Most-clicked story of the week
Healthcare costs are expected to rise by close to 10% in 2027, per analysis from professional services firm Aon — averaging out to more than $19,000 per employee. Though employers continue to try and absorb the increases, costs are rising for everyone, the study noted, due in part to an uptick in chronic conditions and use of expensive medications, including GLP-1s.
Number of the week: $103,265
The fee that H-1B filing entities would need to pay under a new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This proposal is separate from the challenged $100,000 visa fee, and under the rule, employers already subject to the original would have to pay both fees. Stakeholders can submit public comments until Sept. 24, per the Federal Register.
Quote of the week
“People want to think that they are making really high-level analytical decisions based on effectively evaluating evidence. And all of the first impression research says no matter what we try to do, that’s not what’s happening.”
Brian Swider
professor, University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business
First impressions — particularly those made by physical appearance and communication style — may affect talent decisions weeks or even months after the fact, according to researchers from UF and HEC Paris. They analyzed studies of first impressions in the workplace, and found that initial perceptions may have more influence even than resumes or references on numerous decisions.