Latest news with #TheHarrisPoll
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Employee's Way of 'Breaking' Boss With Emails Leaves Internet Thrilled
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A post detailing one employee's subtle act of workplace defiance has resonated with thousands on Reddit, offering a glimpse into how workers are reclaiming emotional boundaries amid toxic leadership. The post was shared by Reddit user u/maybebats*** in the r/pettyrevenge subreddit. The post has received more than 30,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments since it was shared on June 3. "My mom died last month, and my boss was a real dick about the whole situation," the poster wrote. "He's always been hard to work for, but he actually told me to get over it because her death was creating extra work for him. That was the straw and this camel's back broke. I can't quit my job, but I'm taking steps to move to a better role and I know I need to keep the peace until then." Rather than confronting the boss directly, the Reddit user chose a quieter form of protest—removing all exclamation marks from emails addressed to their supervisor. "I always start emails with a positive first sentence. Something like a simple 'Good morning!' or 'I hope you're having a nice day!' I still do this on emails to my boss, but I have omitted exclamation points entirely," they wrote. The poster said: "I've been here over a decade so it's extremely noticeable to anyone who works with me closely and it's driving him crazy. His messages seem frazzled and he's frantically using exclamation points in every email, something he has never done before. It's so stupid but I can tell it's breaking him." Thirty-one percent of American workers were reported to have a boss who has "exhibited toxic behavior," while 71 percent said they have had at least one "toxic boss" during their career, according to a September 2023 survey published by The Harris Poll. Stock image: A woman types on a laptop computer at a desk in an office setting. Stock image: A woman types on a laptop computer at a desk in an office setting. Getty 'It's Self-Preservation' Experts say the viral post underscores a broader reckoning with how grief and emotional labor are treated in professional settings. Dana Mahina, a leadership coach and founder of Bloom Women's Group Coaching, told Newsweek: "This story perfectly illustrates why so many people are burned out and disengaged at work. When leaders treat employees as productivity machines rather than whole humans, they create environments where people do the bare minimum—professionally and emotionally." Mahina described the Reddit poster's move not as petty, but strategic. "The employee's quiet rebellion isn't petty—it's self-preservation. And honestly? It's working. Sometimes, the most-powerful response to toxic behavior is to simply stop feeding it with your energy," she said. Mahina added that such actions are a method of boundary-setting, especially when direct confrontation or quitting is not an option. Mahina noted that the boss's reaction validates the poster's instincts. "The brilliance of this approach? It's completely professional while being quietly subversive. The employee is still doing their job, still being polite, but they've withdrawn their emotional labor—and it's driving their boss crazy because he can sense something has shifted." 'A Risky Strategy' However, Veronica Lichtenstein, a licensed mental health counselor, told Newsweek that this approach comes with risks. Lichtenstein said: "While this tactic might feel satisfying in the short term, it's a risky strategy for someone who still wants a promotion or to maintain professionalism. Emails are permanent records, and passive aggression—even in punctuation—can backfire." Lichtenstein added that the gesture, while minor, could alter perceptions in the workplace. "If the boss notices the shift and perceives it as hostility, it could reinforce a negative dynamic—exactly what the employee wants to avoid while job searching. Worse, it might inadvertently paint the employee as the problem in conflicts, rather than the boss whose dismissive behavior started the tension." Still, Lichtenstein acknowledged the root issue wasn't punctuation. "Exclamation points aren't the real issue here. The deeper problem is a toxic work environment where an employee feels compelled to weaponize tone because their boss lacks basic empathy." Mahina added: "This employee experienced one of life's most devastating losses, and their boss essentially told them their grief was inconvenient. That's not just poor leadership—that's dehumanizing." 'Good Petty Revenge' The post struck a chord with many Reddit users who applauded the subtle defiance. "This is such a good petty revenge. He can't legitimately complain because you aren't doing anything wrong, but it is driving him nuts. I love it!" wrote u/Ill_Industry6452. Another user, u/the_greek_italian, commented: "I love how this small thing is so noticeable that it's literally making him stressed via computer." "Keep it up. You are doing exactly what he deserves," noted U/Wanderstern, while u/busyshrew posted: "OMG [oh my God] I laughed too hard at this … I like your style." U/ZanteTheInfernal added: "Next time he wants you to do something email him back with a lowercase 'sure' no punctuation." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system. Do you have a similar story or dilemma to share? Let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Peter Schiff Agrees With Trump That College Isn't Worth It For Most. His Fix? Scrap The Minimum Wage And Let Kids Learn Trades On The Job
