ResidentialBusiness

A trio of trends — rates, prices and economic uncertainty — will dominate the 2025 Spring buying season and likely affect activity, Realtor.com warned. View the full article

OpenAI has announced the release of new tools designed to help developers and enterprises build AI agents that can independently accomplish tasks on behalf of users. The update includes a suite of APIs and tools aimed at simplifying the development of agentic applications. According to OpenAI, “We’re launching a new set of APIs and tools specifically designed to simplify the development of agentic applications.” These tools include the Responses API, built-in tools for web search, file search, and computer use, the new Agents SDK, and integrated observability tools for tracking agent workflow execution. Responses API: A New Foundation for AI Agents OpenAI’s new Responses API combines elements of the Chat Completions API with tool-use capabilities from the Assistants API, offering developers a more flexible approach to building AI agents. The API allows users to leverage multiple built-in tools, including web search and file search, making it easier to integrate real-world data into AI applications. “The Responses API is designed for developers who want to easily combine OpenAI models and built-in tools into their apps, without the complexity of integrating multiple APIs or external vendors,” OpenAI says in a blog post. The company noted that the API does not train models on business data by default, even when stored on OpenAI’s platform. Built-In Tools: Web Search, File Search, and Computer Use Developers can now access new built-in tools to enhance AI agent capabilities: Web Search: Provides real-time search capabilities with citations from sources such as news articles and blog posts. File Search: Enables retrieval of information from large document repositories using optimized queries and metadata filtering. Computer Use: A research-preview tool that allows AI agents to interact with digital environments, automating tasks on a computer through mouse and keyboard actions. These tools aim to improve AI agents’ ability to complete multi-step tasks by integrating external data and automating complex workflows. The Agents SDK for Workflow Orchestration To facilitate the management of multi-agent workflows, OpenAI has introduced the open-source Agents SDK. This toolkit allows developers to configure AI agents, manage task handoffs, enforce guardrails, and trace agent execution. “The Agents SDK is suitable for various real-world applications, including customer support automation, multi-step research, content generation, code review, and sales prospecting,” OpenAI noted. Companies like Coinbase and Box have already leveraged the Agents SDK to develop AI-powered applications for research, data extraction, and customer support automation. Future Plans and Industry Impact OpenAI envisions AI agents becoming integral to various industries by enhancing productivity and automating complex tasks. “With today’s releases, we’re introducing the first building blocks to empower developers and enterprises to more easily build, deploy, and scale reliable, high-performing AI agents,” OpenAI stated. The company plans to continue expanding its platform with additional integrations and tools to support AI-driven automation across industries. Image: OpenAI This article, "OpenAI Introduces New Tools for Building AI Agents" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. budget deficit totaled $307 billion for President Donald Trump’s first full month in office, up 4%, or $11 billion, from a year ago, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday, even as growth in receipts outpaced that of spending. Receipts totaled $296 billion in February, a record for that month. That figure was up 9%, or $25 billion, compared with a year earlier. But outlays in February totaled $603 billion, also a record for that month. That was up 6%, or $36 billion, from the year-earlier period. After calendar adjustments for both receipts and outlays, the adjusted deficit would have been $311 billion, a 3% increase over the figure in February 2024, the Treasury Department said. The deficit for the first five months of fiscal 2025 came to $1.147 trillion, up 38%, or $318 billion, from a year earlier. Fiscal year-to-date receipts rose 2%, or $37 billion, to a record $1.893 trillion, but outlays grew 13%, or $355 billion, to a record $3.039 trillion. Driving the spending growth in February was higher spending on Treasury’s interest on the public debt, outlays for Child Tax Credit payments and increased Social Security payments due in part to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025. —David Lawder, Reuters View the full article

It might seem like every company is ditching their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the moment, or at least strongly reconsidering them. Corporate leaders have said the threat of being targeted by a federal investigation—per one of Trump’s executive orders on DEI—is keeping them “up at night.” High-profile employers like Meta, Walmart, and McDonald’s have made notable changes to their DEI programs in recent months. As Fast Company has reported, however, not every company is taking this opportunity to entirely backtrack on DEI efforts. In fact, plenty of employers still seem confident that DEI is a worthwhile undertaking, according to the latest Compensation Best Practices Report from Payscale. How companies are thinking about DEI Of the nearly 3,600 companies surveyed, 38% said they are planning to make no changes to their diversity programs, while another 28% claimed to be increasing their commitments. Only 11% admitted they were pulling back on DEI (though another 22% said they did not have any such programs in place). Even as some organizations have scrubbed the term “equity” from their programs, the majority of companies—66%—believed equity should remain a “central pillar” of DEI efforts. Some experts have worried that political pressure and mounting anti-DEI sentiment might lead companies to make more expansive changes to their programs, even reevaluating pay equity efforts that have become prevalent in the business world. “What we are worried about is people pausing on pay equity work,” Syndio chief legal officer Rob Porcarelli recently told Fast Company. “Some frame pay equity as a women’s issue, and so it gets swept under the umbrella of DEI.” Pay equity trends in the workplace According to Payscale data, however, it’s not likely companies will let their pay equity initiatives fall by the wayside, even amid the shifting tides in corporate DEI. Corporate investment in pay equity has largely increased since 2019, when only 38% of companies engaged in this work; by 2022, the share of employers conducting or planning pay equity analyses had jumped to 66%. While interest has fallen slightly since then, the Payscale report found that the majority of companies—57%—remain committed to pay equity efforts in 2025. That said, there was variation in what companies analyzed as part of pay equity audits. In 2025, more than half are focused on the gender pay gap, though there was a meaningful drop in the share of companies analyzing pay on the basis of gender, from about 71% in 2024 to 57% this year. There was an even greater drop-off for pay equity analysis on the basis of race and ethnicity, from 64% to 45%. (Most employers—72%—also believed that research on the gender pay gap was “meaningful.”) An increase in pay transparency In the meantime, however, it seems companies are becoming more candid about pay and compensation, in part because of pay transparency laws that have forced their hand across a number of states. Nearly a third of employers said they were communicating more about their compensation practices, and 56% said they are publishing pay ranges regardless of whether it is mandated by state law (though this figure has dropped from 60% in 2024). Far more companies are also fielding direct inquiries from their workforce, with a third of them reporting that employees were asking questions about pay—an indication that workers are also taking matters into their own hands, no matter their company’s stance on pay transparency. View the full article

