Working from home won't disappear; To cut stress, focus on your strengths

What’s happening in the world of work: The special weekend edition of the Daily Rundown highlights business trends, perspectives, and hot topics you need to know to work smarter.

Bill George has a message for GE’s next CEO: Don’t forget your company’s purpose. The Harvard professor and former Medtronic chief says the “most iconic American company” has lost its way, focusing too much on margins and not enough on its mission. It’s a valuable lesson for all businesses — companies need “a compelling purpose that inspires customers, employees, and shareholders." And, according to research, leaders that can clearly articulate that purpose to workers often boost their bottom line. ? Join the conversation: #GELeadership

A fiery debate emerged this week in the wake of a Wall Street Journal article about businesses, including IBM, Aetna, and Reddit, reining in remote work options. A key theme emerged: The success of remote work depends on culture. Cali Williams Yost calls decisions to retreat on remote work simply “growing pains,” as slower-moving corporate giants figure out how to implement work flexibility. Kunal Kerai says company policies that don't align with culture are "designed to fail." ? Join the conversation: #RemoteWorkers

Coworking spaces are no longer just the domain of fledgling startups or freelancers. With the proliferation of companies like WeWork, shared offices are growing in popularity for workers and businesses of all stripes. Flexible space could account for 30% of the commercial real estate market by 2030, predicts Jones Lang LaSalle, and it’s even changing how developers think about their properties as they try to “break down cubicles” to foster collaboration. ? Join the conversation: #CoworkingSpaces

Playing to your strengths can cut down on stress. Building up your strengths works better than tackling your weaknesses, says author and psychology professor Lea Waters. Research has shown that a strength-based approach can lead to better performance and greater happiness at work. It’s also how the working mother cut down on stress; she says strengths “energize us mentally, physically, and emotionally because they come naturally to us.” ? Join the conversation: #StrengthApproach

What we’re talking about now

The opioid crisis is having a devastating effect on companies and their ability to stay competitive. “At stake is not only safety and productivity within companies — but the need for humans altogether, with some manufacturers claiming opioids force them to automate work faster,” writes Chip Cutter. ? Join the conversation: #WorkInProgress

Apprenticeships could help close the skills gap. There were some 6 million open jobs in the US in June, yet hiring slowed — the skills gap at work. Apprenticeships, currently “underappreciated and underfunded,” could be a gamechanger. ? Join the conversation: #ApprenticeshipsSkills

Lack of job stability — and the resulting erosion of corporate loyalty — has turned us into quitters, says Ilana Gershon. “Good jobs used to be ones with a good salary, benefits, location, hours, boss, co-workers, and a clear path towards promotion. Now, a good job is one that prepares you for your next job.” ? Join the conversation: #WhyWeJobHop

Come back on Monday, and every weekday, to start your day with a roundup of the professional news you need to know.

Katie Carroll / Share this using #DailyRundown