Euro Pacific Asset Management Chief Economist Peter Schiff is siding with President Donald Trump when it comes to higher education: college just isn't worth it for most people. In a recent post on X, Schiff said, 'Trump is right about colleges being a waste of money for most people. Trade schools make a lot more sense for high school grads who are not really academically inclined. Better yet, abolish the minimum wage so kids can get on-the-job training as apprentices for skilled craftsmen.' Don't Miss: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:.Schiff's post sparked debate not just for agreeing with Trump, but for going a step further by calling for the elimination of the minimum wage. His argument is that the barrier keeps young people from getting hands-on work experience under the guidance of experienced tradespeople. Instead of spending tens of thousands on a degree they may not use, Schiff believes teenagers could be earning while learning useful skills on job sites, in workshops or in vocational programs. This isn't the first time Schiff has criticized the traditional education system. He has long argued that college degrees have been oversold as the only path to success while crowding out more practical, hands-on careers. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Schiff's take lines up with new data showing younger generations are becoming increasingly skeptical of college. According to a March survey by Indeed and The Harris Poll, 51% of Gen Z workers with a degree said it wasn't worth the money. Only 20% of Baby Boomers felt the same. Rising tuition, student debt, and a flattening college wage premium have all contributed to this shift in thinking. The financial burden is real: 52% of survey respondents said they graduated with student debt. Millennials had it even worse, with 58% still carrying loans. Nearly four in 10 respondents said their debt hurt their careers more than their degree helped. Even more telling, 68% of Gen Z grads believe they could do their current jobs without having gone to college. That's compared to 64% of Millennials and just 49% of Boomers. Meanwhile, employers are responding too. A 2024 report showed that over half of job listings on Indeed no longer ask for a college Rowe, host of the TV show 'Dirty Jobs' and head of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, has been making this case for years. Speaking to Fox Business last week, Rowe said, 'It is early for a victory lap, but as you know, I have been beating this drum for 16 years.' He supports Trump's push to defund elite universities and redirect those funds into trade programs. 'If I had to choose between should Harvard get $3 billion or trade schools in that world—trade schools,' Rowe said. But he also added that not all trade schools are equal, and they should be evaluated just like universities. Rowe warned that the stakes are high. He said he recently got a call from the maritime industrial base looking to hire 140,000 tradespeople over the next decade. The energy sector is also booming, with massive demand for workers to build data centers and support the country's digital infrastructure. His message to graduates? 'If you have a skill that's in demand and you're hungry, if you are willing to get up early, stay late and go to where the work is... you are going to crush it.' Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they're on pace —Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Peter Schiff Agrees With Trump That College Isn't Worth It For Most. His Fix? Scrap The Minimum Wage And Let Kids Learn Trades On The Job originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
NPMA Debuts "Bed Bugs Exposed": A Series Revealing How These Sneaky Pests Invade Your Home
Launching during Bed Bug Awareness Week and just in time for summer travel, learn how to spot and stop bed bugs before they take over FAIRFAX, Va., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Only 29% of Americans know how to identify bed bugs, a new survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports. That leaves most households vulnerable to one of the most elusive pests out there. To change that, NPMA launched an eye-opening video series, "Bed Bugs Exposed." Debuting during Bed Bug Awareness Week, June 1 – 7, this series offers a rare, up-close look at how bed bugs behave in real-world environments, helping consumers learn what they look like, where they hide and most importantly, how to stop them before they become a serious problem. The NPMA team built a mini furnished bedroom and living room set to demonstrate how bed bugs can infiltrate living spaces, burrowing into even the smallest crevices. Alongside an engaging video lineup, NPMA's new microsite serves as a one-stop shop for fast facts, prevention tips, and educational articles to help you stay one step ahead. "Until you've seen a bed bug infestation up close, it's hard to understand just how sneaky these pests really are," shared Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA. "'Bed Bugs Exposed' gives homeowners an unprecedented look at how these pests operate, coupled with the knowledge to spot the signs early and avoid bringing these hitchhikers home." Education is critical. According to a survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), just 28% of Americans check their hotel rooms for bed bugs before staying overnight, and less than half of Americans (44%) would leave their accommodations if they found bed bugs. Those numbers are troublesome since bed bugs can latch onto luggage, clothing, or used furniture. Once inside, they're masters at hiding in tiny cracks and crevices, making them incredibly difficult for the untrained eye to detect. "Not only can these blood-feeding pests cause itchy, red welts on your skin, but they can multiply quickly and often go unnoticed, leading to costly treatments if not caught early," added Fredericks. Vigilance is key because bed bugs can hide practically anywhere. A recent survey of pest control professionals conducted by NPMA and the University of Florida found that over 82% of NPMA members have treated for bed bugs in the last year. 89% of respondents indicated that they treated single-family homes, followed by apartments and condos (88%), hotels and motels (70%), nursing homes and assisted care facilities (57%), and college dorms (36%). So, if you suspect bed bugs in your home or vacation rental, don't wait! Contact a pest control professional immediately. These trained experts have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly identify and eliminate bed bug infestations. For more information about bed bugs and to watch the series, visit About the National Pest Management Association The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube. Survey MethodologyThis survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between April 8 - 10, 2025 among 2,099 U.S. adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Pest Management Association Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
