employees.  Workplace sociologist Tracy Brower , Ph.D., says that an office lunch can play a vital role in smoothing out these missteps as companies scramble to recreate the sense of community lost during remote work . “One of the things we know about why...

Networking is essential for professional growth, career advancement and long-term success. In fact, according to a 2022 LinkedIn survey, 85% of all jobs are filled through networking . So whether you’re job hunting or building industry connections, networking can unlock countless opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore actionable networking tips and strategies to improve your skills and build meaningful connections. What You Can Gain From Networking Networking provides immediate and long-term benefits that can transform your career, including: Career Advancement: Networking can lead to new job opportunities or collaborations that may not be publicly advertised. Knowledge Sharing: Engaging with others gives new perspectives and advice from those who have faced similar challenges. Mentorship Opportunities: Networking can help you find mentors who guide your professional growth. Personal and Professional Growth: Regular interaction with peers and industry leaders helps y...

Networking is the ultimate buzzword in business. As professionals, we’re constantly bombarded with its virtues and nagged about its necessity. We’re told to attend conferences and meetups, stay active on LinkedIn and polish our personal brands. But if you’re looking to skip it, here’s the hard truth: networking works.  Need proof? According to Zippia , employee referrals make up just 7% of applicants—but account for 40% of new hires.  Networking fuels growth, unlocks opportunities and drives knowledge exchange. And while it takes time and effort, it doesn’t have to suck. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of networking for business, why it matters and the strategies you need to expand and maximize your professional circle. What Is Networking In Business? Networking in business is about building and nurturing professional relationships that create growth opportunities. Whether you’re seeking new clients, collaborators or mentors, strong connections create valuable...

From Jim and Pam in The Office to Margaret and Andrew in The Proposal , the tales of office romances are as old as, well, offices. If you’ve ever had a crush on a coworker, don’t feel alone: A 2024 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) suggests that nearly half (!) of U.S. workers have had a crush on their coworkers and 21% have gone on a date with a coworker. So, is dating someone you work with really that bad? We interviewed an HR specialist to answer all your questions on workplace dating. Learn everything you need to know before entering a romantic relationship with your work crush. What are the risks of dating a coworker? Before diving headfirst into an office romance, it’s important to evaluate your employee handbook to figure out if your company has any policies on dating within the workplace.  Janene Binnion , the human resources director at Smith Industries LLC, notes that coworkers at the same level in the company are generally okay to date witho...

Networking events can conjure images of stale conference rooms, mediocre hors d’oeuvres and awkward small talk under fluorescent lights. And while that may have been true years ago, today’s reality is far more dynamic—and far less dreadful. Nowadays, networking get-togethers foster diverse forms of collaboration, learning and growth without the drudgery. Whether attending a large function or a smaller gathering, these events are important for expanding your connections and gaining valuable industry insights. So it’s no surprise that 41 percent of professionals want to attend more networking events. But with so many options, which should you opt for? And how can you get the most out of them? In this guide, you’ll learn how to network at events—from conferences and seminars to mixers and industry outings—and take advantage of a new era of professional schmoozing. What Is A Networking Event? A networking event is an organized gathering where professionals meet to build relationship...

Apple has announced a landmark move to invest more than $500 billion in the United States over the next four years. In a new press release, Apple made a special commitment to American manufacturing, announcing additional new projects in AI and advanced technology.  Apple unveils record-breaking investment, creating 20,000 new jobs This week, following the highly anticipated debut of the iPhone 16e, Apple has unveiled its most significant spending commitment to date and plans to reshore a portion of its manufacturing operations back to the United States. This commitment is set to generate 20,000 jobs and includes the construction of a state-of-the-art facility in Houston, Texas, as part of a major new AI push. This location will become the future hub for Apple’s Intelligence software development while also taking over key server operations previously managed overseas. Additionally, Apple plans to expand its existing data centers in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona and Neva...

For some, bragging about yourself doesn’t come naturally. But when it comes to work, bragging is sometimes necessary—especially when you’re sitting in a job interview or being considered for a promotion . If you’re not actively writing down your wins and past accomplishments, it can be hard to know what to say when asked, “Why should we hire you?” or “Why should you get that promotion/raise?” That’s where a brag book comes in. A brag book is a powerful tool that allows you to capture and remind yourself of your achievements, ensuring that when the time comes, you have everything right there in front of you. “Brag books are really good visual reminders of everything that we’ve accomplished, all in one place,” says Erin McGoff , career expert and founder of Advice With Erin. Although brag books are for your eyes only, they’re great to look at when you’re preparing for a job interview or promotion and you’re asked experience-based questions, like:  “Tell me about a time you ach...

