If you have team members who are clinging to their current roles because they feel stuck -- a phenomenon called "job-hugging" -- it's a sign of leadership failure caused by a lack of support and meaningful conversations with those employees, writes Kevin Tamanini, the vice president of professional services at DDI. Keep job-hugging at bay by talking with your teams about their aspirations and concerns. "Having genuine relationships creates psychological safety, allowing employees to feel comfortable when being honest about their motivations -- or lack thereof," Tamanini writes.

Many organizations promote employees to management positions based on their current job performance, but neglect to prepare them for the expectations of the new role, writes Jerame Johnson, head of HR in the entertainment and gaming industry and a former US Army HR trainer. Johnson notes that the military excels in preparing leaders through structured training before promotions, a practice often lacking in civilian organizations. Johnson advocates for a blended approach to leadership development, combining practical scenarios, group work and continuous learning to equip leaders with the necessary skills.

HR expert Gemma O'Connor advises employees to communicate their concerns about noise and headphone use to their managers. She recommends arranging an informal conversation to express how the environment affects their productivity and to suggest solutions, such as relocating desks or booking quiet spaces for focused tasks. "If you are sitting with earphones on all the time, you might be drowning out the noise of some of these pleasant communication bubbles that could endear you to members of the team," writes O'Connor.

Career changers in 2025 can expect smaller salary increases compared to previous years, with average wage growth for job switchers now at 3% to 5%, compared to 4.6% for those who stay in their jobs, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. However, those moving into high-demand fields such as technology and health care can still see significant pay boosts.

Job postings for store Santas this year are down 35% from 2024, affected by budget cuts, mall closures and a shift to online shopping, according to Revelio Labs. The median hourly wage for Santas has increased to $25, but 70% of jobs now require a real beard.

My take: You gotta meet parents where they are. The line to see Santa was long at the holiday market I went to last weekend. At the outdoor biergarten! -- Janet

From sister publication Future: When planning for a child with special needs, it is important to consider eligibility requirements for various federal and state benefits. "As you consider the long term and the potential need for a child's lifelong care, life insurance can play a critical role," writes Deana Healy of Ameriprise Financial. "Knowing that your child will be cared for financially provides peace of mind and emotional relief for parents and guardians."

Glenda Akin of Westmoreland High School has received a Guinness World Record for having the longest career as a female teacher at the same school. Her achievement was officially recognized after serving for over 61 years at the Sumner County school, marking a historic milestone in education. School officials and the community celebrated her international recognition and praised her dedication.