https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/industrial_relations/ Scientific studies on industrial relations, employment equity and employee satisfaction. en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:26:34 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:26:34 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/industrial_relations/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030637.htm Why do we tip—even when we know we’ll never see the server again? New research suggests it’s not just about rewarding good service, but about social pressure. Some people tip out of genuine appreciation, while others simply follow the norm. But here’s the twist: those who truly value great service tend to tip more than average, and everyone else adjusts upward to match them. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:06:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030637.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093312.htm Getting ahead financially is mainly about what you earn at work, not what you make from investments. Researchers found that promotions, skills, and better jobs drive most upward income movement. But when people slip backward, falling investment income is usually the main reason. Labor builds income steadily; capital is riskier and more unpredictable. Sat, 20 Dec 2025 09:43:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093312.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081947.htm A museum visit sparked a revelation when a Roman glass cup was turned around and its overlooked markings came into focus. These symbols, once dismissed as decoration, appear to be workshop identifiers used by teams of skilled artisans. The findings challenge centuries of assumptions about how Roman glass was made. They also restore identity and agency to the anonymous makers behind these stunning objects. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:25:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104226.htm AI is now a routine part of workplace communication, with most professionals using tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. A study of over 1,000 professionals shows that while AI makes managers’ messages more polished, heavy reliance can damage trust. Employees tend to accept low-level AI help, such as grammar fixes, but become skeptical when supervisors use AI extensively, especially for personal or motivational messages. This “perception gap” can lead employees to question a manager’s sincerity, integrity, and leadership ability. Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:15:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104226.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623072753.htm Despite widespread fears, early research suggests AI might actually be improving some aspects of work life. A major new study examining 20 years of worker data in Germany found no signs that AI exposure is hurting job satisfaction or mental health. In fact, there s evidence that it may be subtly improving physical health especially for workers without college degrees by reducing physically demanding tasks. However, researchers caution that it s still early days. Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:27:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623072753.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522183159.htm As the US national debate intensifies around immigration, a new study is challenging conventional wisdom about 'brain drain'--the idea that when skilled workers emigrate from developing countries, their home economies suffer. Thu, 22 May 2025 18:31:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522183159.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513225804.htm Being appreciated by colleagues can help employees cope with negative experiences at work, according to a new study. Researchers found that employees experience 'embitterment' -- an emotional response to perceived workplace injustice -- on days when they are assigned more unreasonable tasks than usual. This negative emotion not only affects their work but also spills over into their personal lives, leading to an increase in rumination, the repetitive dwelling on negative feelings and their causes. This can result in difficulty detaching from work, ultimately preventing recovery from job-related stress. Tue, 13 May 2025 22:58:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513225804.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501164122.htm A next-generation technology developed in 2023, conversational swarm intelligence (CSI), combines the principles of ASI with the power of large language models. Thu, 01 May 2025 16:41:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501164122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430143048.htm A national survey of 2,600 nurses and nursing students reveals a profession under severe strain, with widespread stress, burnout, and staffing shortages threatening both nurse well-being and patient care. Despite increased attention since the pandemic, little progress has been made, with 65% of nurses reporting high stress, 40% unsure they'd choose the profession again, and students already anxious about workload. Still, many students remain hopeful, and the profession is urgently calling for better staffing, leadership, flexibility and recognition. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:30:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430143048.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410130755.htm Urgent action is needed to protect endangered species, human health and industry from the impacts of the Caspian Sea shrinking, research has found. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:07:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410130755.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409154628.htm In a new article, researchers explored whether a worker can create a psychological contract with a non-human agent in the form of an algorithm that mediates their relationship with an organization. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:46:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409154628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407113952.htm Home care cooperatives may be the key to alleviating the shortage of paid caregivers for older Americans. Participants in cooperatives experienced more respect, control, job support, and compensation than their counterparts in traditional care services. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:39:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407113952.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141732.htm Renting clothes can reduce the fashion industry's enormous environmental impact, but so far, the business models have not worked very well. The best chance of success is for a rental company to provide clothing within a niche market, such as specific sportswear, and to work closely with the suppliers and clothing manufacturers. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:17:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141732.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326122938.htm New research has found that employers and policymakers might want to start paying attention to how workers are feeling, because employee happiness contains critical economic information. