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April 20, 2012 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF Share | Sign up | Archive | Advertise Top Story  Feds unveil training program for long-term unemployed The Obama administration has announced a job-training program to help the long-term unemployed re-enter the workforce. Up to 10 states can participate in the program, which will let individuals continue receiving jobless benefits and a small stipend for eight weeks while being trained by a potential employer. After the eight weeks, the employer has the option of hiring the worker. The Wall Street Journal/Real Time Economics blog (4/19), The Hill/On the Money blog (4/19)       Recruiting & Retention  How to bring out employees' latent talents Most employees don't use their talents because they're never challenged or given assignments where they can acquire new skills, Jason Buss writes. "[S]kip the seminars, conferences and e-learning" and instead offer lateral job changes, stretch assignments and formal job-shadowing opportunities, Buss writes. TalentHQ.com (4/19)       Use workforce metrics to tell a story Human resources who analyze workforce data should use small sets of metrics to tell a story that will resonate with decision-makers, Mercer's Brian Levine says. "A statistical modeling approach can ensure that a causal relationship between human capital factors is established before conclusions are reached and action is taken," he says. Human Resource Executive (4/17)       Fort Worth debates a ban on hiring smokers Officials in Fort Worth, Texas, are debating a ban on hiring people who smoke, a policy that is increasingly popular with businesses. Mayor Betsy Price said more information is needed but the idea is appealing because of the health benefits and reduced insurance costs. Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas) (4/17)       Benefits & Compensation  5 mistakes that will ruin your employee-recognition efforts When it comes to offering recognition to your employees, a few mistakes could make your efforts backfire, according to an OfficeTeam survey. Among the mistakes OfficeTeam lists are providing vague feedback and getting the facts wrong. The majority of respondents said they were receiving a decent amount of recognition. MonsterThinking.com (4/18)       Wellness, prevention help Chrysler hold down health costs A focus on preventive care and wellness for employees and spouses helped Chrysler Group hold health care spending flat during 2011, after a 9% increase in 2010. Chrysler urges workers to get an annual physical, gives free flu shots and offers healthy cafeteria foods, fitness centers and a health care clinic. The Detroit News (4/17)       Regulatory & Legal Update  U of Michigan graduate students file lawsuit over union ban A federal lawsuit filed by two students at the University of Michigan challenges a state law that prevents graduate-student research assistants from unionizing. The university's Board of Regents backed research assistants' right to unionize before the law was passed. Detroit Free Press (4/18), MichiganRadio.org (4/18)       Featured Content    5 Ways Coaches and Experts Can Hurt Your Business Mike Michalowicz How to Maintain a Singular Focus and Maximize Your Productivity Carla Young How a Tea Shop Mastered the Art of Customer Service Ritika Puri How Strategic Partnerships Benefit Small Businesses Anthony Sills When to Stop Socializing and Make the Sale Tim Berry The HR Leader  Are you slowly losing your integrity? Unethical behavior is a slippery slope, writes Mary Jo Asmus. Small transgressions might seem harmless, but they can snowball into major ethical tangles that make it harder for bosses to do their jobs effectively. "[L]oss of integrity is a silent leadership killer. ... The erosion of this value may happen very slowly over time without much notice of integrity violations on the part of those who participate in questionable practices," Asmus writes. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (4/18)       Workplace Chatter  Forest officials ponder how to deal with frozen cattle in cabin U.S. Forest Service officials say they may be forced to use explosives to clear away a cabin full of frozen cows high in the Rocky Mountains. About six cows apparently took shelter in the cabin, then died and froze solid after they were unable to get out. The Forest Service is considering other options and may decide today on what to do. The Seattle Times/The Associated Press (4/19)       The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS) Complimentary Webinar: How To Build A Successful Work Environment Where Trust And Cooperation Thrive Interested in learning more about advertising with SmartBrief? Click here for detailed industry information and media kits.  SmartQuote  Avoid popularity; it has many snares, and no real benefit." --William Penn, British statesman and philosopher       Position Title Company Name Location Asst. Restaurant Manager Confidential Chicago, IL Receptionist / Admin Assistant Golferrys San Francisco, CA Associate Director, Recruitment and Selection The Broad Center Los Angeles, CA Click here to view more job listings. SmartBrief delivers need-to-know news in over 100 targeted email newsletters to over 3 million readers. All our industry briefings are FREE and open to everyone—sign up today! 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