The Institute for Supply Management's services purchasing managers' index decreased to a slower-than-expected 50.3% in May, down from 51.9% a month earlier, marking the lowest level in five months. Various other indicators also slipped, including production, new orders, employment and prices paid, while the wholesale trade sector reported higher prices and inventories that remain too high, according to the ISM survey.

Univar Solutions has partnered with ICL's Rovitaris to distribute the latter's plant-based ingredients. Kevin Hack, Univar global vice president of food ingredients, said the arrangement enhances the firm's food portfolio with complimentary protein products and better supports meat alternative food producers.

Hy-Vee has given $50,000 to several businesses owned by women and people from underrepresented groups as part of its recent OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit in Wisconsin. Body care product company FAVORYT Brand won the grand prize of $30,000, while Yips Snacks, Altruize and EverFit took first place in their respective categories.

Warehouse jobs have decreased in nine of the last 11 months, including a loss of 1,900 jobs in May compared to a month prior, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The trucking sector added just 600 jobs in May to total 1,609,200 and rail employment topped the 1.5 million mark for the first time since the pandemic began.

Robotics are heavily used in the automotive and logistics industries for package sorting and vehicle building, but there are other industries, such as agriculture, food processing and health care that are prime candidates for an influx of robotics, says Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation. Robotics can help companies cope with the continuing worker shortage by taking on the "dull, dirty, dangerous jobs" that humans would rather not tackle, Burnstein says.

Top customer service usually relies on strategies that include being proactive in solving a customer's problem before they ask, providing convenience in helping customers through digital outreach and connecting personally with a customer, writes Shep Hyken, chief amazement officer at Shepard Presentations. "First-call resolution is essential," Hyken says.

Business pivots can be a necessity (remember the pandemic?), but everyone from colleagues to customers to shareholders can go off the rails if communication about the pivot is mishandled, writes entrepreneuer Athalia Monae, founder of Pouches By Alahta. Publicized well, a savvy pivot can attract new customers and business partners and position the company "as a forward-thinking industry leader," explains Monae, who offers eight tips.

The ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland have been hit by disruptions since Friday, with longshoremen of various classes failing to report for work and union members reportedly "red tagging" equipment so it cannot be used until safety reviews are carried out. Long Beach's TTI terminal was closed on Monday, with the disruptions attributed to an unofficial dispute over pay, safety, automation and pension benefits.

People stay working for people, not companies, writes Martin Zwilling, CEO and founder of Startup Professionals. He shares tips from Jennifer Nash, author of "Be Human, Lead Human," who says business owners should work on their active listening skills, always say "thank you" and recognize employees for work well-done, motivate them by sharing what has previously led to success and always exhibit humanity.

Curb office politics that can inhibit a company's growth and employee retention by supporting team members, being transparent about issues, providing a clear path to advancement and ensuring that awards and incentives are doled out fairly, writes Kurt Motamedi, a professor at Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School. "If an employee leaves under circumstances related to a negative office politics environment, they will let their colleagues know to avoid that workplace," Motamedi writes.