Hackers stole an estimated $1.5 billion from Dubai-based Bybit, gaining control of an Ethereum wallet and funneling its assets to an unknown address. With this breach already being labeled the largest in crypto history, experts are alerting to the mounting risks. How can you best protect your digital assets in these uncertain times?  Protect your Ethereum assets using multifactor authentication and encryption Ethereum stands apart from traditional cryptocurrencies . Unlike Bitcoin, which is primarily a digital store of value, Ethereum enables users to create everything from financial tools to NFT marketplaces—all without relying on traditional banks or institutions. With strong community backing, Ethereum is widely used by developers and investors for transactions, staking and liquidity. Yet, its decentralized structure also presents inherent security concerns.  Since cryptocurrency first gained notoriety in 2009 , the crypto space has endured a significant number of hack...

It may be cold outside, but it’s not too early to start preparing your yard for spring. Don’t wait for the temperature to rise before starting to plan. That way, once spring arrives, you’ll be prepared to sow your seeds and invite friends over for lazy nights in your garden without missing a beat.  Here are nine steps you can take now: 1. Decide on a cohesive theme “Creating a welcoming and relaxing yard begins with thoughtful design and planning,” says Jennifer Cassels, president of outdoor decor retailer The Blissful Place . Once you’ve decided, on your overall layout and decor, “get to work and start dividing your space into distinct areas—like an entertainment area with seating, a garden for greenery and color and pathways that seamlessly connect the different spaces.” Decorative elements like rustic stone and ceramic pieces “blend beautifully with greenery, while metallic accents add a sleek, modern touch,” she notes. 2. Start the groundwork Before you can make your gar...

While your IQ and technical skills might have helped you earn high test scores, your emotional intelligence (aka “emotional quotient” or “EQ”) might be even more vital for establishing successful personal and professional relationships. The term, coined by researchers Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990, refers to the ability to understand and manage your emotions and recognize the emotions of others. “It’s costly to struggle with poor emotional intelligence,” says psychotherapist Lauren Farina. According to her, low EQ can be a big liability to both individuals and organizations, “because we know that [it] disrupts communication, it disrupts relationships, it damages mental health. And all of those are huge factors when it comes to performance and motivation and productivity.” The 4 pillars of emotional intelligence There are generally four pillars of EQ : Self-awareness Self-management Social awareness Relationship management These represent the intersection of your aware...

AI was supposed to streamline hiring, but has it done the opposite? A global study led by Columbia Business School professors suggests that artificial intelligence is blurring the lines between skilled and unskilled candidates, leaving recruiters struggling to make the right choices.  Job seekers using AI tools are complicating hiring AI has become a core hiring tool in recent years, refining how employers screen candidates, conduct assessments and identify talent. An estimated 82% of companies use AI to review resumes. While AI is streamlining hiring for big employers, candidates worry about being left out in the process. Reports indicate that AI’s rigid selection criteria can sometimes filter out top candidates , depriving both employers and job seekers of the best possible matches. At the same time, recruiters must now navigate a surge of AI-enhanced resumes to identify genuine expertise. A study from Columbia Business School found that while generative AI significantly bo...

Robert Pirosh was a well-to-do copywriter in a New York-based advertising agency when he decided to reinvent his career and become a screenwriter. The year was 1934. Pirosh left his job, went to Hollywood and eventually landed a role as a junior writer at MGM. Fifteen years later, he’d won an Oscar and a Golden Globe. That was 90 years ago, a time when changing careers was rare. Cut to today, and around 52 percent of the world’s employees are eyeing a new job . So, if you’re one of them and are looking for some tips to change your career, you’re not alone. This guide will arm you with practical strategies to assess, find and transition into a fulfilling, sustainable new profession. Part 1: Why Reinvent Your Career? Before switching careers, start by asking yourself one key question: Why ? There are many reasons to reinvent your career, including: Money: You want higher pay. Flexibility: You want to work in a remote or hybrid setup. Dissatisfaction: You’re not happy with yo...