NLRB lawyer says noncompete deals violate labor laws | Firms have strong opinions about surveillance, pro or con | Discrimination based on height, weight outlawed by NYC
In a memo issued Tuesday, National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo said requiring noncompete agreements as a precondition to employment is a violation of labor law in most cases, noting the deals discourage workers from exercising their labor rights and advocating for better conditions. The NLRB memo comes less than six months after the Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule that could ban employers from forcing workers to sign noncompete agreements, which affect nearly one-fifth of US workers. Full Story: Reuters (5/30),The Wall Street Journal (5/30)
Paid Parental Leave and the Mental Health Crisis Studies show only 1/3 of organizations offer paid parental leave. The rest rely on FMLA, but many parents don't qualify. This lack of paid leave is taking a huge toll on new parents' mental health. Learn how to combat the workplace mental health crisis at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2023 this June 11-14.
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Recruiting & Retention
Firms have strong opinions about surveillance, pro or con Surveillance tools to monitor employees working remotely are causing deep differences in opinion among top executives, in-house attorneys and HR professionals, according to a survey from Littler Mendelson. The stark numbers: 45% use them, 41% don't and wouldn't consider doing so, and 12% are studying the situation. Full Story: PropertyCasualty360 (free registration) (5/29)
Report: Hidden Hazards of Working Remote Get Traliant's free report: Working from Home and the Hidden Hazards to learn the steps employees can take to protect themselves while working remotely, including becoming a safety advocate, performing a job hazard analysis & more. DOWNLOAD REPORT
AAPI employees struggle for a place in DEI efforts, C-suite Despite being perceived as "model minorities," one in two Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders said their race or ethnicity made it harder to attain career goals, according to a survey by talent management platforms Powertofly and Inclusion@Work. In addition, AAPI employees say they are often overlooked in DEI hiring and discussions, and can "feel isolated and excluded, and misunderstood by their peers," said Amy Kim, Powertofly president. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (5/24)
Labor Department data shows that the college enrollment rate for US high-school graduates between 16 and 24 fell to 62% in 2020, compared to 66.2% in 2019, with many young people being drawn to blue-collar jobs in the current strong labor market. Job growth in the leisure and hospitality sector, as well as in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing, has been particularly strong, leading to a 70-year low unemployment rate for teenage workers and higher pay, prompting some to opt for job training such as apprenticeships instead of attending college. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (5/29)
The HR Leader
How to handle difficult conversations at work It is inevitable you will need to initiate a difficult conversation with someone during your career. Some tips for handling this situation include establishing trust, especially when discussing a change to a role or responsibility, probing for any challenges in a gentle manner and having a history of giving feedback on a regular basis. Full Story: ZDNet (5/30)
SmartBrief Podcast Network
Podcast: A multifaceted look at the circular economy In the latest episode of SmartBrief's Sustainability SmartPod, Roman Smith from AT&T discusses how the company is using an AI-powered recycling tool at its headquarters in Dallas. Later, Dan Coughlin from Oak Ridge National Laboratory shares how the Energy Dept. is working alongside industry partners to develop and commercialize novel 3D printing methods and sustainable manufacturing materials for houses, planes and wind turbines. Full Story: Sustainability SmartPod (5/30)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
In "The Sound of Music" the fictional Georg and Maria von Trapp marry after meeting in 1938. IRL, what year were they married? Check your answer here.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month comes to an end today. As a Native Hawaiian, I do enjoy a month that celebrates the rich cultures of AAPI communities -- our histories, traditions and practices. Today’s Benefits & Compensation story talks about why it’s important that companies reject the myth that AAPI are the “model minority” -- more successful than other underrepresented groups -- and make sure that they are mindful of their AAPI employees as they develop their DEI programs. I appreciate this. But what does “inclusion” and “giving workers space to express their cultural voice” really look like in practice? It’s when I ask IT to change my email address from the one they issued using my legal first name to one that uses my middle name -- Kanoe, short for Kanoelani -- which is what I go by. It’s when I reject traditional workwear -- stuffy, dowdy suits -- for clothing from Hawaii designers including PoMahina Designs, Sig Zane, Kealopiko and Manuheali’i, that are more flattering to my build. It’s when I meet someone for the first time and reach out for a hug, versus a handshake. This one can be tricky, I admit, especially in today’s hypersensitive workplace environment. I’ve learned to be prudent. I gauge a situation and if someone is friendly and outgoing -- especially if we’ve already spoken virtually -- then I’ll usually offer a hug. But the hug-and-kiss hello is a standard greeting among Hawaiian and local people. Our workplaces are a cornucopia of cultures, people, experiences and talents. We will create the best products and do the best work as we give these voices room to speak up, be heard and contribute. How can I serve you better with this brief? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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