Be assertive in your leadership by being directive, speaking with conviction and leading with both authority and empathy to increase your chances of a promotion over leaders who are quiet, conflict-averse and reluctant to make tough calls, writes executive coach Joel Garfinkle. Improve your presence as a leader by being more enthusiastic, asserting yourself with respect and letting senior leaders see you engaging in difficult conversations and addressing issues head-on, Garfinkle advises.

The concept of the corporate ladder has become obsolete because of rapid technological advancements that have shortened the relevance of professional skills to about two years, writes Leo Goncalves of the University of Phoenix. Goncalves suggests that companies should support employees in building career portfolios, which, like 401(k)s, are diverse, flexible and portable, and that employees should focus on continuous learning and adaptability.

More than 450,000 women have left the workforce this year, driven by factors such as return-to-office mandates, the resurgence of hustle culture and insufficient parental support, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Women, particularly mothers, face significant challenges balancing work and family due to high childcare costs and limited workplace benefits, according to Deloitte's Women @ Work 2025 survey.

Holiday party budgets are seeing a boost this year, with 51% of workplace decision-makers increasing their spending compared to last year and 41% holding expenses steady, according to a report from ezCater. Eighty-two percent of employees say they're planning to attend corporate holiday festivities, a year after nearly two-thirds said they had stopped attending after-work events. Companies view the events as crucial to fostering stronger workplace relationships and improving employee morale.

The US economy added 119,000 jobs in September, surpassing expectations, according to a delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics report. However, the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, the highest since October 2021. Average hourly earnings ticked up by 0.2% for the month and 3.8% from a year earlier. Meanwhile, August's numbers were revised downward to show a loss of 4,000 jobs.

Gen Z workers are shifting from the "girlboss" mentality to the "snail girl" era, prioritizing work-life balance and self-care over constant hustle. Australian fashion designer Sienna Ludbey coined the term "snail girl" to describe a slower, more mindful approach to work after experiencing burnout from relentless ambition.

From sister publication Kiplinger: Major changes to retirement accounts are coming in 2026, driven by the SECURE 2.0 Act and inflation adjustments. High earners over 50 must make catch-up 401(k) contributions to Roth accounts, losing the pre-tax option. Contribution limits for 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs are increasing, providing more opportunities for tax-advantaged savings. Small businesses can also benefit from higher contribution ceilings.