In today's Biz Pulse, gain insight into how:

• All-ages apprenticeships can bridge the skills gap by reskilling mid-career workers and solving labor shortages in critical industries.

• Data-driven benefits management is shifting from HR to the CFO, helping companies cut costs, boost employee satisfaction, and improve valuation.

• Flexible executive assistant models are replacing the one-size-fits-all approach, giving leaders access to high-impact support that evolves with their needs.

Each of these articles is penned by members of Forbes Business Council, successful business owners shaping the future of business.

Let’s dive in!

Unlocking Talent: Why All-Ages Apprenticeships Are the Solution to Labor Shortages

Despite a cooling labor market, 74% of employers face significant talent shortages. The issue isn’t a lack of workers but a skills gap, and one proven solution lies in apprenticeships.

These earn-while-you-learn programs not only provide businesses a $1.44 return for every dollar invested but also enable companies to mold talent to their needs rather than compete for elusive "perfect hires."

Apprenticeships have untapped potential to reshape the workforce—and here’s the opportunity:

🎨 Diverse Career Applications: Apprenticeships go far beyond traditional trades. Sectors like technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing need skilled middle-skill workers, roles that apprenticeships excel at filling.

🔄 Breaking Age Myths: Today’s apprentices average 29 years old, but only 20% are over 35. Older workers bring maturity, experience, and a willingness to adapt, which are key to reskilling America's labor force.

🌍 Global Insights: Countries like Germany and Switzerland showcase the transformative potential of scaled apprenticeship programs.

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Why Benefits Optimization Should Be on Your CFO’s Radar

Employee benefits now account for nearly 30% of total compensation costs—yet many CEOs and CFOs have minimal visibility into this significant expense.

With healthcare costs skyrocketing (sometimes by 12%–30% annually), relying on HR for plan design and renewal decisions no longer cuts it. The solution? Shifting benefits oversight to the CFO’s dashboard for strategic, data-driven decision-making.

Here’s why smart CEOs are rethinking their approach:

💼 Untapped Strategic Potential: Benefits are too often treated as administrative tasks, resulting in reactive decisions. By analyzing claims data and utilization trends, leaders can model cost-saving scenarios that optimize both budgets and employee satisfaction.

📊 From Chaos to Control: Mid-market businesses need enterprise-level rigor, such as predictive modeling, claims analytics, and long-term planning. Without this, unpredictable cost jumps hinder financial stability and valuation.

📈 Valuation Impact: Well-managed benefits costs with predictable increases (e.g., 3%-4% annually) signal operational discipline, boosting confidence during investment rounds or exits.

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The Rise of Flexible Executive Assistant Models

The traditional, full-time executive assistant role is no longer the default choice for today’s leaders. As work becomes more dynamic, so do executive support needs. Many CEOs and executives now leverage flexible models, such as fractional, portfolio, or hybrid roles, to align with their workflows while optimizing talent and costs.

Here’s how executive support is evolving:

🏢 Traditional EAs: Perfect for leaders needing constant availability, continuity, and institutional knowledge. This model requires trust, decision-making authority, and clear role boundaries.

⚖️ Fractional EAs: Ideal for executives with fluctuating support needs. Fractional EAs focus on outcomes—stabilizing workflows, managing priorities—without a full-time presence.

🎯 Portfolio EAs: Designed for project-based or high-impact roles, these assistants provide senior-level expertise without a long-term commitment. Effective with tightly scoped objectives.

🔄 Hybrid EAs: Combines part-time W-2 work with side engagements, offering flexibility for both leader and assistant. Success thrives on transparency and mutual alignment.

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Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Forbes Business Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together seasoned business leaders — founders, CEOs, partners, and other senior-level leaders of successful companies.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on Forbes.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Forbes Business Council today, and become part of a group driving meaningful innovation in business.