Salaries have declined in the US since 2008
Inflation-adjusted US salaries have dropped 3.1% in the past eight years, the worst performance among Group of 20 countries, according to Korn Ferry's Hay Group unit. Compensation declined 14.8% for entry-level jobs but increased 3.5% for senior managers, the data show. Read more
6 ways to build trust in the workplace
Research recently released by EY shows that trust among workers for their employers and one another is surprisingly low. Fortunately, employers and employees can take concrete steps to enhance an organization's culture. Read more
New cyberattacks threaten tax professionals
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning to tax practitioners on Friday about a new wave of cyberattacks. The attacks allow criminals to take control of tax practitioners' computers and file fraudulent returns. Read more
Employers added 151,000 jobs in August
Employers created 151,000 jobs in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down from 275,000 in July. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.9%. Read more
Companies seek employees with soft skills
Employers increasingly center recruitment on workers with soft skills. Tactics include paying consultants to develop psychological tests and adding interview rounds. Read more
Starting salaries for accountants expected to climb in 2017
Starting salaries for US accounting and finance positions will range from 3% to 4.3% higher in 2017 than they were in 2016, according to a salary guide published Tuesday. The predicted rise reflects strong competition for skilled professionals. Read more
Companies increase focus on GAAP figures in financial disclosures
S&P 500 companies are shifting reporting techniques to conform with Securities and Exchange Commission guidance calling for generally accepted accounting principles to be given more weight. Of the companies that have reported results since July 1, 81% gave prominence to their GAAP figures, up from 52% during the reporting period for first-quarter results. Read more
Yellen notes stronger argument for rate hike
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signaled growing support for an interest-rate increase during the central bank's annual gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyo. "In light of the continued solid performance of the labor market and our outlook for economic activity and inflation, I believe the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened in recent months," she said. Read more
Labor clears way for state-run workplace retirement plans
The Labor Department has published its final rule smoothing the path for states that want to create workplace retirement-savings plans. The rule guarantees that the plans won't have to comply with the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act as long as a few basic requirements are met. Read more
Does long-term care insurance make sense?
Americans may wonder whether paying for a long-term care policy makes sense, as insurance companies have exited the market and rates have increased. Here's a look at the risks involved with this type of insurance and which factors to consider as you determine how to pay for care. Read more