NLRB: Amazon violated labor law at 2 NYC warehouses | Employees look for flexible benefits, financial stability | How will ChatGPT change traditional professions?
National Labor Relations Board Administrative Law Judge Benjamin Green has ruled that Amazon unlawfully said it would not provide raises and benefit enhancements to workers at two New York City warehouses if they cast ballots in favor of unionizing. Green also held that the company's removal of a union-backed petition from an internal message board ran afoul of federal labor law. Full Story: Reuters (1/31)
Recruiting & Retention
Employees look for flexible benefits, financial stability Many employers are struggling to attract and keep staff, so they should consider introducing more flexibility, education and work-life balance into their policies and benefits to help workers maintain financial wellness, save for retirement and gain a stronger footing. Statistics show that Americans' total savings have fallen to their lowest level since August 2009, and retirement savings stand at an estimated deficit of $3.68 trillion as many employees take money from their retirement accounts to pay for immediate needs. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (2/2)
Tyson invests $170M in employee pay, benefits Tyson Foods has invested over $170 million in employee wage increases, bonuses and benefits over the previous 12 months, including extended paid leave for new parents, and a forthcoming "personalized well-being portal" will help employees address topics like mental and fiscal health. Full Story: KNWA-TV/KFTA-TV (Fayetteville, Ark.) (1/31)
The HR Leader
Professor: Jazz mindset powers problem solving Structured discussions that integrate varied perspectives, known as generative conversations, enable team members to shift between listening and contributing to novel ideas, professor Michael Platt writes. A Swedish bank added improvisational jazz rules to the process, asking participants to listen more and play less, build on each other, and work on emerging solutions rather than prepared solos. Full Story: Knowledge@Wharton (1/27)
Workplace Chatter
Drowning in email? Ignoring them could be costly When you find yourself behind on replying to email, send a quick note acknowledging that you received it and politely ask for more time to reply, writes Shari Harley, founder and president of Candid Culture. When people don't receive timely replies, they begin to wonder why and "make stuff up," Harley writes, which can damage your reputation. Full Story: Candid Culture (1/29)
About the Editor
Kanoe Namahoe 2023
(Kanoe Namahoe)
“Your hair looks great!” my daughter-in-law, Savannah, exclaimed when I walked through the door. I’d been at the salon for my monthly hair color appointment.The kids had stopped over one afternoon for a quick visit. My granddaughter, Kalei, was on the ground playing with Legos. She turned around to see what her mother was talking about. “You’re blond,” she said matter-of-factly, staring at me. “Well, not quite blond,” I responded, smiling at her. “Addie colored her–” “You’re blond,” she repeated, cutting me off. Now I was a bit annoyed. “I am not blond -- I mean, not like Beyonce blond,” I said again, tersely. “They’re highlights. And they’re caramel.” Kalei was unmoved by my tone. “Turn around,” she commanded. I did. When I turned back around, she was staring at me again. “You’re blond,” she said flatly and turned back to her Legos. I wasn’t -- and am not -- blond, but she wasn’t far off. I color my hair regularly and as the years march on -- and the gray becomes more aggressive in its assault -- the highlights get lighter and lighter. I thought about this when I read a recent story about women and ageism. I didn’t love the part where LA Glassford talks about women chasing youth with “needles, facelifts, hair color, etc., even though these changes have nothing to do with their intelligence, ability to navigate roadblocks, lead a team, or lead a company.” But I have to admit she’s right. I have no desire to nip, tuck or zip anything on my body, but I do color my hair so that I can keep a professional appearance. I hate the gray. Some women look elegant with gray-silver locks. I look like the wizened old woman who showed up at Snow White’s door holding a basket of apples. That won’t do. I want to look tidy and sharp. I know the color of my hair has nothing to do with my professional skills but, in my head, the gray roots look unkempt and untidy. And that distracts me to no end. Maybe one day I’ll let the gray come in. Until then, though, you will find me in my stylist’s chair, every fourth Thursday of the month, getting my caramel highlights. What about you? Do you think appearance has an impact on career trajectory or influence? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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