Google quietly stopped promoting a drag show on its internal company events page, which was intended to be its final Pride Month celebration, following a petition by a group of employees who claimed the performance, featuring popular drag star Peaches Christ, "sexualizes and disrespects Christian co-workers." Other employees criticized the petition and the company's response to it, but spokesperson Chris Pappas said the change was a result of an internal team organizing the drag show "without going through our standard events process." Full Story: NBC News (6/28)
Recruiting & Retention
Report: Drug use among US workforce reaches new highs Positive drug tests within the US workforce reached a 20-year high in 2022 at 4.6%, which is also up more than 30% from the 30-year lows from 2010 to 2012, according to Quest Diagnostics analysis. Sectors with the highest level of positivity rates was among accommodation and food services, transportation and warehousing, construction, manufacturing and finance, and individuals involved in accidents had higher marijuana positivity rates. Full Story: CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly (6/26)
5 steps to provide benefits workers want on a budget Many small-business owners think they can't afford comprehensive benefits, but a step-by-step approach can sync what workers want with the company budget, employee benefits professional Stephanie Shields writes. Shields explains five steps to consider: research, diverse packages, a hierarchy of insurance types, a budget and communication. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (6/27)
A study of 203 remote workers in the US published in Computers & Security found cybersecurity awareness and vigilance was not negatively affected by remote working and remote workers were more aware of issues than on-site counterparts. "The findings provide specific and actionable guidance for managers and practitioners seeking to leverage remote working while maintaining limited cybersecurity exposure," researchers conclude. Full Story: Accounting Today (6/27)
Like grasshoppers who aren't aware that they can escape an open jar, leaders who don't challenge their assumed constraints will be "continually hitting [their] head on a metaphorical ceiling of [their] own making," limiting opportunities and innovation, leadership consultant Susan Fowler writes. Fowler explains how to challenge these assumptions -- and prepare yourself for the results. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (6/28)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
If you want to mark the downfall of civilization, June 29, 2007, is as good as any, which is when the first iPhone went on sale and we never looked up again. How much did the 4GB version retail for? Check your answer here (and look up once in a while).
Some friends took a ride last fall to Santa Barbara. One of the guys brought a gal named Laura* with him. She was new to the group and new to motorcycles. Everyone was friendly and welcomed her to the ride. After lunch, as the group headed back to their bikes, a couple of the guys began telling stories about their motorcycle adventures. Some of the stories included graphic details of falls and accidents. Laura began to feel dizzy and before she knew it, she was falling to the ground. Everyone rushed to help her. Fortunately, she came to after a few minutes and was able to drink water and speak. They let her rest a few minutes then got back on their bikes and headed home. I met Laura a few months after this episode took place, at a basketball game. We both work in education technology and quickly started talking shop. But, as conversations so often go with women, we eventually began talking about our personal lives. I mentioned that I ride and she shared the story about her passing out. I was puzzled. I knew the stories she had heard. They’re harrowing, but not unusual for motorcycle riders. And she didn’t strike me as the type of person who scares easily. I said as much to her. That’s when she admitted she’d smoked a joint with some of the guys. “But, I smoke all the time,” she said. She explained she uses weed to deal with anxiety and stress. “There must’ve been something different in what T gave me. That knocked me out.” Fifteen years ago, Laura’s admission might have surprised me. Not today, though. Stigma around cannabis has all but vanished. It’s practically the new kale. People who once would have been discreet about their marijuana use are now open about it. The trend has crossed into the workforce, as we see in today’s Recruitment & Retention story. Data Quest Diagnostics shows that the drug test positivity rate for the overall workforce has reached a 20-year high (pun not intended). This is across all workforce sectors. The increase coincides with states legalizing the use of marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes. How will this trend affect the workforce? Do you see increased use leading to new changes in HR policy? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also. Editor's note: I know some of you regular readers are wondering where I stand on this topic. I don’t personally use marijuana -- I don’t like drugs and I hate the stench of weed -- but I do not judge those who do. People like Laura are part of the reason why. She's bright, capable and responsible about her use. That said, I don’t allow weed in my house and people who visit are always respectful about this rule. * Name changed to preserve person's privacy.
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