The Trump administration’s gutting of the U.S. Department of Education in the name of government efficiency is wreaking havoc on universities across America. Its latest move to cut over 1,300 employees for the agency, or half its workforce, is just the tip of the iceberg. Trump’s endgame is to dismantle the department altogether, which is something only Congress can do. But that doesn’t seem to be stopping him. Trump has attacked the department, calling it a “big con job,” and along with new Education Secretary Linda McMahon, has a two-pronged attack: loot the Department of Education’s $268 billion budget, by slashing budgets and firing staff, likely to free up money Trump desperately needs for his big tax cuts; and end ‘wokeness’ in education (more about that below). Universities forced to freeze hiring and rescind offers As a result of the administration’s budget cuts and other attacks, many universities have instituted hiring freezes and reduced graduate programs, and are even rescinding admission offers to grad students. Universities depend on the Department of Education’s federal funding for financial aid, federal student loans, Pell Grants, and other research dollars. The cuts could chip away at American students’ already hampered ability to afford and attend college. In all, it’s a big chaotic mess. Harvard University, the University of Washington, and the University of Pittsburgh are the latest to announce hiring freezes, joining a number of other institutions including: North Carolina State University, Columbia University’s medical school, the University of Notre Dame, Emory University, Cornell University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and the University of California, San Diego, per NPR. And universities including Northwestern, Emory, and the University of Pennsylvania have gone one step further, also instituting budget cuts, expenditure freezes, and capital spending reviews. But the hiring freeze at Harvard, which has the largest endowment in the world, is particularly worrisome, underscoring just how concerned even the most well-funded universities now are about their financial futures. Trump’s anti-woke political agenda for colleges Gutting the Education Department is also part of the political agenda Trump ran on for president. He wants to end what he has ranted against as “left-wing indoctrination” and instead push his vision of education, which includes banning education on gender identity and structural racism, abolishing diversity and inclusion, and keeping transgender athletes out of girls’ sports. Or, in his own words, he wants to slash budgets at “any school pushing critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content.” Despite Trump’s huffing and puffing, the department has no power over what’s taught in schools. “It is not the business of the federal government to be involved in curriculum or personnel hiring,” Kenneth Wong, a professor of education policy at Brown University told NPR. However, Trump’s moves attempt to use federal money as leverage over universities, which he likely sees as hotbeds of dissent, critical of his agenda and other conservative ideas. The most recent example of what many have argued is the Trump administration trying to silence dissent is the arrest and detention of Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A Palestinian student, he was the lead negotiator for pro-Palestine protesters who built an encampment on campus. Although Khalil has a green card, he was sent to a detention facility in Louisiana without notice to his attorney or family. “We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained, alleging Khalil was a Hamas supporter, which Khalil’s lawyer said was “false and preposterous.” View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The new Pixel 9 lineup launched last summer—and the Pixel 9a is around the corner—so it's no surprise there's been a drop in prices for the Pixel 8 lineup. Amazon is offering the higher end Pixel 8 Pro for $599 (though prices seem to vary a bit based on location), but if your budget is a bit tighter, you can get the Pixel 8a for $399 (originally $499) after a $100 discount. That matches the Pixel 8a's lowest-ever price, according to price-checking tools. (The Pixel 9a is likely to cost $499 when it launches, so if you want to save yourself some money and don't need the latest device, this is a great choice.) Google Pixel 8a Unlocked Android Phone with Google AI, Advanced Pixel Camera and 24-Hour Battery - Bay - 128 GB $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 The Pixel "a" series is the Pixel lineup's budget option. These devices tend to be missing some features of their pricier counterparts, but they often end up a better value for the money. For example, the Pixel 8a was available to preorder last May, and the biggest "cut" from the Pixel 8/8 Pro was the camera. Here is what assistant tech editor Michelle Ehrhardt had to say about the differences between the two: The 8a’s camera is 64MP main wide/12MP ultrawide on the rear and 13MP on the front. By comparison, the regular Pixel 8 is 50MP main wide/12MP ultrawide on the rear and 10.5MP on the front. However, due to improved light sensing and pixel size, the Pixel 8’s camera may be a better choice for some. The Pixel 8a has the same Tensor G3 processor as the Pixel 8/8 Pro, a slightly smaller 6.1-inch 120Hz “Actual” display, and a slightly better camera system in terms of pixels, but it may have weaker sensors. Still, the 8a is getting Google Gemini Nano support, like the other Pixels, along with seven years of guaranteed software support as well as the same new drop features. (You can read our full review of the 8a here.) View the full article

Fiscal watchdog’s preliminary forecasts based on UK borrowing costs exclude recent rise in gilt yieldsView the full article

