Here’s news you can use in a constantly changing business environment, including millions of dollars available for microloans, why female leaders leave, how to better connect with direct reports and more.

1. $10 million available in microloans — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation helped launch a $10 million microloan fund for women, veterans and entrepreneurs of color. The economic development organization will lend to individuals who don’t qualify for traditional loans through banks or other financial institutions, to provide opportunities for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged due to a lack of access to capital and credit.

 

2. AI as a way to cut health care costs — Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used in medicine for everything from flagging heart disease to trimming hospital readmissions. While its largely seen as breakthrough technology for medical care, AI could have a downside in the form of structural inequalities.

 

3. Growing gap between men and women leaving jobs — The exodus of female leaders, called the Great Break-Up, is attributable in part to the persistent gap in pay between men and women and workplace culture. Check out the research that illustrates how companies are failing women.

 

4. Engage and take a pulse check — C-suite executives are many levels away from the core staff who help keep daily operations gong. If you need to improve manager-employee communication, consider these 16 tips on how to stay connected with direct-reports.

 

5. 4-day workweek gaining headway — The world’s largest four-day work week trial took place in the UK for more than six months and it indicates that none of the 61 participating companies or 2,900 workers saw a decrease to productivity or pay.

Thank you to our Friday Five sources: MEDC, Bridge Michigan, MIT Sloan Management Review and Employee Benefit News.

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