Welcome to the latest edition of the Social Capital Newsletter. Social Capital is an intangible asset at the heart of a new and dynamic view of success, one that is changing business and the world as we know it during one of the most difficult and turbulent times in recent history. Nearly 70% of companies around the world are having trouble filling vacancies because of the labor shortage, the Great Resignation and other factors. The result? Many organizations have to pass up new opportunities for growth. But Social Capital companies are beating the odds. They're building workplaces where talent is flocking--and "A" players want to stay. BloomTech CEO Austin Allred explains how other employers can do the same in "Workers Are Calling The Shots In The 'Great Resignation.'" One tip we love: Upgrade any outdated hiring practices you've been holding onto. If employees have to run a gauntlet of interviews to get hired at your company, you're at a serious disadvantage. Read on for his highly actionable tips for navigating today's hiring challenges. 

BloomTech CEO offers employers three powerful new hiring strategies.

Companies that promote or sell knowledge and information for the betterment of all.

This CEO Is Leading The Charge To End Poverty
Alyson Watson Aims To Make Every Day Mental Health Day
Frontline CEOs Who Aren't Afraid To Get Their Hands Dirty

Most leaders track metrics like the GDP and unemployment. But they don't pay as much attention to the emotional side of citizens' lives--and that gap in their understanding is shaking up world events when their dissatisfaction boils over. Enter Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, who has uncovered one of the most sweeping trends that is transforming life as we know it: the rise of unhappiness among the average person around the globe. In Blind Spot, Clifton looks at the reasons today's leaders missed this trend--and shares the five elements of a great life that could serve as antidotes to worldwide ennui. It's the ideal playbook for Social Capital leaders who want to make a difference for their teams, their communities and the world beyond. And for more on Clifton's cutting-edge thinking, see "Information As An Economic Power."

Have your dreams of making your own compost fizzled after after your scrap jar full of wilted produce started to reek? You may decide to give DIY fertilizer another try after checking out Lomi, a compact electric composter ($499) designed to combat both food waste and kitchen smells. The composter (which comes in a restaurant version, as well) sits on a kitchen counter. It is designed to speed the process of turning cucumber peels, orange rinds and other gunk from your produce drawer into rich loam by using heat, abrasion, oxygen and helpful bacteria. And if you're interested in how Social Capital companies can help to steward the earth in other ways, check out "Benevolent Burritos: Brian Niccol's Chipotle is Transforming Lives and Saving the World." 

Balance of Power: The pandemic gave workers more of a say over what happens in the workplace. Will employers seize their power back when the pendulum swings? Perhaps, but Social Capital CEO Bob Glazer argues that there's a middle ground both should try to achieve instead for a happier workplace. (For Glazer's take on authenticity at work, see "America's Most Authentic CEOs Discuss How To Be Real."

Wondering what you can do to increase productivity as demand picks up? One good place to start is building community at your workplace. 65% of people don't feel any sense of community at work, according to research published in HBR recently--and people who had a sense of community at work were 58% more likely to thrive there, 55% more engaged and 66% more likely to stay with their organization. They also thrived more outside of work. So how do spark community on your team? Read "The Secret to Becoming a Caring Leader." As author Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, explains, a great culture starts with a leader who listens and really hears what team members are saying.

In today's hiring environment, more leaders are throwing out the welcome mat to employees who traditionally have had trouble getting a job. Mike Brady, former leader of Greyston Bakery, was a pioneer of a concept he calls "non-judgment" in hiring, building a workforce that is world-renowned for its inclusivity. In the hiring process, he explains, there are "no questions asked, no background checks, no interviews, no references." For a look at how this approach led to a high-performance culture known for giving back, check out "Mike Brady: Why Social Justice Isn't Just Right--It's Profitable."

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