Shiny golden shoes that retail for $300. Branded bibles. Combat-themed cologne. By now, the sight of Donald Trump shilling products is as familiar as his gravitationally improbable hairstyle or below-belt-length neckties. Most often, however, what he’s really selling is himself. On Tuesday, Trump made a rare presidential sales pitch for a brand beyond his own, staging, on the South Lawn of the White House, a bizarre infomercial for the Tesla. In front of a scrum of reporters, he moseyed around a fleet of gleaming electric cars, like potential prizes on The Price Is Right, extolling their virtues from a scripted sales pitch. (“Everything’s computer!” he marveled at one point.) What Trump was truly selling, though, wasn’t just Tesla, and for once it wasn’t even just himself. This time, he was selling the idea that the person most deserving of consumer empathy and cash right now is Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Don’t expect a lot of people to buy it. The reasons the president might feel the need to come to Musk’s aid are obvious. Tesla’s stock, which hit an all-time high in December, has been tanking steadily in the months since. As the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has fired thousands of qualified workers, canceled popular programs, and ransacked private data since Trump’s inauguration—all while Musk remains an unelected government official—Tesla dealerships and individual car owners have become a frequent target for protesters and vandalism. Although Musk has made the baseless claim that this backlash is being funded by George Soros, who has taken on a Thanos-like role in the conservative imagination, polling around Musk and DOGE appears to line up with the spirit of the protests and plummeting stock. Tesla investors are souring on the company After the publicly traded company’s shares dropped more than 15% on Monday alone, making it the worst performing stock in the S&P 500 Index, the president snapped into action. The attacks on his benefactor, who contributed more than $250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign and countless free publicity on X, would no longer go unchecked. (It probably didn’t hurt that Musk reportedly signaled he’s interested in putting another $100 million into Trump’s political operation.) “Elon Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” Trump wrote late Monday night in a lengthy post on Truth Social. “But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla.” He signed off by announcing his intention to buy a brand-new Tesla the next day, “as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American.” At some point between then and Tuesday afternoon, the idea evolved from a social media post and subsequent car-purchase to a full-on televised infomercial from a sitting U.S. president. The surreal event looked like a challenge from Trump’s old reality TV game show, The Apprentice, in which entrepreneurial contestants competed with kooky marketing gimmicks. It essentially amounted to a government-blessed version of one of those “Happy Honda Days” seasonal sales; a Toyotathon for Tesla. In between rattling off features and pricing details, as if strolling through a dealership showroom, Trump made headlines with the chilling declaration that anyone caught vandalizing Tesla dealerships would now be considered a domestic terrorist. He continued showering Tesla with attention throughout the day, posting further endorsements on social media and speaking glowingly of the company during an appearance at a Business Roundtable event. Shiller in chief It was far from the first time Trump has advertised a public company in his capacity as president—or as an aspiring president, as was the case during last fall’s McDonald’s stunt. He has a history of supporting those that have supported him. Just before taking office in January 2017, he tweeted a shout-out to L.L.Bean after one of the company’s heirs took some heat for backing him in the election. The following month, he promoted his daughter Ivanka’s clothing line after Nordstrom stopped selling it. (The company cited poor sales performance for the decision, not politics.) And perhaps most infamously, after the CEO of Goya incurred some backlash for praising Trump in the summer of 2020, the president shared a photo on Instagram of himself in the Oval Office, ensconced in Goya products, two thumbs way up. Like those other instances, the Tesla promotion was transactional. It was meant to return the favor to his most generous financial supporter. Indeed, Trump outright admitted during the stunt that he hoped it would raise Tesla’s flagging stock price. The full-court-press Tesla festival even extended beyond Trump and over to one of his greatest allies in media, Sean Hannity—who made a similar show of buying a Tesla on Tuesday and announced a Tesla giveaway for his fans. Were all the publicity and endorsements to achieve their intended effect and reverse the slumping Tesla stock, it would amount to a government bailout for Musk. So far, a noticeable Trump bump appears to have emerged, with the stock price surging 7% overnight. It does not seem destined to solve all the company’s woes, though. It’s a Band-Aid for a gunshot wound. Can Tesla survive on MAGA support alone? Despite Musk and Trump’s public insistence that the backlash is being astroturfed, deep down they both must sense that it’s very much real—and a direct consequence of their actions. Although Musk personally commands a vast, loyal following of MAGA fans, electric vehicle owners tend to be more progressive. A 2023 Gallup poll, for instance, revealed that 71% of Republicans would not consider buying an electric vehicle, compared with 17% of Democrats. In fact, just before his turnaround on Teslas, Trump himself had been deeply critical of electric vehicles for years. In other words, the people poised to be most enthused about the industry leader in electric vehicles are also the people most likely to be outraged by Musk’s work with DOGE. Musk seems to understand as much himself, even if he’s loath to publicly admit it. When he went on Larry Kudlow’s Fox Business show Monday night, he appeared distraught almost to the point of tears while discussing the Tesla backlash. If he truly thought Soros was spending billions to create the mere appearance of a backlash, he would’ve probably seemed angrier. Instead, in that Kudlow appearance, Musk betrayed the kind of sadness that comes when his information bubble is punctured and true public sentiment seeps in—like the time in 2022 when he was loudly booed during an appearance at a Dave Chappelle show and reacted so harshly that some of his employees reportedly considered calling the police to do a wellness check on him. It remains unclear whether Trump also realizes that the protests are not being staged. If he did, perhaps he wouldn’t have landed on a solution that highlights the association between Tesla and the White House. Also, unlike Goya beans, Teslas don’t come cheap. The fact that Trump thinks hawking them on TV will solve the company’s woes suggests that he is governing for the kind of people who, amid a stock market in free fall, can casually afford to spend anywhere from $32,000 to $125,000 on a new car. Anyone paying close attention then should understand exactly what Trump is selling here, and who he’s selling it to. And that should lower their own personal buying temperature. View the full article

In what he called the “most consequential day of deregulation in American history,” the head of the Environmental Protection Agency announced a series of actions Wednesday to roll back landmark environmental regulations, including rules on pollution from coal-fired power plants, climate change and electric vehicles. “We are driving a dagger through the heart of climate-change religion and ushering in America’s Golden Age,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in an essay in The Wall Street Journal. His actions will eliminate trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and “hidden taxes,” Zeldin said, lowering the cost of living for American families and reducing prices for such essentials such as buying a car, heating your home and operating a business. “Our actions will also reignite American manufacturing, spreading economic benefits to communities,” Zeldin wrote. In all, Zeldin said he is rolling back 31 environmental rules, including a scientific finding that has long been the central basis for U.S. action against climate change. Zeldin said he and President Donald Trump support rewriting the agency’s 2009 finding that planet-warming greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. The Obama-era determination under the Clean Air Act is the legal underpinning of a host of climate regulations for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources. Environmentalists and climate scientists call the endangerment finding a bedrock of U.S. law and say any attempt to undo it will have little chance of success. “In the face of overwhelming science, it’s impossible to think that the EPA could develop a contradictory finding that would stand up in court,” said David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. In a related action, Zeldin said EPA will rewrite a rule restricting air pollution from fossil-fueled fired power plants and a separate measure restricting emissions from cars and trucks. Zeldin and the Republican president incorrectly label the car rule as an electric vehicle “mandate.” President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration had said the power plant rules would reduce pollution and improve public health while supporting the reliable, long-term supply of electricity that America needs. The EPA also will take aim at rules restricting industrial pollution of mercury and other air toxins, as well as separate rules on soot pollution and federal protections for significant areas of wetlands. “This isn’t about abandoning environmental protection — it’s about achieving it through innovation and not strangulation,” Zeldin wrote. “By reconsidering rules that throttled oil and gas production and unfairly targeted coal-fired power plants, we are ensuring that American energy remains clean, affordable, and reliable.” University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann called the EPA’s action “just the latest form of Republican climate denial. They can no longer deny climate change is happening, so instead they’re pretending it’s not a threat, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that it is, perhaps, the greatest threat that we face today.” —Matthew Daly, Associated Press View the full article

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., has filed a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule barring medical debt from credit reports. View the full article

City cheers crackdown on red tape but there are questions over how much it can boost growthView the full article

Intuit has announced the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone for QuickBooks Online customers in the U.S., providing small and mid-market businesses with a streamlined way to accept in-person contactless payments using only an iPhone. The new functionality enables QuickBooks users to manage their business finances more efficiently while improving cash flow and payment processing. “With Tap to Pay on iPhone, we’re giving customers a competitive advantage that accelerates cash flow, business growth, and customer loyalty,” David Hahn, SVP, QuickBooks Money Platform says. “What makes Tap to Pay on iPhone unique for QuickBooks customers, is that it allows them to streamline their in-person payments and seamlessly connect them to their books and our end-to-end services, putting their full business finances all in one place. This new feature, coupled with our AI-powered platform and ‘done-for-you’ experiences, empowers small businesses to reach new levels of growth and success.” Enhanced Payment Processing for Small Businesses Tap to Pay on iPhone allows QuickBooks Payments customers to accept in-person contactless payments through the QuickBooks mobile or GoPayment iOS apps without requiring additional point-of-sale (POS) hardware. Transactions processed through this feature automatically sync with QuickBooks Online, allowing business owners to manage and reconcile payments seamlessly on a single platform. According to the Intuit QuickBooks Quarterly Small Business Insights, nearly half of small businesses in the U.S. report cash flow as a major challenge. The introduction of Tap to Pay on iPhone aims to address this issue by offering businesses a faster and more flexible way to receive payments, while also catering to consumer expectations for convenience and security. Key Benefits of Tap to Pay on iPhone Seamless Payments: Businesses can process transactions on the go with the QuickBooks mobile or GoPayment apps, eliminating the need for extra hardware. The platform also automatically categorizes and reconciles payments to keep records updated. Flexible Checkout Options: The feature supports all forms of contactless payments, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, ensuring secure and private transactions. Expanded Invoicing Capabilities: Business owners can get paid instantly on open invoices or create new invoices to accept payments in person. Lower Processing Fees: Tap to Pay on iPhone offers a cost-effective payment solution with reduced transaction fees compared to manually entered payments. Security and Privacy: Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology ensures that no card numbers or transaction data are stored on the device or Apple servers, maintaining high security standards. Availability Tap to Pay on iPhone begins rolling out today and will be available to all QuickBooks Online customers in the U.S. with a QuickBooks Payments plan within the coming weeks. For more details, visit QuickBooks Payments. Image: Intuit This article, "Intuit QuickBooks Introduces Tap to Pay on iPhone for Seamless Contactless Payments" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

