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From Seed to Supplement: Behind the Label

2019-12-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – More than ever before, consumers today are demanding transparency on product labels. As news about food adulteration and contamination continues to appear in the headlines, the concern for food and product safety is rising.

If nutritional supplements have ever been an important part of your daily routine, no doubt you’ve wondered what’s behind the label. You may be among the growing ranks of consumers questioning where their products come from and how they’re developed. These are key questions — it’s important to know where your supplement’s ingredients are sourced to guarantee purity, safety and efficacy.

Here’s some tips to help ensure you’re making smart and safe decisions when purchasing vitamins and supplements.

Ask the Right Questions

Start with asking the right questions. Protect your health and wellbeing by being inquisitive about the intricacies of supplement development and production.

  • How and why are product ingredients selected?
  • Where are the farms located and who is operating them?
  • Are chemicals and pesticides used in the growing process?
  • Are the right parts of the plants being used and are they harvested to maximize the nutrients our bodies need?
  • Will the package keep the supplements fresh and how is the packaging tested before distribution?

These questions should be easily found and answered by researching companies and their processes.

Trace the Source

Consumers have a right to know where their supplements come from. Do you know where your products originated? Can you trace them to the source? Understanding not just how ingredients were cultivated but where and by whom your supplements are produced also matters.

But how can you be sure? Confirm the brand you’re purchasing from is truly transparent and offers insight into each step of its process from start to finish.

“Nothing matters more than your health and the health of your family. That’s why it’s important to know as much as you can about the products you consume,” said Sam Kilgore, quality engineering manager at Nutrilite, the world’s number 1 selling vitamin, supplement and minerals brand. “At Nutrilite, we meticulously track each step of the journey — from seed to supplement. Every one of our botanicals goes through a detailed nine-step traceability process and we have rigorous rules in place to help protect our products from even the slightest threat of contamination at any point in the process. This ensures that our supplements contain exactly what we say they do.”

According to Kilgore, who is also known as Nutrilite’s “chief traceability officer,” Nutrilite offers insight and transparency into every step of its process, tracing ingredients down to the last detail as highlighted by the Nutrilite™ Double X™ Vitamin/Mineral/Phytonutrient Supplement.

Verify Then Trust

Most vitamins and dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. As a conscious consumer, however, you want to ensure you know exactly what’s going in or on your body. Verifying a product’s safety and reliability is an important part of your due diligence. One way you can do this is by consulting EcoCert, a global leader in certification in organic farming, sustainability and safety.

NSF International is also an independent organization to check. NSF conducts product testing to confirm the actual contents of the supplement match those printed on the label. Its testing also confirms that there are no unsafe levels of contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides in the product.

Knowing for certain the supplements you and your family are consuming are safe, pure and effective will give you the peace of mind you deserve.


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Q&A: How girls can build careers in the video game industry

2019-12-09T09:01:01

(BPT) – Careers in the video game industry are highly desirable, and for good reason. Working for a video game company can be rewarding, and equally important, turns a favorite pastime into an exciting career. However, for tween and teen girl gamers, the prospect of one day working in the video game industry may seem daunting. While 46% of the U.S. gamer population is female, women account for only 22% of video game developers.

Women are taking the reins developing, designing and marketing video games. Lisa Wackenhuth Svanström, a 3D Artist at Star Stable Entertainment, a multiplayer game full of horses, magic and adventure, offers career advice to young women who may want a career in the video game industry:

1. What inspired you to build a career in the video game industry?

I am a life-long gamer, artist and digital creator and now, my official title at Star Stable is 3D Artist. Working for a company like this allows me to unite my interests and skills to create magic for girl gamers around the world. The artistic process of designing the 3D horses inspires me the most. It is so rewarding to have an idea in my mind, sketch out a new design and work with all the visuals such as 3D models, characters, textures, environments, props and ultimately release the final product for horse-loving girls who play our game every day.

2. What are the types of jobs for women in the development studio?

To build a game, artists (3D, 2D, VFX and animators), designers and programmers need to work closely together from start to finish. Artists work on the overall creative vision. Designers work with the mechanics and features. Then, programmers use their coding knowledge to bring it all to life. We work with producers to make sure that all tasks associated with the development process are completed on time and tracking with the overall vision of the project. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, developers focused on mobile and virtual/mixed reality are in high demand, as are tech animators, who use a combination of creative and animation skills to solve issues related to art production.

