Changes at Vice Media aim to end culture of misogyny | Should employers prioritize skills over education for some jobs? | Retain employees with a focus on development
Vice Media founders Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi said the company is taking steps to end a "detrimental boys' club culture" after an article in The New York Times alleged sexual harassment and a misogynistic workplace. Among the changes planned are hiring a chief human resources officer and implementing a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board. NBC News (12/23),The New York Times (free-article access for SmartBrief readers) (12/23)
Recruiting & Retention
Should employers prioritize skills over education for some jobs? Many companies have begun requiring bachelor's degrees for jobs that historically haven't required them, although nearly half of employers doubt that college graduates are ready for the job market. Organizations such as Skillful are trying to encourage companies to take a more skills-based approach to hiring instead of focusing on the education levels of candidates, writes Lolade Fadulu. The Atlantic online (12/25)
5 Business Owner Optimism InsightsAccording to the recent Capital One Small Business Growth Index, the state of small business is strong. Regardless of some uncertainly that small business owners have felt this year around potentially impactful legislative issues, small business confidence is at its highest point since 2012. See the full results of our business owner survey.
6 ways to help employees recover from burnout Overworked employees cost companies an estimated $63 billion every year, but employers can take specific steps to help people refuel and reconnect with their work, the authors of this article write. Helping workers disconnect after work hours, encouraging more sleep and meaningful social connections are just a few ways companies can help employees do their jobs successfully. Training magazine (12/21)
Benefits & Compensation
Tax law could offer relief for startup employees The new tax law will allow employees of private companies to defer the tax liability generated by exercising stock options for as long as five years. However, companies must distribute equity options to at least 80% of their workforce to qualify for the provision. Reuters (12/22)
The HR Leader
Social norms can lead to exclusion Social norms can create boundaries and exclude certain society members from participating, such as bawdy humor that could make women feel threatened, while allowing pets in the office could alienate employees who are allergic or afraid of animals. Instead of eliminating all social norms, evolutionary psychologist Geoffrey Miller recommends institutions consider each perceived norm on a case-by-case basis and evaluate whether it is worth keeping. Bloomberg (free registration) (12/19)
Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers.