There’s always something to deal with when managing a project. One responsibility of the project manager is to identify what’s wrong and devise a way to resolve it. This requires getting to the cause of the problem, which is what the 5 whys technique was created to do. What are the 5 whys and how can it be used in project management as well as other disciplines? We’ll get to that and how to use it. Then we’ll provide a real-life example and even a link to a free 5 whys template to download and use. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5-whys-template-featured-image.jpg Get your free 5 Whys Template Use this free 5 Whys Template for Excel to manage your projects better. Download Excel File What Is the 5 Whys Analysis? The 5 whys analysis is a problem-solving technique used to identify the root cause of an issue by asking “why” five times (or as many times as needed) to dig deeper into the cause-and-effect chain. Sakichi Toyoda originally developed it and it is widely used in lean and Six Sigma methodologies. It is particularly effective for troubleshooting recurring issues and is useful in quality control, process improvement and incident investigations. The 5 whys are a simple yet powerful tool that enables teams to uncover the underlying reasons behind problems rather than merely addressing surface-level symptoms. Of course, the 5 whys only sets up the successful mitigation of whatever issue is plaguing the project. Resolving it requires creating a plan of action. In other words, there needs to be a project. To implement a project properly, that plan must be created and executed with project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has multiple project views to schedule and execute work. Project managers can schedule tasks, resources and costs on Gantt charts, including linking dependencies to avoid costly delays, filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track progress in real time. Teams can use kanban boards or task lists to manage their work, while the calendar view offers a monthly overview of progress to keep stakeholders updated. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgProjectManager’s Gantt charts turn 5 whys into actionable plans. Learn more When to Use the 5 Whys Analysis Technique The 5 whys analysis technique is a powerful tool for identifying the root cause of problems, making it useful in various scenarios where understanding the underlying issue is crucial. It is most effective when applied to recurring problems, process inefficiencies or unexpected incidents. By asking “why” multiple times, it digs deep into cause-and-effect relationships, helping teams develop targeted solutions. Project Management In project management, the 5 whys technique is used to analyze project issues, delays or failures. It helps project managers understand why a project is not meeting its objectives, whether due to resource constraints, miscommunication or scope creep. By uncovering the root cause, teams can implement corrective actions, making sure that similar problems don’t arise in future projects. It’s particularly useful during post-mortem reviews to learn from project challenges and enhance planning and execution. Business Process Improvement For business process improvement, the 5 whys technique is instrumental in identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks. It helps teams understand why a process is underperforming or producing defects. By addressing the root cause, organizations can streamline workflows, reduce waste and improve productivity. This approach aligns with methodologies like lean and Six Sigma, where continuous improvement and waste reduction are key goals. Operations Management In operations management, the 5 whys technique is valuable for troubleshooting operational issues such as equipment breakdowns, supply chain disruptions or quality control failures. It allows operations managers to identify why problems occur, whether due to maintenance lapses, inadequate training or poor supplier performance. By resolving the underlying cause, businesses can enhance operational efficiency, minimize downtime and maintain consistent quality. This approach supports preventive maintenance and process reliability strategies. How to Implement the 5 Whys Analysis Technique The 5 whys analysis technique is a straightforward yet effective method for identifying the root cause of problems. As noted above, by repeatedly asking “why” a problem occurred, teams can dig deeper into the cause-and-effect chain, revealing the underlying issue rather than just addressing symptoms. This structured approach ensures that solutions are targeted and effective, preventing recurring problems. Here’s how to implement the technique step by step. 1. Identify and Describe the Problem The first step is to identify and describe the problem. This involves defining the issue in specific, measurable terms. It’s important to be precise and avoid vague statements. For example, instead of saying “production is slow,” a more detailed problem description would be “production output is 20 percent below the target for the past month.” Gathering data and involving team members familiar with the process helps ensure an accurate understanding of the issue. 2. Ask 5 Whys to Find Underlying Causes of the Problem Next, ask “why” the problem occurred and continue asking “why” to each subsequent answer. Typically, this is done five times, but the number of repetitions can vary depending on the issue’s complexity. The goal is to move past symptoms and superficial causes to uncover the underlying reasons. It’s important to maintain objectivity, rely on facts and avoid assumptions. Documenting each question and answer helps maintain clarity and traceability. 3. Identify the Root Cause of the Problem After completing the questioning process, identify the root cause of the problem. This is the fundamental reason behind the issue, often related to a process failure, policy gap or system weakness. At this stage, it’s crucial to confirm that the root cause is within the organization’s control and actionable. Once the root cause is identified, develop and implement corrective actions to eliminate it, ensuring the problem does not recur. Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of these solutions helps maintain continuous improvement. 5 Whys Analysis Template To further explain the usefulness of this technique, download our free 5 whys template for Excel. It lays out the structure for the process and allows users to simply input the data and come to the root cause of the problem they’re experiencing. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5-whys-template.png Once users download the free template, it’s customizable if users want to add more whys. As formatted, there’s a space to add the problem, then the five whys and their answers, which leads to the last cell where the root cause is determined. 5 Whys Analysis Example Let’s look at using the 5 whys in a real-life scenario. For our example, we’ll focus on a manufacturer that has a production line that is not working regularly. Problem: A manufacturing line experiences frequent equipment breakdowns. Why? The equipment overheats. Why? The cooling system is not functioning properly. Why? Maintenance of the cooling system was delayed. Why? Spare parts were not available on time. Why? There is no inventory management system for critical spare parts. Root Cause: Lack of an inventory management system for critical spare parts. Solution: Implement an inventory management system to track and reorder spare parts proactively. Benefits of Using the 5 Whys Analysis Technique There are many advantages of using the 5 whys to figure out the root cause of a problem. Here are some of them. Simplicity and Efficiency: It is easy to implement without complex tools or extensive training. Cost-Effective: It requires minimal resources and can be conducted in a short timeframe. Focus on Root Cause: It avoids superficial solutions by uncovering the underlying issue. Promotes Continuous Improvement: It fosters a culture of questioning and learning from mistakes. Disadvantages of Using the 5 Whys Analysis Technique That doesn’t mean that the 5 whys are without criticism. There are issues with the method, which are listed below. Subjectivity: The quality of the analysis depends on the team’s knowledge and perspective, leading to potential bias. Inadequate for Complex Problems: It may oversimplify complex, multi-faceted issues. In such cases, other tools like fishbone diagrams or failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) might be more effective. Risk of Stopping Too Soon: Teams may stop asking “why” prematurely, leading to incomplete root cause identification. Related Project Management Templates There are other ways to resolve problems other than the 5 whys, and we have free templates to do so. Below are a few of the over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that cover all aspects of managing a project across multiple industries. Issue Tracking Template Download this free issue tracking template for Excel to document, manage and monitor issues or problems that arise during a project or within a business process. It helps teams keep track of reported issues, assign responsibilities and ensure timely resolution. Fishbone Diagram Template A fishbone diagram, also known as a root cause analysis, is a tool used to identify and organize the potential causes of a problem. Use this free fishbone diagram template for Word to visually map out all possible contributing factors, helping teams analyze complex issues systematically. Risk Register Template Use this free risk register template for Excel to identify, assess and manage risks throughout a project or business process. It provides a structured way to document potential risks, evaluate their impact and likelihood, and plan appropriate responses. How to Manage Problems With ProjectManager All of the above templates, including the 5 whys, are great for brainstorming the cause of an issue and figuring out a plan to address it, even track it. But the truth is that once the templates have been used to identify the root cause, then it’s time to abandon the templates. These static documents aren’t equipped to handle the dynamic nature of managing a project. Resolving a problem successfully requires project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with multiple project views to plan, manage and track the work in real time. Robust Resource Management Keep Everyone Productive After resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart, project managers can onboard their teams. But before assigning them to tasks, our software lets them set the team’s availability. That includes PTO, vacation and global holidays as well as pay rate and skill sets. This streamlines the assignment process and gets the right resources on the right job at the right time. The color-coded workload chart offers an overview of resource allocation, which makes it easy to see who is overallocated or underutilized. The workload can be balanced from the same chart to keep teams working at capacity without threatening burnout. A team page provides a daily or weekly summary of the team’s activities, which can be filtered by priority and progress. Managers can update tasks without leaving the team page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Track Work With Real-Time Dashboards, Reports and More Problems have to be solved within a specific timeline and budget. To ensure that occurs as planned, project managers must monitor and control the execution of project tasks. They can get a high-level project overview with our real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They’re automatically updated with live data that’s displayed on easy-to-read graphs and charts showing time, cost, workload and more. For a more detailed view, customizable reports on project or portfolio status, variance, timesheets and workload can be generated with a keystroke and filtered to show individual data points or a more general summary that can be shared with stakeholders. Even our secure timesheets help keep track of labor costs to stay on budget. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dashboard-light-mode.jpg Related Content The 5 whys is one way to get to the root cause of a problem. However, there are many different methods to identify and manage issues in project management. Below are some examples from the more recent posts we’ve published on our blog. Issue Management Process in Project Management How to Conduct a Gap Analysis: Definition, Steps & Example What Is an Issue Log? Templates & Tips Steps for Effective Problem Management in IT What Is Project Risk? 7 Project Risks to Track Project Risk Analysis: Tools, Templates & Techniques ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated on email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 5 Whys Technique in Root Cause Analysis appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Think-tank report comes as Keir Starmer seeks to convince Labour MPs to back welfare spending cuts View the full article

