The halftime retirement of Buffalo Bills player Vontae Davis has sparked conversation about the right way to leave a job. Some teammates and former NFL players have criticized Davis' decision, but others have applaud the move, saying people have a right to resign on their own terms. Quartz (9/17),The Guardian (London) (9/17),Inc. online (9/19)
Recruiting & Retention
Why employee referrals are key in a tight job market Employee referral programs are important in any hiring environment, but they take on added value when unemployment rates are low. John Sullivan offers eight reasons, including the fact that referrals are an effective way to reach passive prospects. ERE Media (9/17)
Key steps to effectively manage the open enrollment process Open enrollment season presents unique challenges for employers and can be a hectic time for HR and benefits professionals. Download XpertHR's guide to effectively manage the open enrollment process
WeWork drops noncompetes for nonexecutives Noncompete agreements are no longer required for WeWork nonexecutive employees, including custodians and other low-wage staffers. New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood says "too often noncompete agreements are misused, especially when it comes to low-wage workers -- limiting employees' mobility and opportunity." Fortune (9/18)
Path to Workforce
Prison Entrepreneurship Program reduces recidivism rates The Prison Entrepreneurship Program provides Texas inmates with training and resources to start new careers after being released, and only 7.5% of graduates reoffend, compared with the national average of 60%, PEP graduate Bryan Kelley says. Kelley is working to extend the program to other states. Houston Chronicle (tiered subscription model) (9/17)
The HR Leader
Class-action suit accuses IBM of age discrimination IBM is facing a class-action lawsuit from three former employees who allege they were fired because of their age. The news follows a ProPublica investigation finding that IBM has eliminated more than 20,000 employees 40 or older during the past five years, which recruiter Jack Kelly says is part of an alarming trend of blatant age discrimination. Forbes (9/18),Business Insider (9/18)
Shame hates to have words wrapped around it. If we talk about it, it loses its grip on us.