TurfMutt Foundation Advocates for Pollinators, Habitat-Rich Green Spaces
June is National Pollinator Month LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As National Pollinator Month unfolds in June, the TurfMutt Foundation urges everyone to support vital pollinator populations, such as birds, bees, butterflies and bats, in their family yards, parks, community gardens, greenways, municipal golf courses and other community green areas. These living landscapes can provide essential shelter and food for important pollinators. "Pollinators are the unsung heroes of the natural world, and are essential in growing fruits, vegetables and flowers," says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of managed green space. "By creating and maintaining healthy green spaces in our communities and backyards, we can directly support their survival and contribute to a healthier planet." A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the TurfMutt Foundation revealed that connecting with nature (60 percent) and observing wildlife (51 percent) are among the most enjoyed activities in public green spaces, like public parks, underscoring the shared value these areas provide for both people, pets and pollinators. The TurfMutt Foundation offers four ways communities can tap into the power of green space for pollinators: Prioritize plants for your climate zone: Plant, tree and shrub species that naturally occur in your region are more beneficial to local pollinators than invasive species that can disrupt the ecosystem. Milkweed, for instance, is particularly valuable for monarch butterflies – a fantastic addition to any public green space. Plant for continuous blooms: Selecting a variety of nectar-rich, flowering plants and shrubs that bloom at different times during the year ensures continuous support for pollinators. Empower young pollinator advocates: Create programs to engage children in becoming pollinator champions. TurfMutt's free STEM-based lesson plans include an activity called Protecting Pollinators to help students learn how to design a green space where pollinators will thrive. Foster community stewardship: Foster community engagement to support pollinators through volunteer opportunities and pollinator-specific events. Encourage your community to plan for and protect parks, community gardens, green school yards and other community green space. For inspiration, consult the National Recreation & Park Association's Parks & Pollinators resource. To learn more about how to create pollinator-friendly green spaces, explore the TurfMutt Foundation's International Backyarding Fact Book and sign up for Mutt Mail here. Follow the adventures of Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television and Mission Unstoppable shows on Saturday mornings. Media contact Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation, 240-988-6243, debbi@ About the TurfMutt FoundationTurfMutt, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Championed by Foundation spokesdog, Mulligan the TurfMutt, and through education partners such as Scholastic, Discovery and Weekly Reader, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to "save the planet, one yard at a time." Today, TurfMutt is an official USGBC® Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt's personal home habitat was featured in the 2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. In 2024, the Great Lawn at Louisville's award-winning Waterfront Park on the Ohio River was renamed the TurfMutt Foundation Great Lawn as part of a $1 million sponsorship. More information at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TurfMutt Foundation Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeownership Aspirations Remain Strong as Americans Highlight an Opportunity for More Support
KB Home unveils findings from its second annual survey and expands its mission to educate and empower future homebuyers during National Homeownership Month and beyond. LOS ANGELES, June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KB Home (NYSE: KBH), one of the largest and most trusted homebuilders in the U.S., today announced the findings of its second annual survey, which the company conducted to gauge Americans' sentiments about homeownership and support their homebuying aspirations. New data released found that most Americans still believe that homeownership is an important milestone (83%), but an even greater number feel anxious (89%) about affordability and the homebuying process. June is National Homeownership Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of owning a home and the opportunities it can create for individuals and families. To mark the occasion, KB Home is sharing survey insights and hosting Homebuying 101 events across the country focused on helping more people feel informed and empowered in their homebuying journey. During these free, in-person workshops, KB Home experts will cover topics like the benefits of owning versus renting, the advantages of new construction and how to navigate the homebuying process, including the financing of a new home. "This year's survey shows that the dream of owning a home is still very real, even if many people are unsure how to get there," said Rob McGibney, President and Chief Operating Officer of KB Home. "At KB Home, we're helping to