Google I/O, the company's annual developer's conference, doesn't start until May 20, but expectations are already swirling about what will be announced during the event. Here's what we think might show up at this year's Google I/O, plus details on how to watch. When and how to watch Google I/O 2025This year's Google I/O is scheduled for May 20 and 21, with the first keynote beginning at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). The event will be live streamed online at io.google and on YouTube. Anyone can view the keynotes and sessions without registering, though developers can register for free to receive event communications. What's coming to Google I/O 2025The schedule for I/O 2025 hasn't been published, and what we think we'll see is (so far) based on rumors, speculation, and leaks. That said, there are a few things we can reasonably expect—or at least hope for. First is the launch of Android 16, which Google has already pegged to Q2 2025. According to Android Police, leaks suggest an official release date of June 3, meaning an announcement at I/O is likely. Public betas have been rolled out with new features for photography, security, device management, foldable detection, and small tweaks to accessibility and health functionality. Another possible release date announcement could come for Wear OS 5.1, which has some relatively minor new features and stability improvements. And while Google isn't expected to launch Wear OS 6—which would follow suit with the release of Wear OS 4 in July 2023 and Wear OS 5 in July 2024—or even announce any of its features, it could hint at what we'll see in Wear OS in the future. Finally, Google recently confirmed the launch date for the first Android XR-powered headset and revealed more details about specs and features. This came following Samsung's extended reality (XR) prototype reveal during January's Galaxy Unpacked event. Other hardware news is less likely, as the Pixel 9a is expected to drop in March ahead of I/O. Of course, AI is expected to be heavily featured at I/O 2025, with possible updates about Project Astra. The "advanced seeing and talking responsive agent," announced at I/O 2024, is billed as a next-gen AI assistant that can receive real-world inputs and respond to what it sees. The event lineup could also include updates on Gemini features like Circle to Search, AI Overviews, and integrations with Android, Search, and YouTube—and maybe even the official switch from "Hey Google" to "Hey Gemini." View the full article