3. What other types of jobs do women have in the industry outside the development studio?

I have built my career in game art, but it takes dozens of people with specific skillsets for a video game company to succeed. Community managers interact with players daily to ensure they are having a positive experience with the game and make sure fan feedback is implemented. We also have women running the business at the executive level and as product managers and business developers. There are multiple opportunities, inside and out of the development studio, so you must embrace your skills and interests to find which career path you would enjoy most.

4. What are the most important skills needed to succeed?

I recommend that budding video game developers find a network, get to know different game engines, become familiar with 2D and 3D software, and try new games all the time. Then, become a specialist in the aspect that interests you the most. Developing specific skills is important but developing into a well-rounded person with a broad view of the world is equally important. It is also good to dive into sports, learn the arts, take a computer class or explore theater. Never stop learning and challenging yourself.

5. What advice do you have for young girls who want a career in video games?

A career in the video game industry, perhaps born out of a hobby or passion, is legitimate and can be profitable too. Today, there are dedicated game developing programs at universities. And, whether a teen dreaming of a future career, a university student or already in a career, finding a role model is key. I am fortunate to work with smart, talented women across all disciplines in the business of video games, each of whom bring something different to the table. Seek opinions from colleagues or bosses who have different work than yours — find a marketer, back-end programmer or member of the executive team and learn from them.

It’s also important to find a company that embraces women in all roles and embodies a culture of inclusivity and accessibility — the Star Stable team is more than 50% women. Finally, give back. If every woman who is part of the 22% proactively mentors other young women, imagine the next generation who will one day grow up to become our colleagues!


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Where is Your Acne? The Importance of Speaking to a Dermatologist About the Acne on Your Face … and Beyond

2019-12-09T05:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that acne affects more than 50 million Americans?1 Even though the condition is astoundingly widespread, not everyone experiences acne the same way. While facial acne is the most visible presentation, 52% of people with facial acne are also affected by acne on their back, shoulders and chest.2 That’s why it’s so important to consider not only if you’re breaking out, but where, and be prepared to speak up to your dermatologist.

Even though acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., treatment regimens vary, and for those that experience acne on their trunk – the term dermatologists use to refer to the back, shoulders and chest – the current available treatment options may not be enough.3 The truth is, acne doesn’t discriminate and many who are impacted have likely cycled through two or more treatments by the time they reach adulthood, without achieving the results they’re looking for.4

“I frequently prescribe a retinoid treatment for patients with acne, as they’re our first line of defense in prescription acne treatment thanks to their ability to regulate skin cell turnover and their anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Julie Harper, Birmingham, Alabama-based board-certified dermatologist and Galderma consultant. “While retinoids have been the gold standard for many years, there have not been retinoid treatments proven safe and effective to use on the trunk in addition to the face. This is important, as more than half of those with acne on the face have acne on the trunk as well.”

Beyond the need for a treatment for both the face and trunk, we need to look at the subset of patients who are most frustrated – young adults.4 The fact is, some people don’t outgrow their acne, and we’re now seeing adult acne affecting women more often than men – particularly adult-onset acne.4

“The onset of acne in adulthood is actually becoming increasingly common in women in their 20s and beyond, and you can develop acne as an adult even if you didn’t experience acne in your teenage years,” says Dr. Harper.

The need for these patients is clear – treatment regimens designed to treat not just the face, but the chest, back and shoulders as well, and personalized treatment approaches through an open and honest patient-dermatologist dialogue. For these patients, a newly FDA-approved treatment may be the option they’ve been looking for.

AKLIEF (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005% was recently approved for the treatment of acne vulgaris, marking the first new retinoid molecule to be approved in 20 years.5,6 In another groundbreaking milestone, AKLIEF Cream marks the first topical treatment specifically studied and proven safe and effective to treat both facial and truncal (chest, shoulders and back) acne.7

If you’re experiencing acne on the face and trunk, talk to a dermatologist about finding a treatment that might be right for you.

Learn more at AKLIEF.com.

