How some small businesses are bracing themselves for a downturn

Aug 2, 2022
They aren’t waiting to find out whether the economy is contracting — they’re proactively preparing for it.
Whether closing down a physical storefront or holding off on new hires, some small businesses are prepping for a potential recession.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Half of NBA teams are now led by Black head coaches

Jun 6, 2022
But those studying the NBA say change has been slower among referees, athletic trainers and in the front offices.
Ime Udoka has led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first year as head coach of the team.
Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

Will a tight labor market make it easier for formerly incarcerated people to get hired?

"Second-chance hiring" is on the rise, but those with criminal records still face significant barriers to employment.
"Second-chance hiring" is on the rise, but those with criminal records still face significant barriers to employment.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images

What a dip in productivity tells us about the economy

May 5, 2022
For one thing, it's not helpful in the fight against inflation.
"Productivity is an escape hatch for inflation," said Sarah House, an economist at Wells Fargo.
Johannes Eisele/ AFP via Getty Images

Another week of historically low unemployment claims confirms the job market's on fire

Apr 21, 2022
Two years ago, more than 4 million people filed for benefits in a single week. This year, the number's around 180,000.
The data on recent filings for jobless benefits compares favorably with pre-pandemic levels, but nearly 2 million people were working before the pandemic who aren’t now.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Philadelphia Fed president discusses "skills-based hiring" and March's rate hike

Mar 3, 2022
"I could be supportive of a 50 basis point rise in the future — but not at this meeting," said Patrick Harker.
"I could be supportive of a 50 basis point rise in the future — but not at this meeting," said Patrick Harker.

Hiring based on skills instead of college degrees opens up opportunities for millions

Feb 17, 2022
As the labor market heats up, an increasing number of companies are pledging to change their approach to recruitment.
Degree inflation has made a college education almost mandatory. A hiring process based on skill could be more inclusive, and productive.
Rick Diamond/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

As the Super Bowl looms, the NFL is roiled by claims of racism

Feb 10, 2022
While 70% of players are Black., less than 6% of head coaches are.
Former Miami Dolphins head coach, Brian Flores, seen above on Jan. 2, filed a class-action lawsuit alleging discriminatory hiring practices in the NFL.
Silas Walker/Getty Images

Hiring is hard. So is keeping the workers you have.

Feb 4, 2022
As companies try to hold on to the workers they have, pay and benefits are on the up and up. That may not be enough.
In a remote work environment, employees may have fewer social connections that may otherwise make them stick around.
Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

When it comes to the booming job market, not all states are created equal

Jan 5, 2022
States that weren't hit as hard by the pandemic slowdown have already mostly recovered.
States that rely on tourism, like Hawaii, were among the hardest hit economically by COVID-19 but have had strong rebounds. Above, beachgoers in Honolulu.
Eugene Tanner/AFP via Getty Images