In the 50-plus days since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, his administration has announced wide-ranging policy changes—from tariffs to immigration and beyond. The “chaos” of the early months of the Trump administration is creating uncertainty for the 1.5 million small business owners that Hello Alice serves with its free digital platform, according to Carolyn Rodz, co-founder and CEO. Even though there’s a lot of confusion about how these policies will impact small businesses, Rodz advises against a wait-and-see approach. “That’s probably the most dangerous approach an entrepreneur can take,” Rodz said Sunday during discussion at the Fast Company Grill at SXSW. Instead, she encouraged entrepreneurs to be proactive. “A lot of the guidance that we’re providing is: Prepare for today, but have a plan B and have a plan C, and I think it’s smart in any environment, but more so today.” UNDERSTAND UNIT ECONOMICS In light of the tariffs President Trump has already imposed on some trade partners—and more that he’s threatened—Rodz said entrepreneurs should seek out alternative sources for sourcing products if they’re importing from countries “on the hot seat.” And it’s important that small business owners understand their unit economics, she said, because that will inform how they prioritize their business needs. “Does a shift in tariffs tomorrow all of a sudden shatter your unit economics? If it shatters your unit economics, you better start thinking about that today.” Even if higher costs ultimately must be passed along to consumers, Rodz said it’s very important to communicate to customers why prices are going up. “Be really transparent with your customer base,” Rodz advised small business owners in the audience. “If people understand the why, they’re going to be much more likely to stick with your company and see you through the change.” A LOT OF UNKNOWNS But the administration’s stance on immigration, for example, is creating “a lot of unknowns” that’s causing small business owners to freeze up rather than take action, Rodz said. Once again, she advised getting a headstart on establishing a stable workforce and building programs for employee loyalty and talent acquisition. “Really think through what those processes look like for your specific industry and business so that you’re prepared to find the best talent that you can find independent of what the political situation looks like,” Rodz advised small business owners. Another area where Rodz has seen businesses—especially corporations—become afraid is with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. “They’re afraid to move,” she said. “There is a great fear of the public backlash on either side of their move.” Hello Alice has firsthand experience with the backlash to DEI. In 2023, it was sued over a program that offered $25,000 grants to Black-owned businesses by American First Legal, which is backed by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, on the grounds of racial discrimination. Even though a judge ruled against Miller in favor of Hello Alice in May 2024, the company’s million-dollar legal battles continue. “We’re a small company and we’re a very nimble company, and so we’ve been able to actually fight this fight longer than many of the large corporations with massive pocketbooks around us have,” Rodz said. While other companies have settled similar lawsuits, Rodz said Hello Alice will continue to push as far as it can because it remains important to find ways to ensure everyone feels they’re getting a fair shot. “At the end of the day, it’s figuring out how do we operate in the environment that we’re in today and still offer the resources and needs and fulfill the needs of what is clearly an economic gap that the status quo won’t solve.” OPTIMISM AND SILVER LININGS Despite all of the uncertainty of recent months, small business owners remain largely optimistic, Rodz said, adding that surveys show that more than 60% of Hello Alice’s users are confident or highly confident that the future will be better than today—a share that doesn’t waver, regardless of politics or the administration in charge. “Small businesses are a really optimistic group.” And there are some silver linings, like taxes, that could benefit entrepreneurs if President Trump follows through on campaign promises to reduce tax rates and build a simpler tax structure, Rodz says. “Small businesses will stand to benefit if a lot of this policy goes through.” Staying abreast of the latest news out of Washington, D.C. is difficult for anyone, let alone someone trying to run a business. Hello Alice has always focused on education, and now some of that has shifted to policy changes. Likewise, Rodz said artificial intelligence could be another valuable resource for trusted information—and, more broadly, will give entrepreneurs an advantage in growing their business, which should remain their focus. “To the degree you can, cut out the noise and focus on the one, two, or three things that you can do today to push your company forward,” Rodz said. View the full article

Google released version 2.9 of Google Ads Editor, adding new campaign management tools, video ad enhancements, and better support for Shopping and Performance Max campaigns. Key updates: Manager Account Labels. Advertisers can now attach labels from Google Ads Manager (MCC) accounts to campaigns, ad groups, and keywords. Expanded Shopping Ads. Retail Performance Max campaigns can now serve shopping ads on brand-related searches, even if those brands are typically excluded. Vertical Video Generation. Responsive video ads now support automatic vertical video creation for Video Views campaigns. Masthead Ads Support. Advertisers can create and manage YouTube Masthead ads directly within Ads Editor. Better Measurement. Limited support for lift measurement now allows adding or removing campaigns from existing studies. Performance Max Age Exclusions. Advertisers can now set negative age criteria at the campaign level. VRC Campaign Conversion Tool. Standard Video campaigns with Target CRM bidding are transitioning to VRC 2.0, which includes inventory control settings and requires responsive video ads. Multi-Tab Google Sheets Export. Advertisers can now export data to Google Sheets with separate tabs for different entity types, improving usability. Why we care. The latest update helps you streamline workflows, improve video ad performance, and better manage audience targeting across multiple campaigns. The big picture. These updates reflect Google’s push for automation, video-first advertising, and improved measurement capabilities to help advertisers optimize campaigns more efficiently. What’s next. Google Ads Editor 2.5 and older versions will no longer be supported, making it essential for advertisers to upgrade to the latest version to access these new features. View the full article

Government spending rose to $603bn in February despite hyperactive efficiency drive, data showsView the full article

Google is rolling out performance upgrades for Display & Video 360’s connected TV (CTV) ad solutions, enhancing audience targeting, measurement, and campaign insights. Key upgrades: Enhanced audience targeting. Marketers can now reach households based on demographics, shared interests, or purchase intent. Improved measurement. New conversion tracking capabilities in Display & Video 360 and Campaign Manager 360 will help advertisers connect CTV ads to household purchasing behavior. Household-level insights. Reach metrics will now include household-level data alongside existing people-based reach, improving comparisons between CTV and traditional TV. Why we care. As CTV viewership grows, advertisers need better tools to reach the right households and measure ad performance across devices. The update introduces custom bidding experiments, enabling A/B testing of bidding strategies to determine the best-performing approach. Additionally, the new multi-goal bidding capability lets advertisers optimize for multiple objectives (e.g., conversions, viewability) within a single campaign, which could lead to better performance and ROI. The big picture. By leveraging IP addresses and other privacy-aligned signals, Google aims to help advertisers optimize CTV campaigns while respecting user privacy. What’s next. These updates will roll out over the coming months, with automatic benefits for advertisers using Display & Video 360 across YouTube and top streaming platforms. View the full article

Featuring Fara Howard, Chief Marketing Officer, GoDaddy; Taylor Montgomery. Chief Marketing Officer, North America, Taco Bell and Dan Murphy, SVP, Marketing, Liquid Death. Moderated by Jeff Beer, Senior Staff Editor, Fast Company. Brands have a history of leaning into the unexpected to capture customers’ attention and cultivate loyal fan bases. But what’s the secret to properly executing such a campaign? And if the unconventional has become your calling card, how do you switch it up without losing your brand identity? Hear from executives navigating these questions and get insight into how you should approach your next marketing strategy. View the full article