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:29:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326122938.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325160102.htm A study finds NBA teams that hired more analytics staff, and invested more in data analysis, tended to win more games. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:01:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325160102.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312145740.htm 'Fake it till you make it' might be common advice to climb the corporate ladder, but new research shows that this attitude could also adversely affect job satisfaction and mental health. Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:57:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312145740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225122345.htm A study shows that long-term unemployed individuals perceive their capabilities as weaker than the general Finnish population. Capabilities refer to the opportunities to achieve important things in life, such as health and well-being. Additionally, the study found that long-term unemployed men perceive their capabilities as weaker than long-term unemployed women. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:23:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250225122345.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250221125811.htm Workplace bullying affects not only the employee's sleep but their partner's too, according to new research published today. Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:58:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250221125811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250218203741.htm The rise in human life expectancy has slowed down across Europe since 2011, according to new research. A new study reveals that the food we eat, physical inactivity and obesity are largely to blame, as well as the Covid pandemic. Of all the countries studied, England experienced the biggest slowdown in life expectancy. It means that rather than looking forward to living longer than our parents or grandparents, we may find that we are dying sooner. The team says that in order to extend our old age, we need to prioritize healthier lifestyles in our younger years -- with governments urged to invest in bold public health initiatives. Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:37:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250218203741.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250218145922.htm Confidence. Persistence. Ingenuity. Conventional wisdom tells us these are some of the traits needed for success at the office. But within teams, less laudable characteristics -- maintaining the status quo, for instance -- might be just as desirable, according to new research. An expert on organizational thinking reports that teams with high rates of envy often ostracize their best performers, in turn leading those standout employees to sabotage productivity. Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:59:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250218145922.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212134715.htm When they need surgery, nearly one in three Americans may find themselves in a precarious position: They live more than an hour's drive from a high-quality hospital, and their insurance plan may leave them paying more than they can afford out of their own pockets. The situation is worse for Americans living in rural areas. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:47:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212134715.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211134913.htm The future of manufacturing is not just about machines and AI; it's about re-empowering humans, according to a new study. Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:49:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211134913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131194548.htm Despite humanity's scientific achievements and globalized economy, malnutrition remains a global issue. The United Nations estimated that 2.33 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 19:45:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131194548.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130135651.htm Being optimistic about the future may help people save more money, and the effect appears strongest among those with lower incomes, according to new research. Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:56:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130135651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127123858.htm If you're like many Americans, you probably didn't take all your vacation time this year. Even if you did, it's highly likely you didn't fully unplug while off the clock. But you might want to change that if you want to improve your health and well-being, according to a new review article. Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:38:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127123858.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122130041.htm Successful uptake of new technology is a matter of emotions -- and with 4 in 5 companies saying they're failing to capitalize on its potential, managers need to know how to deal with them, say researchers. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:00:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122130041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250109141225.htm Contrary to the long-held belief that the mid-career crisis plagues everyone, new research suggests that job satisfaction follows a U-shaped trajectory only for managerial and professional workers. This provocative finding challenges societal perceptions surrounding midlife and calls for a revaluation of workplace support for individuals in their 40s and 50s. Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:12:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250109141225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216165310.htm Though research has shown that people with long COVID are more likely to be unemployed, the statistics don't reveal what patients go through before they cut their hours, stop working or lose their jobs. In a new study involving interviews of people with long COVID, researchers describe how the prolonged illness has affected not only patients' job status, but also their overall well-being. Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:53:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216165310.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241211125050.htm Artificial intelligence, AI, is rapidly transforming work also in the financial sector. A recent study explored how integrating AI into the work of sales teams affects the interpersonal communication competence required of sales managers. The study found that handing routine tasks over to AI improved efficiency and freed up sales managers' time for more complex tasks. However, as the integration of AI progressed, sales managers faced new kind of communication challenges, including those related to overcoming fears and resistance to change. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:50:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241211125050.