AKLIEF Cream U.S. Important Safety Information

Indication: AKLIEF® (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005% is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. Adverse Events: The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) in patients treated with AKLIEF Cream were application site irritation, application site pruritus (itching), and sunburn. Warnings/Precautions: Patients using AKLIEF Cream may experience erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning. Use a moisturizer from the initiation of treatment, and, if appropriate, depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, reduce the frequency of application of AKLIEF Cream, suspend or discontinue use. Avoid application of AKLIEF Cream to cuts, abrasions or eczematous or sunburned skin. Use of “waxing” as a depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with AKLIEF Cream. Minimize exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


[1] American Academy of Dermatology. Acne. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions. Accessed October 28, 2019.

[2] Del Rosso JQ. A closer look at truncal acne vulgaris: prevalence, severity, and clinical significance. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007;6:597-600.

[3] Tan JK, Tang J, Fung K, Gupta AK, Thomas DR, et al. Prevalence and severity of facial and truncal acne in a referral cohort. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008;7(6):551-556.

[4] American Academy of Dermatology. Adult acne. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/adult-acne. Accessed August 28, 2019.

[5] FDA DRAFT PPI, Galderma.

[6] British Association of Dermatologists. Topical trifarotene: a new retinoid. Br J Dermatol.2018;179:231-232.

[7] Tan J, Thiboutot D, Popp G, Gooderham M, Lynde C, et al. Randomized Phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2019.02.044.


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How to find the right balance with pain management

2019-12-08T23:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re facing surgery soon, you may have concerns about pain management. In a 2018 Mayo Clinic survey, 94% of the adults surveyed said that they would choose an alternative to opioids for treatment after surgery, but only 1 in 4 actually talked to their healthcare professional about those alternatives. Successfully managing pain involves much more than treating it with either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Recent research has shown that the most effective approach to pain relief is achieved by combining more than one method or therapy.

Coming up with a successful pain management plan requires having a frank discussion with your healthcare professional, but it also helps to consider your own preferences for treatment before having that conversation.

Create a plan

Take the first step in creating your pain management plan at PainManagementPlan.com. This is a new pain management tool developed by the Get Relief Responsibly initiative from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. The tool is a short interactive questionnaire — with just seven questions — that you can easily fill out online or on your mobile device.

After responding to basic questions about your goals, concerns and preferences about treatment options for pain, the tool then creates a customized discussion guide for you to review with your healthcare professional.

Using the tool may help you feel more informed about your choices and potential solutions, and together you can develop a strategy using a variety of methods and therapies. These could include prescription medicines, OTC pain relievers or non-drug methods like acupuncture, massage and/or physical therapy.

Safely use your medicines

In addition to the completed plan that captures your goals and the pain relief techniques you want to explore, the Pain Management Tool provides a clear one-page description of several common OTC pain relief medicines, listing their ingredients, dosing information and clear instructions for which medications should not be combined with others. Always read the drug facts label and instructions of any medication carefully before taking it. Make sure to tell your healthcare professional about all medications or supplements you’re taking, including prescriptions, OTC medicines and vitamins, to avoid potentially harmful interactions.

Talk to a healthcare professional

The purpose of any pain management plan is to establish your goals, like getting back to work or going for walks, and to help you manage pain so you can get back to activities that mean the most to you. The tool can help you openly discuss concerns you have regarding treatment with your healthcare professional, and to gain a better understanding of your options.

For more information about the importance of pain management plans and your role in developing a care plan, visit GetReliefResponsibly.com. To use the mobile-friendly tool, visit PainManagementPlan.com.


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Holiday Décor Tips from Interior Designer Genevieve Gorder

2019-12-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season to eat, drink and entertain. Whether you’re hosting a smaller, more intimate gathering or throwing a grand festive soiree, don’t stress about upping your holiday home décor game — a few small touches will go a long way. In partnership with Scotties Facial Tissues, interior designer and television host Genevieve Gorder is sharing five tips to help you prep for the holiday entertaining season.

1. Get cozy

Wintery designs from the Scotties x Genevieve Gorder collection.

It doesn’t take much to add a splash of comfort to your home. “One of the easiest ways to make your guests feel welcomed and comfortable is by adding cozy touches, such as soft accent pillows or a throw blanket. Add an extra level of coziness — and cute, functional décor — to your space with the chunky cable knit tissue box from my Scotties x Genevieve Gorder winter collection.”

2. Set the mood

Classic white candles go with everything.

One of Genevieve’s favorite ways to make a space ready for an impromptu or planned holiday get-together is by using candles to set the mood. “I keep a stash of plain white candles to put out and light whenever I am entertaining to instantly elevate the room.”