In the wake of the controversy surrounding PayPal's Honey browser extension, Google Chrome has updated its policies to ban the practices that the extension was observed to be engaging in. Chrome's updated extension policies for affiliate ads includes wording that seems to be a direct response to many of the tactics Honey was accused of participating in, such as injecting affiliate codes without providing discounts. Given that Chrome powers most browsers available now, expect this to have major ramifications on shopping extensions going forward. If you're out of the loop about the Honey controversy, a multi-year investigation by YouTuber MegaLag recently uncovered evidence of unexpected behavior. Honey was accused of allowing retailers to control which discount codes you could access, and as a result, not letting you discover the best available deals, despite advertising to the contrary. The extension was also observed to be inserting its own affiliate codes in every shopping website you visit, and was seen replacing other affiliate codes with its own, which means that it effectively was pocketing others' commissions. Additionally, Honey actually confirmed to MegaLag that it deliberately engages in some of these practices. According to Chrome's updated affiliate ads policy, extensions now cannot add affiliate links, codes, or cookies without providing a tangible benefit to users. Extensions will also have to prominently describe their affiliate policy before installation, in the user interface, and on the Chrome Web Store page. Google described some common violations of this policy to make it clearer for developers too, where the company said extensions can't insert affiliate links without providing any discounts or cashback offers. It also banned extensions from inserting affiliate links in the background without "related user action". According to Google, this means that extensions cannot insert shopping-related cookies while you're browsing without letting you know. They also can no longer insert or replace affiliate codes or promo codes without the user's knowledge. Honey, and other extensions that let you find the best deals, will have to change the way they operate in order to comply with these policies. In case your favorite shopping-related browser extension is affected by Google's new policies, you can still use other tools for price comparison. Lifehacker's in-house deals expert Daniel Oropeza has a full list of his favorite price-tracking tools for you to check out. It includes a few browser extensions and even a price-tracking tool by Honey itself (don't worry, this one is not a browser extension), which are all very useful for deal hunters. My personal favorite is Slickdeals, a site I've relied on for over a decade to find great deals. More than its price tracking, I value Slickdeals' community a lot. The best deals are heavily upvoted and the comments below each deal help me quickly determine whether a deal is actually a steal. View the full article

Featuring Monica Dinsmore, Head of Esports, Electronic Arts; Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku and Tony Khan, Founder, CEO, GM, and Head of Creative, All Elite Wrestling. Moderated by Yasmin Gagne, Staff Editor, Fast Company. When it comes to sports entertainment, networks and streamers are in heated bidding wars for exclusive rights, new leagues are disrupting incumbents, and the “esports winter” is thawing out to create new opportunities for the massive industry. Hear how execs from Roku, All Elite Wrestling, and EA Sports are rewriting the rules of their industries and shaping the future of sports entertainment. View the full article

Move comes as FCC’s remit has broadened in face of hostile acts by BeijingView the full article

Chag Sameach! Also known as Pesach, Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the Ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery. This important religious holiday often is celebrated with plenty of pomp and festivity, particularly on the first day when families hold a special meal known as Passover seder. Looking to extend your best wishes to professional colleagues for Passover? Explore these 60 Passover greeting messages tailored for small businesses. How do You Wish Someone Happy Passover? How do you wish someone a happy Passover? What makes an appropriate professional message for Passover? People appreciate holiday messages, and Passover is no exception. In fact, some religious observers will feel special appreciation knowing you honor their faith. When sending messages from a small business, it’s important to wish a happy Passover with a professional tone and language. Passover messages can be sent via email, text message, direct message or written into a greeting card. You even can send custom messages from printing services. Short, simple happy Passover messages also make excellent social media posts. Types of Mediums to Send Passover Greetings: Email Text message Direct message Greeting card Custom messages from printing services Social media posts The Importance of Sending a Kosher and Joyous Passover Greeting Message Why is the Passover holiday such a festive season? The Passover holiday, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, is a time of profound celebration and introspection. It commemorates a crucial moment in Jewish history when the Israelites, led by Moses, miraculously broke free from slavery in Egypt. This liberation initiated their journey to the promised land, representing hope and freedom. Throughout the generations, families have passed down these stories, which strengthen the values of faith, resilience, and unity. The fluctuating dates of Passover often spark curiosity among many. Unlike fixed holidays on the Gregorian calendar, Passover’s timing derives from the lunar-based Hebrew calendar. This variance might be a tad confusing for those accustomed only to the solar-based Gregorian system. However, the essence of Passover remains unaltered by its shifting dates. As this special season unfolds, Jewish families worldwide gather with their loved ones, engaging in cherished traditions. They recite tales of old, sing heartfelt songs, visit the temple in reverence, and even exchange warm wishes through Passover cards, embodying the spirit of unity, gratitude, and celebration. Why Send a Passover Greeting: To commemorate an important Jewish holiday Foster positive relationships and loyalty with clients and colleagues Boost brand awareness and customer engagement Show appreciation and respect for others’ faith and traditions Sending joyous Passover greetings gives a personal touch to professional communication, and it shows colleagues, clients and employers that you value them and wish them blessings. Best Messages for Passover to Send to Your Clients In the age of digital communication, sending holiday messages has taken on a new significance. Dispatching Passover greetings to clients serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it emphasizes a personal touch, fostering enduring relationships and cementing client loyalty. On the other, it becomes a subtle yet effective marketing strategy, amplifying brand visibility and driving customer engagement. For businesses navigating the unfamiliar landscape of Passover greeting messages, creating the appropriate message can feel challenging. Fear not, for the subsequent sections will provide a compilation of thoughtfully curated Passover messages, tailored to resonate with your clientele and reinforce your brand ethos. Best wishes for a joyous Passover. Wishing you a wonderful Passover and a blessed season. Warm wishes to you and yours during this Passover. Chag Sameach! Happy Passover to you and your family. May you enjoy a joyous Passover this year. Happy Pesach to you and your family. Happy Passover from our family to yours. Wishing you great peace this Passover. Wishing you a happy Pesach and a blessed spring season. May you have a glorious Passover celebration this year. Wishing you every blessing for Passover this year. Wishing you a kosher and joyous Passover. In honor of Passover, we wish you, our customer, the happiest of tidings. May Passover bring you joy and peace this year. Best Happy Passover Messages to Send to Your Co-Workers In today’s diverse workplace, cultural sensitivity and awareness play a crucial role in fostering mutual respect. Sending Passover greetings to coworkers is a wonderful gesture that contributes to a harmonious and inclusive work environment. While it’s delightful to blend the camaraderie of friendship with professionalism, it’s paramount to strike a balance in your Passover wishes. Tailoring your messages with care and empathy is essential, especially since the fabric of any workplace is woven with individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and beliefs. Keys to a Professional Passover Message: Maintain a professional tone and language Make it short and simple, especially for social media Consider the recipient’s background and religious beliefs Use greetings appropriate for the relationship (client, coworker, employee, boss) What do you write in a Passover message for a coworker? The following examples should help when composing your interoffice Passover greeting. Wishing my dearest coworker a sweet Passover this year. Best Passover greetings to you and yours during this joyous spring. Happy Passover and best wishes to my near and dear ones. May the arrival of Passover bring you hope and inspiration! I hope this Passover finds you surrounded by love and happiness. Chag Pesach kasher vesame’ach! May you be blessed with peace during this Passover. Happy Passover! I hope you can celebrate with friends and loved ones. A koshern un freilichen Pesach! May Passover bring you signs of hope for a bright future. I hope you delight in the celebration and tradition of Passover this year. Dearest coworker, here’s wishing you a joyful and peaceful Passover this year. Sweet Passover to all! Wishing you joy and prosperity this Passover and all the days of your life. Joyful Passover to my dearest colleague! Best Happy Passover Messages to Send to Employees As a leader or supervisor, recognizing and celebrating the diverse holidays and traditions of your team members can be a testament to your inclusive leadership style. While it’s wonderful to acknowledge Passover, the tone and content of your message should radiate utmost professionalism. Whether you’re a startup founder, a seasoned executive, or somewhere in between, genuine appreciation combined with professional decorum can create an impactful impression. Are you still considering the nuances of Passover greeting messages for your workforce? The following section includes thoughtfully composed messages that balance warmth and professionalism to assist you. Passover celebrates God’s gift, including employees like you. Wishing you and your family a joyous celebration on Passover. I am grateful for my many blessings this Passover—especially for you! Hoping you have a blessed Passover and a joyful spring. I hope your Passover is filled with peace, love and joy. May you have a kosher and joyous Passover this year. Chag Pesach Sameach! May your blessed Passover be filled with happy moments and joy. Best passover wishes to you and your family this year. I hope you can celebrate Passover with peace and love this year. Happy Passover to a valued employee! Chag Pesach Sameach! Blessed Passover Messages to Send to Employees Faith and tradition form the cornerstone of many individuals’ lives. When you’re certain that an employee observes and celebrates Passover, sending them a message imbued with spiritual sentiments can be deeply touching. However, even in this context, it’s pivotal to maintain an air of professionalism, setting the right boundaries between personal and professional relationships. Looking for inspiration for blessings-filled Passover greeting messages that have a professional tone? Explore the next section, which presents a collection of messages that seamlessly combine spiritual wishes with a corporate flair. Blessed Passover wishes to you and yours on this joyous holiday. Happy Passover to one of my favorite employees. May your Pesach be full of blessings and happy moments! Have a blessed Passover! May the Passover festival bond out team with mutual peace and respect! Chag Pesach kasher vesame’ach. Wishing a prosperous Passover for you and your family! Best Passover Messages to Send to Your Boss Building rapport and trust with superiors is an art that goes beyond day-to-day tasks. Taking the initiative to send Passover greetings to your boss is a thoughtful gesture that can further solidify your professional relationship. It’s a token of respect, acknowledgment, and a nod to their cultural or religious observances. As you craft this message, ensure it’s distinct from casual greetings you might share with peers or friends. Your goal is to express both appreciation and professionalism. Do you need help crafting the right message? The following selection of Pesach messages has been designed to assist you in achieving this delicate balance. Best Passover wishes to you and your family this year. Hoping you and your family members have a joyous Passover. Happy Pesach! Have a joyful Passover and always know you’re appreciated. Cheerful Passover greetings to a great boss this year! Wishing you tidings of great joy on this auspicious occasion. Happy Passover! Hoping an amazing boss has a kosher and joyous Passover. Blessed Passover wishes to you and yours on this auspicious occasion. Peace and good tidings to you and your family members on this blessed Passover celebration. The Passover story is a reason to celebrate, and I wish you great joy and blessings during the festival this year. Shalom to you and your loved ones on this blessed and joyful Passover! Happy Passover and great blessings to you this spring. Here’s wishing you prosperity and peace this Passover. Chag Sameach! I hope you have a peaceful and happy Passover this holiday season. May you and your loved ones have a peaceful, prosperous and joyful Pesach. Happy Passover day! May Passover bring with it joy, peace and good health to you, your friends and loved ones this blessed season. Celebrate Passover in Your Business with these Message Examples Selecting an appropriate Passover greeting varies based on the professional relationship. Here’s a guide to help you craft a heartfelt yet professional message. RelationshipGreeting Approach ClientsFoster loyalty, show appreciation, boost brand engagement CoworkersCreate a harmonious workplace, respect diversity EmployeesShow appreciation, maintain heightened professionalism BossForge a positive relationship, demonstrate mutual respect The tradition of conveying Passover greetings extends beyond mere formality. It’s a powerful tool in the realm of professional relationships, bridging gaps and fostering understanding. In an increasingly interconnected and diverse business landscape, such gestures stand out, showcasing empathy, respect, and inclusivity. By sending a heartfelt yet professionally tailored Passover message, be it via email or a tangible greeting card, we not only celebrate a significant Jewish holiday but also champion the values of mutual respect and appreciation. It’s these subtle but significant actions that foster a harmonious and productive workplace, ensuring that every stakeholder feels valued and recognized. So, as the Passover season approaches, take a moment to craft messages that resonate, upholding the dual virtues of sincerity and professionalism. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Passover Greeting Messages for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

