Women in blue-collar jobs at Ford factories in Chicago say a volatile culture of sexual harassment persists, despite the company's combat of the problem. Weak support from unions and retaliation from supervisors and peers are among reasons abuse continues, write Susan Chira and Catrin Einhorn.
According to a Yale University survey of 110 leaders of Fortune 500 and Fortune 50 companies, only 14% said they were planning to make big capital investments if the Republican tax bill passed. A Business Roundtable poll found that only 43% of CEOs plan to increase hiring over the next six months.
According to the recent Capital One Small Business Growth Index, the state of small business is strong. Regardless of some uncertainly that small business owners have felt this year around potentially impactful legislative issues, small business confidence is at its highest point since 2012. See the full results of our business owner survey.
The uncertainty around the Affordable Care Act and the health care market in general could lead to some major upheaval in the coming year. Allison Bell notes five things to watch for, including whether more companies will offer health insurance alternatives, such as short-term policies, and if efforts to promote HSAs will ramp up.
Data-loss prevention tactics involve employers monitoring employees' online activities, but companies should consider the potential legal risks, write Brenda Sharton and Karen Neuman. Strategically, you need to know who and what you'll be monitoring, as well as why you're doing so.
Professionals who encounter sexual harassment at work should document their experiences in a detailed, written record and should print any emails or text messages that support their claims, writes Jessica Roy. When you are ready to officially report an incident, it's best to submit it in writing to your human resources manager.