3. Play with texture

The Scotties x Genevieve Gorder birch box pairs perfectly with green firs.

Adding different textures to your décor is an easy way to make your entertaining space dynamic and fun. “I love to play with texture to create carefully curated moments that evoke coziness, style and beauty. Nothing makes it feel more like winter to me than birch wood, and birch wood pairs perfectly with green firs. They’re both so symbolic of the season and can add gorgeous texture to anywhere in your home, from your fireplace to a bedroom. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different size greenery so you can get the impact you’re looking for.”

4. Mix your metals

The Scotties x Genevieve Gorder silver box pairs great with gold metals.

“In design, the details are everything,” says Gorder. “That’s why I love to infuse gold and silver metallics into my home, especially around the holidays. Mixing metals — whether with Christmas tree ornaments, dinner settings, or tissue boxes — is a simple way to add interest and glitz with little effort and a big impact.”

5. Keep it subtle

The Scotties x Genevieve Gorder winter collection.

So you don’t have to take down all your décor come January, incorporate ways to add splashes of winter accents throughout your holiday items. “Consider decorating for winter instead of just for the holidays,” says Gorder. “The key is being subtle. Find accessories and decorations that create the idea of winter without being too obvious.”

For more home inspiration, instant savings on the Scotties x Genevieve Gorder winter collection and where to find it, click here.


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How to avoid falling for sweepstakes scams

2019-12-06T13:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season brings with it a flurry of cards, ads, email offers and more. It’s also a prime time for sweepstakes, giveaways, contests and shopping sprees. Scammers are looking to take advantage of your good cheer, as well as your cluttered mailboxes and inboxes. Be on the lookout for elaborate and realistic-looking messages convincing you that you are the lucky winner of the grand prize.

What do you do if you get a message or email telling you that you’re a jackpot winner?

Before you assume you’ve just won big, check out the following facts and watch the video at youtu.be/LkYm2EWIPWg to understand how some sweepstakes scams work.

FACT #1: You can’t win a sweepstakes or lottery you never signed up for or bought a ticket from.

If you enjoy entering sweepstakes and contests, make sure you only sign up for contests from reputable companies that you’ve heard of, or that have a good rating with a consumer protection agency like the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission or another trusted source.

Be sure to read the fine print — legitimate offers clearly disclose the terms and conditions of the promotion, including the rules, how the entry process works, and your odds of winning.

Keep track of any contests or sweepstakes that you actually do sign up for, so you can check your list in case you’re contacted about winning a big jackpot. If a giveaway isn’t on your list, then you didn’t really win. When you buy lottery tickets, keep them in a safe place so you can check them in a timely fashion.

FACT #2: A reputable sweepstakes or contest will NOT ask you for money to claim your prize.

Never send money to pay for “taxes” or “fees” on lottery or prize winnings. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay or buy something to enter or improve your chances of winning, or to pay taxes or processing fees to receive your prize.

Be especially wary of “international” contests that claim the fees are necessary due to international law. On top of that, you should never play the foreign lottery. It’s illegal.

FACT #3: Your personal info is way more valuable than any prizes you could win

Anyone who has ever had their identity stolen will tell you what a major hassle it is — identity theft can cost you money, ruin your credit rating and wreck your sense of safety and security. Giving anyone — or any contest — your personal information can lead to identity theft that will cost you, big time. If a sweepstakes asks you for sensitive information like your bank account or your Social Security number, it is a scam.

Guard your personal info like the treasure that it is. Don’t let the lure of an exciting “prize” cloud your judgment. #ThinkTwice before filling out any sweepstakes or contest entry form. And when you do sign up for sweepstakes, read the find print first to be sure your personal info won’t be shared or sold to a third party. Never give your banking information to unknown individuals or businesses.

FACT #4: Not all “checks” are legit

If you receive what looks like a real check in the mail, made out as payable to you, do your research before running to the bank to cash it in. Check out the company or sweepstakes name first. Never withdraw or send funds from a check in your account until it officially clears, which can take weeks.

Do your research. Check out the company that contacted you with local law enforcement or a consumer protection agency like the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission or other trusted sources. Basically, if you weren’t expecting a check, do not cash it.

