Management

When companies don’t pay attention to older workers, it can cost them, according to a new paper. Researchers found that employees 45 and older in workplaces that were less friendly to mature workers were less dedicated to their work and less energized by their jobs.

New smartphone apps are putting technology directly into the hands of workers and allowing them to share information, make schedule changes, report labor violations and potentially organize for change. Employers are watching such apps warily.

Here’s a prediction for the new year: The job of chief executive is about to get tougher than ever amid unprecedented global turbulence and uncertainty.