NLRB rules Amazon is joint employer of contracted delivery drivers (NurPhoto/Getty Images)
The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Amazon is a joint employer of subcontracted delivery drivers in California after examining claims filed by the Teamsters union, which is trying to organize Amazon drivers. The decision highlights Amazon's control over routes and delivery targets, countering its assertion that it doesn't directly employ the drivers. Full Story: The Associated Press (8/22)
Recruiting & Retention
Remote work is here to stay Despite some reduction from its pandemic peak, remote work has stabilized at significant levels, with around 25%-30% of workdays remaining remote according to WFH Research. The trend benefits both workers and employers--workers value the flexibility while employers save on real estate and training costs. Full Story: CNBC (8/23)
Employers see spike in mental health leaves of absence Mental health-related absences from work surged by 22% this year, contributing to 1 in 10 leaves, as revealed by ComPsych. Chronic stress factors such as economic instability, pandemic impacts, and caregiving burdens--mostly affecting women--are driving this increase, says Dr. Jennifer Birdsall. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (8/22)
The HR Leader
Empathy, communication key when an employee is let go Open communication is crucial during sticky situations at work such as when a popular employee has been let go, writes Joseph Grenny, who recommends listening to other employees and validating their feelings. Grenny writes that empathizing with employees and sharing HR policies can reassure employees that the decision was made with care -- without having to share details behind the decision. Full Story: Crucial Learning (8/21)
Wences Palau Fernandez doesn't have to search his Barcelona home for a cellphone since he has 3,615 of them, setting a new Guinness World Record. Fernandez says he loved the Nokia phone he got in 1999 so much that he began collecting that brand in 2008, later adding other brands, including several from Nokia's 3220 Star Wars Episode III line featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda and a Starfighter. Full Story: United Press International (8/15)
Editor's Note
Attention HR leaders with an interest in retail! We are seeking an HR leader in retail to speak in high-level terms about the challenges and opportunities for retailers to improve the frontline experience and retain employees at their brick-and-mortar stores. If this sounds like you, please send an email with your name, LinkedIn profile and a few sentences describing the need for retailers to improve the frontline experience.
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders, who passed away in June, snapped this "Earthrise" photo showing the surface of the moon. What company made the camera?
My cousin Kawai and I are readers. We love to get lost in wonderful books. When I visited her last weekend, we talked at length about a book series we’re reading together, the Neopolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante. I’m on the third book, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay. I’m looking forward to hunkering down on the sofa tonight, with an Ollipop and charcuterie tray, and digging into more of Elena and Lila’s lives. Thinking about that gave me an idea: Friday Faves. Every Friday, I will profile a book, podcast, documentary, newsletter or some other content piece that I like. I’d love to have you join me in this. What books are you reading -- for fun or professional development? What podcasts are you listening to? What newsletter will you absolutely read? Or what movie or documentary has you hooked right now? Let’s have some fun! Let me know your favorites. I will share them here on Fridays. Have a great weekend! Enjoying this brief? Great! Please tell others so they can benefit also.
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