It happened again: Across sprawling tabs, dozens of windows, and countless unread messages, you've somehow lost your cursor. Maybe it's hiding in the corner of your screen, but, hmm—nothing seems to be popping out of any of them. What's more, if you have your Mac connected to multiple monitors on your desk, your cursor could be anywhere. Tell work to push your deadlines; you're gonna need a minute. But before you damage your reputation, there's a better way. Well, a couple of ways, actually—but one of them is far more fun. To save yourself from this grief in the future, try "Googly Eyes," a free app that adds, yes, a pair of googly eyes to your Mac's menu bar. Googly Eyes is the creation of Sindre Sorhus, a developer we've frequently covered on Lifehacker. Sorhus has made sticky notes for the menu bar, tools to adjust the spacing of the menu bar, an easy way to switch your default browser on the fly, an app for expanding the number of extensions Shortcuts supports, and a tool for making Finder more like Windows' File Explorer. Googly Eyes is a little different, because the premise is beyond simple: Once you install and launch the app, you'll find a pair of cartoonish googly eyes resting on your Mac's menu bar. These eyes are trained on the location of your cursor: Move your mouse or glide your finder on your trackpad, and the eyes will follow it. My cursor disappeared while typing the above paragraph. Rather than scrambling around looking for it, I can glance up at the googly eyes, see they're focused on the right side of my Mac, then move my mouse to the left, where my cursor will predictably reappear. Click your mouse or trackpad, and the eyes blink. It's fun and useful. That's all there really is to it. If you're bored on your Mac, you can bring your cursor up to the googly eyes to mess with them a bit. Moving directly between the eyes will cause them to go cross-eyed, while dragging more towards one eye will cause that eye to move away from the other a bit. Credit: Lifehacker Now, there is a solution built into macOS for whenever you can't find your cursor: shake it. Shaking your cursor really fast not only increases the chances you'll see it buzzing around your screen, your Mac will also temporarily make it huge. It's a great feature, but it isn't perfect: Sometimes, shaking your cursor doesn't pull it up, especially if you're working across monitors, or the task requires more vigorous shaking than you might expect. In these cases, you might want a pair of helpful eyes to keep watch for you, and clue you into your cursor's position. Googly Eyes is a simple setup, but Sorhus does have some troubleshooting advice should you need it: If you don't see Googly Eyes in your menu bar after opening the app, quit some other menu bar apps, as macOS sometimes hides these apps when there are too many open at once (especially on smaller displays). If your Mac cannot access the App Store, you can download the app directly from Sorhus, but note this method won't offer automatic updates, and Sorhus will only update the app on his website on an annual basis. View the full article