States reported that 191,000 workers filed for new unemployment benefits during the week ending March 18, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level. About 1.69 million workers continue to claim unemployment benefits, which is considered within the normal range.

Economists point out that unemployment remains exceptionally low by historic standards, underscoring how the labor market continues to thrive despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to cool the economy and tamp down inflation by raising interest rates. Read more.

Attendee and vendor registration is open for the #MNSHRM23 Conference on October 9th and 10th at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake!

With a theme of "That's So Minnesota", this year's conference is focused on celebrating the unique culture of our state while sharing HR insights and best practices.

At this year's conference, you will have the opportunity to connect with HR professionals from across the state, gain valuable insights, and discover new strategies to elevate your workplace culture.

You'll enjoy engaging keynote speakers including Devin Henderson and Dan Meers plus one yet-to-be-named keynote speaker, interactive breakout sessions, a robust Exhibit Hall and plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with your peers.
We're excited to showcase what makes Minnesota unique and celebrate our state's spirit with the theme of #ThatsSoMinnesota.

Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or just starting out in the field, this conference is designed to help you grow and thrive in your career.

http://bit.ly/3ZBITax

Finding good job candidates and keeping employees will be the key priorities for organizations in 2023, according to a report the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) released Jan. 30. But the clash between the desire to offer competitive pay and what organizations' budgets will bear will create challenges for those concerned about inflation. Read more.

States reported that 190,000 workers filed for new unemployment benefits during the week ending Jan. 14, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week's revised level. Weekly jobless claims are at their lowest level since late September 2022. The number of workers continuing to claim unemployment benefits—1.64 million—is below pre-pandemic levels. Read more.

A florist arranges delicate cherry blossom branches in a large black vase in a building's lobby, while another positions red blooms in a white vessel. Workers hang greenery around hallway entrances, creating the illusion of arbors, as others unload bottles of Courvoisier cognac and Auchentoshan scotch onto a bar. Beam Suntory Inc. was bustling last October as the liquor company prepared to unveil its new Manhattan headquarters. Read more.

Job openings fell by about 50,000 to 10.45 million in November 2022, according to the monthly JOLTS report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the labor gap is slowly contracting, openings are still historically high and outnumber unemployed workers by about 4.4 million. Read more.

States reported that 216,000 workers filed for new unemployment benefits during the week ending Dec. 17, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. The number of workers continuing to claim unemployment benefits—1.67 million—has been steadily rising through the year and is now just under the pre-pandemic average of 1.7 million. The number of recurring applications for unemployment benefits is at its highest level since early this year, suggesting that laid-off workers may be having more trouble finding new jobs. Read more.

Big changes are ahead for the U.S. retirement system that will shape how employers offer benefits and how employees save for their post-work years.

A range of retirement provisions—known as Secure 2.0—are included in the $1.7 trillion government spending bill for 2023, which was released Dec. 20. Approval by the Senate and the House is expected by the week's end.

Some of those provisions include requiring automatic 401(k) enrollment, broadening employer 401(k) match options, and helping employees build and access emergency savings plans. Read more.

Set yourself up for success in 2023 with access to SHRM's invaluable resources. By joining for 2 or 3 years now you'll lock in — at the current rate before membership dues increase in February.

• 1-Year Membership: $229, increasing to $244 Feb. 1
  
• 2-Year Membership: $413, increasing to $439 Feb. 1
• 3-Year Membership: $585, increasing to $622 Feb. 1

The coronavirus pandemic was an ugly reminder of just how hard it is to predict and prepare for the future. Yet that doesn’t mean HR leaders shouldn’t think ahead, especially when there are some absolutes. Older workers are retiring, and the digital revolution continues. It’s not too soon to start thinking ahead to the next decade. Here are six predictions for 2030 and how to prepare for them. Read more.