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210142042.htm People who stutter have lower earnings, experience underemployment and express lower job satisfaction than those who don't stutter, a new study finds. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:20:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210142042.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241116195647.htm Employees struggle when supervisors swing between good and bad behavior Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:56:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241116195647.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112191230.htm Wildland firefighters are under significant strain, often overworked and underpaid despite the growing need to respond to larger, more destructive fires. Building a more resilient and effective workforce will require improving pathways for diverse applicants, strengthening commitments to health equity, and investing in workplace culture, according to a new Stanford University report. Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:12:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112191230.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112191046.htm Forming memories around shared experiences, whether something fun like grabbing a pizza or as emotionally straining as an employee strike, has a way of binding people together. But it could also motivate those performing different roles within the same company to socialize more and strengthen their working relationships, according to new research. Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:10:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112191046.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142626.htm By analyzing all live births in Canada over a six-year period and following children for more than two decades, researchers found that preterm births and the related cognitive, development and physical health impacts of prematurity are associated with lower income, employment and university enrollment. Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:26:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241030150212.htm A new, large study found that lack of health insurance coverage accounts for a significant proportion of racial and ethnic disparities in advanced-stage diagnosis of multiple cancers. Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:02:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241030150212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241025194442.htm Researchers developed a tool for job interviews to assess narcissistic grandiosity among potential job candidates. Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:44:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241025194442.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241022153818.htm Research findings provide further evidence that early childhood education can improve educational outcomes for low-income Black children, but that subsequent experiences may erode those impacts especially for low-income Black males. Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:38:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241022153818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241022132839.htm Workplace bullying poses a serious threat to employees' health and well-being. A study sheds new light on the impact of social relationships on workplace bullying. Focusing on the dynamics of social relationships, the study shows how workplace culture, interaction and social relationships play a role in bullying. Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:28:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241022132839.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017194604.htm The more men are concerned about appearing masculine, the less likely they will forgive a co-worker for a transgression such as missing an important meeting, a study has found. What's more, such men are also more likely seek revenge or avoid the transgressor, which contributes to an unhealthy and less effective work environment. Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:46:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017194604.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008163931.htm A circular bioeconomy that reduces and recycles waste, transitions away from fossil fuels to renewable bio-based alternatives, and regenerates natural systems is critical for feeding and fueling the world's growing population in environmentally sustainable ways. But it's a complicated concept, and significant questions remain about how it should be implemented and how to get buy-in from farmers, industry, and consumers in a market economy. A new paper by noted agricultural economists and scientists argues that the concept of a circular bioeconomy needs to expand beyond its technical focus on reducing waste and incorporate a values-based economic lens. The authors emphasize the need for the right policies, incentives, and market signals to persuade consumers and producers to make environmentally sound decisions -- and to help ensure that the system is equitable. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:39:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008163931.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241007114924.htm After nearly doubling over the 20th century, the rate of increase in life expectancy has slowed considerably in the last three decades, according to a new study. Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:49:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241007114924.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930160217.htm Farming is a notoriously hard profession with long hours spent operating dangerous equipment and performing other arduous tasks. New research finds that indigenous farm employees -- many of whom have legal status in the U.S. after moving from Latin America -- may experience more physical pain on the job than undocumented workers. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:02:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930160217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930122934.htm Continued investment in carbon-intensive industries will drastically increase the amount of 'stranded assets' as the world moves to net-zero emissions, researchers warn. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:29:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240930122934.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240923184938.htm With Medicare now covering semaglutide for people with obesity and cardiovascular disease who don't have diabetes, a study looks at who that might include, depending on what cutoffs prescription plans apply. Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:49:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240923184938.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919174839.htm The beliefs we hold develop from a complex dance between our internal and external lives. A recent study uses well-known formalisms in statistical physics to model multiple aspects of belief-network dynamics. This multidimensional approach to modeling belief dynamics could offer new tools for tackling various real-world problems such as polarization or the spread of disinformation. Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:48:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919174839.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919174730.htm Researchers find that despite the enactment of 12-month contraceptive supply policies in 19 U.S. states, most patients do not receive a long-term prescription. Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:47:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919174730.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916115519.htm A new study shows the mood-boosting benefits of Buckeye Paws, a therapy dog program that many health care workers say helps reduce emotional exhaustion and improve work engagement. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:55:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916115519.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240830230617.htm A new study has found that state-level COVID-19 vaccination mandates successfully increased vaccine rates among health care workers, a finding that, while perhaps unsurprising, provides evidence of room to improve vaccination rates even among a highly vaccinated, highly educated population. Fri, 30 Aug 2024 23:06:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240830230617.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240827104950.htm Millions of women who work in the fisheries industry are being left behind as technologies develop to counter the effects of climate change and economic pressures. A new study examines this global problem and suggests ways forward in policy, research and practice. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:49:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240827104950.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820221820.htm Corporate Cup, lunchtime yoga, or even 'walk and talks', organizations come up with all sorts of wellness initiatives to encourage people to be more active in the workplace. But before you duck and hide, new research shows that all it takes is 15 minutes and a touch of gamification to put you on the path to success. Tue, 20 Aug 2024 22:18:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240820221820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240813131953.htm A new interpretation of the runic inscription on the Forsa Ring (Forsaringen in Swedish), provides fresh insights into the Viking Age monetary system and represents the oldest documented value record in Scandinavia. The inscription describes how the Vikings handled fines in a flexible and practical manner. Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:19:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240813131953.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240809135730.htm Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a key risk factor for employee mental health and, along with information overload, may increase burnout, according to new research. Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:57:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240809135730.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225622.htm In a new survey study, Dutch employees who worked from home tended to report higher levels of productivity and less burnout if they were more satisfied with their home office setup. The study also linked more air ventilation in the home office to higher self-reported productivity. Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:56:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225622.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730134902.htm Remote and hybrid working may be great for employees' work-life balance, but it may be stifling innovation, according to new research. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:49:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730134902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730133953.htm Which packaging type for a 12-ounce, single-serve container of orange juice would you choose as the most sustainable option: Aluminum/canned, made with recycled material; Carton, described as biodegradable/compostable; Glass, 100% recyclable; or Plastic, described as biodegradable/compostable? If you were like the U.S. consumers surveyed by food scientists you'd prefer glass and believe it was the most sustainable choice. And you all would be mistaken. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:39:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240730133953.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240723123528.htm A research team has been exploring how mass layoffs and data breaches could be connected. Their theory: since layoffs create conditions where disgruntled employees face added stress or job insecurity, they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that heighten the company's vulnerability to data breaches. Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:35:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240723123528.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240719123822.htm When it comes to community hypertension interventions, a new study found that pharmacists and community health workers had the best success in lowering blood pressure. These findings support the idea that hypertension interventions are most successful when they utilize healthcare workers with the most time to give as well as those who have established community relationships. Fri, 19 Jul 2024 12:38:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240719123822.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240717162504.htm Although devices such as standing desks have been found to alleviate physical symptoms and increase worker productivity, questions remain regarding the best use of the primary types of workstations -- stand-biased, sit-stand or traditional -- for increasing workers' physical activity and preventing health problems. To answer these questions, researchers measured the computer usage and activity levels of 61 office workers for 10 days to evaluate any discomfort and develop possible remedies. Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:25:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240717162504.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240717162432.htm In a study of several thousand companies in England, mental health training for line managers was associated with organizational-level benefits, including lower levels of long-term mental health-related sickness absence and better business performance, customer service, and staff recruitment and retention. Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:24:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240717162432.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240711111422.htm PFAS, the potentially cancer-causing chemicals known as 'forever chemicals', have become an increasing concern in home drinking water. Solutions to reduce the risk of exposure range from mandated municipal-level water treatment to under-the-sink home treatment systems. But are consumers willing to foot the bill for an additional treatment system to help municipalities meet new federal drinking water regulations? Researchers found that they are, if it helps reduce the risk and fits their budget. Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:14:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240711111422.htm