FACT #5: Surveys or prize giveaways can be phishing scams

Phishing can happen through surveys, contests, lotteries or prize giveaways. A scammer will post on a social network asking for people to “like,” “follow” or endorse a product or service, offering to send money or other incentives in return. Criminals can embed these messages into social media posts that look legitimate because they have a normal-looking profile picture and innocent-looking link (thanks to URL shorteners). This scam is designed to get answers to personal questions that fraudsters can use and sell later.

If you think you’re being scammed, call Western Union’s fraud hotline at 800-448-1492. Or to learn more about how to protect yourself from common sweepstakes and lottery scams, visit wu.com/fraudawareness or follow @WUStopFraud on Twitter.


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5 tech-forward innovations every holiday traveler can look forward to

2019-12-06T14:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re like most, you shudder at the idea of traveling during the holiday season. With all those long lines, tight timetables and crowded spaces, who wouldn’t feel like a Grinch? To add more comfort and joy to your journey, the travel and hospitality industries are quick to embrace innovation and new technology. From the time you hail the airport ride-share to the moment you step outside your hotel for an evening of holiday wonder, here are some travel tech advances to look for this season.

Nail the airport arrival: While you obviously don’t want to be late for takeoff, waiting an hour or more for boarding is wasted time you can’t get back. The good news is your mobile device can get you in touch with real-time updates on traffic, parking availability and security lines, so you can time your airport arrival with precision! A few days before your trip, do your homework and find out where that information lives, starting with the websites for the airport and your airline. Don’t forget to sign up for automatic flight check-ins.

Preserve comfort and cleanliness along the way: Airport restrooms appear high on the list of things that are awful about holiday travel. With all those large crowds, it’s hard for cleaning crews to keep dispensers well-stocked and restrooms clean and tidy. The emergence of the smart, fully connected restroom is about to change that. Thanks to the innovations of TOTO and GP PRO, travelers passing through one of the largest and busiest international airports can now count on a clean, comfortable experience — every time! The KOLO™ Smart Monitoring System harnesses the Internet of Things to ensure custodial staff receive real-time alerts right on their mobile devices when something needs attention. Whether there’s an empty soap dispenser, a jammed paper towel or even a toilet leak, they’ll get it fixed quickly with the help of cloud-based wireless technologies and cutting-edge sensors and sensing technology.

Make check-in a breeze: Now that you’ve arrived to your destination, you’re ready to relax. The good news is, many hotels are transforming what it means to take care of their guests through technology. For example, mobile check-ins and app-enabled locks mean you can walk past the long line in the lobby, and have your feet up in the comfort of your room in no time.

Redefine luxury through the everyday: The finest hotels are always early adopters of things that elevate your daily routine. For example, top establishments across the U.S. and Canada feature WASHLET in the bathroom of every guest. Warm, aerated water followed by warm air drying offers guests the unique comfort of hands-free personal cleansing. WASHLETS feature the latest in responsive touchless technology so you don’t even have to raise the lid or flush. To discover a hotel with these high-tech, luxury bidet seats, use the resource guide at washlet.TOTOusa.com/experience-it.

Connect to the celebration: Digital connectedness can also help your traveling self get the most from your getaway. Tune in during the holidays, and you’ll discover no shortage of fun and festivities at your destination of choice. Opt in to apps with location-based notifications and alerts about all the holly-jolly events, seasonal dining experience and winter wonderlands taking place all around you.

Technology and innovation have the power to enhance our lives with more comfort and better convenience, changing what it means to live and make our way around the world. Discover more about the luxury that TOTO brings into everyday life through its cutting-edge technology by visiting TOTOusa.com.


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Eco-friendly gifts for a merrier (and greener) holiday season

2019-12-06T15:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season for giving. And with this eco-friendly gift guide, giving greener is easier. Whether you’re shopping for the gardener, techie, alternative energy aficionado or the do-it-yourselfer, this is your go-to resource for gifts that please people and the planet.

The gardener

For the person who likes to play in the dirt, a raised garden bed is sure to guarantee a happy harvest. Or help ensure their soil is nutrient-rich by setting them up with a compost bin. Pair with organic seeds or plants, and your gardener will be grateful.

Eco-friendly factor: Local food travels less distance from farm to plate, using fewer resources and less carbon emissions. It doesn’t get more local than your backyard. About 11% of all greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by eliminating food waste or composting more. And using organic seeds helps soil and plant health.