bridge that gap by offering new, high-quality homes that are affordably priced and personalized to fit each buyer's lifestyle. These are the things Americans tell us they value most, and delivering on them is part of our commitment to making homeownership more attainable for more people." The national survey was conducted in April 2025 by The Harris Poll. Here is what Americans had to say: Americans Still Aspire to Own a Home and Are Clear About What Matters Life milestone. A vast majority (83%) said that owning a home was an essential milestone in life. This perception remains unchanged from 2024. Good feelings. People ranked excitement (47%), pride (43%) and motivation (28%) as their top three positive emotions associated with homebuying. A better life. Some of the top reasons for wanting to own a home included safety and security (47%), more living space (47%), access to a backyard or outdoors (43%), to avoid rent increases and other fees (42%), and long-term financial betterment (41%). Modern features matter. Almost four out of five Americans said that if they had a set budget and had to make a trade-off, they would not be willing to sacrifice: a limited home warranty (87%), lower energy and water utility bills (86%), a modern floor plan (83%) or the opportunity to personalize their home (78%). Lifestyle adjustments. Most buyers (74%) were willing to make lifestyle sacrifices, such as living at home with their parents a while longer or eating out less, in order to afford a home that they want. Affordability Is a Real Concern — and So Is Knowing When and How to Buy Buyer anxieties. Most (89%) reported anxieties with buying a home, and this was even higher among current renters (93%). About a quarter of Americans report being nervous (27%) and stressed (24%) among their top three negative emotions associated with buying. Stress drivers. When asked what made them feel anxious about buying a home, Americans were most worried about being able to afford a home (44%), taking on more debt (41%) and buying a money pit that needs repairs/renovations (30%). Right time, right place. Over a quarter (28%) were anxious about whether now is a good time to buy and 23% were anxious about settling for a home they didn't love and having buyer's remorse. Financial pressure points. When it comes to financial anxieties, Americans most commonly ranked among the top three: having enough money for a down payment (45%), knowing how much they can afford (43%), being able to make monthly payments (42%) and finding the best mortgage rate (42%). Today's challenges. Over half (54%) believed that they are in a worse position to buy a home today than prospective buyers of prior generations. The top three most common challenges that people said homebuyers face today that their parents' generation didn't have to face were higher home prices (46%), high mortgage rates (38%) and uncertain economic conditions (36%). The Need for Education Is Clear Mortgage myths. About seven in ten adults (69%) believed that mortgage rates are at an all-time high or were not sure. In reality, mortgage rates were highest in 1981, when the 30-year fixed rate peaked at 18.6%, far higher than today. The recent average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.8% is lower than the average rate across the last 50 years of 7.7%. Terminology test. Nearly half didn't know or were unsure about the meaning of terms like APR (44%) or PMI (49%). Financing facts. Fewer than two in five knew certain key facts about financing a home, including that a minimum down payment of 20% is not required (37% correct) and that one can qualify for a mortgage with a credit score in the 500s (25% correct). Advice needed. About a quarter of Gen Zers (25%) and Millennials (23%) said that they felt anxious about not knowing where to start when it comes to the homebuying process. About one in five Gen Zers (20%) and Millennials (18%) said that not having a trustworthy resource for homebuying advice made them feel anxious. "At KB Home, helping our customers achieve their lifelong dream of buying a home — the largest purchase many people ever make — is a privilege that we take seriously," said McGibney. "Whether it's selecting the perfect floor plan, understanding financing options or choosing design features, our goal is to guide buyers through the journey with confidence. This year's survey reinforces just how important that support is, especially when so many are feeling uncertain about the homebuying process." To learn more about how KB Home is supporting homebuyers during National Homeownership Month and beyond and to find a nearby Homebuying 101 event, visit For more information on KB Home, call 888-KB-HOMES or visit About KB Home KB Home is one of the largest and most trusted homebuilders in the U.S. We operate in 49 markets, have built nearly 700,000 quality homes in our more than 65-year history, and are honored to be the #1 customer-ranked national homebuilder based on third-party buyer surveys. What sets KB Home apart is our focus on building strong, personal relationships with every customer and creating an exceptional experience that offers our homebuyers the ability to personalize their home based on what they value at a price they can afford. As the industry leader in sustainability, KB Home has achieved one of the highest residential energy-efficiency ratings and delivered more ENERGY STAR® certified homes than any other builder, helping to lower the total cost of homeownership. For more information, visit About the Survey This survey was conducted online within the U.S., April 1–3, 2025, among 2,081 adults (aged 18 and over) by The Harris Poll on behalf of KB Home via its Harris On Demand omnibus product. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/-2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. Complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, is available upon request. View source version on Contacts For Further Information: Cara Kane321-299-6844kbhomepr@
