Organizations that view crises as inevitable and plan for them with decentralized decision-making structures can emerge largely unscathed, according to research by Prem Menghwar of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Menghwar's study details the approach of Indus Hospital in Pakistan to the COVID-19 crisis, when hospital leaders distributed authority to medical experts and frontline staff. This collaborative environment sped up key decisions and empowered new leaders, while senior executives took on operational roles and supported their teams.

Dentsu Creative's 2026 trends report highlights a paradox among consumers: While 53% use AI daily, 50% are trying to reduce screen time. The report identifies five trends, including a reliance on "fantasy, fandom and fluffy toys" for stress relief, a preference for traditional values and a growing loneliness epidemic. The report suggests that brands blend technological and emotional intelligence to engage consumers effectively.

Instead of giving your team all the answers they seek, formulate good questions that create a sense of safety so they can generate ideas and come up with creative solutions, writes executive coach Kelly Meerbott, who offers five "turn-key ready" questions you can ask today. "Each of these questions is deceptively simple. But paired with active listening and genuine curiosity, they can completely change the trajectory of a conversation," Meerbott writes.

Changes to qualified retirement plans will affect businesses in 2026, from 401(k)s to pensions. The 401(k) elective deferral limit will rise to $24,500, with a catch-up contribution of $8,000 for those older than 49. Additionally, limits for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees are increasing, as are those on defined-contribution plans and defined-benefit plans.

Economists and retail executives caution that the full impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs will intensify in early 2026. Companies have largely managed to shield consumers from the full brunt of tariffs throughout 2025 by employing tactics such as stockpiling pre-tariff inventory, cutting expenses and distributing price increases selectively across products. However, executives from companies such as Williams-Sonoma and Kohl's now acknowledge that these strategies are reaching their limits, with plans to implement broader price increases to protect margins after holiday discounts end.

Workers in a number of states, cities and counties are expected to see higher minimum wages at the beginning of next year as a result of scheduled increases. Meanwhile, some groups in Washington, D.C., are seeking to add a ballot initiative that would raise the city's minimum wage to $25 an hour and eliminate the tax credit.