Proposed Labor Dept. plan cuts "ineffective" programs | Student loan assistance may boost employee retention | Cash-strapped Gen Xers, single parents aren't prepared for the future
The Trump administration is proposing a 21% cut to the Labor Department's budget with a plan that removes program deemed as "ineffective" and expands initiatives that can help people find work. The plan would reduce the Job Corps and eliminate the Senior Community Service Employment Program, among other changes. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (3/16)
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Recruiting & Retention
Student loan assistance may boost employee retention Most workers say they would commit to remaining with their employers for five years if they were offered assistance with student loans, according to a survey by American Student Assistance. Employers can help in a number of ways, such as by directly paying student loans or offering financial wellness training. Bloomberg BNA (free content) (3/13)
Leadership & Development
Cash-strapped Gen Xers, single parents aren't prepared for the future Generation X workers, those ages 35 to 54, make up about 30% of the workforce and are among the most cash-strapped members of the population, with financial concerns related to day-to-day expenses complicating efforts to save for the future, according to a new report. Single parents are particularly vulnerable to financial worries and coverage gaps such as inadequate life and disability insurance, debt, stagnant wages, and other challenges. LifeHealthPro (3/15)
The US women's hockey team says it will not play in the championships next month unless USA Hockey agrees to a new deal that includes a living wage and consistent income. Players currently only receive contracts during Olympic years, when they are paid $1,000 per month during the Olympic residency period and "virtually nothing" the rest of the time, according to a law firm representing the players. The Guardian (London) (3/15)
Technology
Microsoft unveils Teams, aims for office-chat business Microsoft has launched office-communication software Teams, targeting the market of business chat and meetings that Slack dominates. Teams, which also aims to increase adoption of cloud-based Office 365, is available in 181 markets and had been in beta mode since November. Bloomberg (3/14)
