The national retail federation in the U.S. estimates that retail supports 1 out of every 4 jobs in the United States. Retail is incredibly important to the global economy.  In fact, many if not all of us have probably been employed by the retail industry at some point in our lives. As such, most of us understand how critical motivation and culture are in that industry. This is especially true as it relates to employee workplace health and safety.

The interesting thing about “work” and modern research into workplace culture, motivation, and engagement, is that many of the core philosophies of business are being challenged. Even in industries such as retail that come with so much history. Research today is showing a direct link between employee happiness and engagement, with company performance, and ultimately company safety and quality performance.

What does it means to really be engaged at work … Read more...

I’m in the market to buy a new car. My shopping experience thus far has led me to be absolutely amazed by how much has changed in the automobile landscape in just a few years. The vehicle I’m replacing is only 6 years old, but in terms of technology and capability it already feels like an antique. One observation that stands out is the amazing pace of change in car safety. Automobile safety has gone from protection, to prevention, to prediction in what feels like a matter of years.

The emergence of automobile safety initiatives in the 1960s and 1970s was driven (no pun intended) by the research of people like Ralph Nader. This research and advocacy led to car manufacturers to make features such as seat belts standard in cars, which soon evolved into air bag technology and structural engineering to account for crumple zones. These innovations transformed vehicles … Read more...