The techie

With the ability to automate lights and temperature control, your techie is going to geek out over lower energy costs with a simple touch. Whether you choose a fully integrated smart home or smart lighting system, or a single or starter component, this gift keeps on giving by saving you energy and money.

Eco-friendly factor: Minimize energy use when nobody’s home or when you need less light/heat — saving earth’s valuable resources.

The alternative-energy aficionado

Solar energy is a powerful force, and one your alternative-energy enthusiast is eager to harness. Give the power of the sun with a Complete Solar Power Kit that creates 1,150 watts of clean, renewable energy. A smaller, more mobile option is a solar charging USB station that powers up gadgets the greener way.

Eco-friendly factor: Solar energy is a truly renewable source that is readily available, and free. Using solar energy to supplement electric use reduces strain on the grid and the environment.

The do-it-yourselfer

Whether they like clearing the yard or building in the basement, battery powered is the more sustainable power usage option. Chervon’s EGO, named The Home Depot’s 2019 Environmental Partner of the Year, replaces heavy carbon-emitting combustible engines with its patented 56V ARC Lithium battery across the EGO line of cordless outdoor power equipment. The Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless 9-Tool Combo Kit offers tool versatility and a rechargeable battery. The combo kit includes a pair of saws, drivers and a string trimmer.

Eco-friendly factor: Lower carbon emissions by replacing gas with battery power.

Have someone on your list who doesn’t fit into any of these categories? Give them a more sustainable gift card — The Home Depot eGift Card, sent via e-mail. They can add it to their Apple Passbook or save it to their Google Wallet and use it to shop in stores or online at homedepot.com.

“It feels great to give, especially during the holiday season. We’re proud to offer sustainable gift options that not only demonstrate a thoughtfulness for the recipient, but for the planet as well,” says Ron Jarvis, vice president of environmental innovation at The Home Depot.

Happy holidays, and happy (sustainable) shopping!


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Hiring the next-gen employee

2019-12-06T09:31:00

(BPT) – The U.S. workforce is in the midst of an influx with 65 million workers from Generation Z beginning to look for jobs, according to BridgeWorks Consulting. This group of workers, born after 1997, do not remember a time without the internet and have grown up in a post-2008 recession era of financial responsibility, meaning what motivates them differs greatly from previous generations.

The combination of Gen Zers’ financially savvy, entrepreneurial spirit and their deeply rooted relationship with technology means employers need to reassess and diversify the ways they interact with and what they offer candidates. This also creates challenges in identifying the groups’ reason for choosing a field or job, placing the pressure on the hiring business or brand to stand out as an attractive experience.

“With this generation, the onus is on employers to learn how to relate to and attract their next employees,” said Kristen Wahl, director of the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, the current Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors and MathWorks.

EcoCAR’s recent study of college students participating in the competition revealed two key insights that translate across industries and may help employers of all types better understand who their co-workers and employees of the future will be.

Tech is integral to all aspects of their lives

Gen Z hasn’t known a time without access to infinite information at their fingertips as smartphones debuted when many were infants. Easy access to information has allowed Gen Zers to be curious learners and interact with companies and brands much earlier than generations past.

The study shows job seekers are likely to engage with online articles (62 percent) and videos (61 percent) along with other content on social media, which can be a great starting point for hiring companies to build their relationship with the Gen Z workforce. These insights apply to all companies — from large national companies to local small businesses — and are easily attainable through a variety of online channels.

“Our insights show interaction between Gen Z and employers must start before the next hiring cycle or career fairs,” said Wahl. “Employers of all sizes should be aware how their future employees interact with their brand before they are looking to hire.”

Personal and career growth are imperative

Gen Zers are seen as self-starters that take pride and responsibility for their own career paths with 76 percent believing they are culpable for driving their own career trajectory and 42 percent with hopes of self-employment, according to Concordia University-St. Paul. The entrepreneurial work ethic and concerns of financial security can explain the emphasis placed on professional and personal growth. Our research shows young job seekers agree on the importance of career advancement opportunities (98 percent), competitive wages (97 percent) and personal learning and development opportunities (96 percent). Regardless of industry or job-level, Gen Zers see a link between personal and professional growth and seek employers who share that thinking.

“Employers who can reach prospective job seekers early in their process and then deliver a fulfilling day-to-day experience with proper compensation will be prepared to both attract and retain the incoming wave of young workers,” said Wahl.