Workers angry at Farmers Group remote work reversal | Job candidates' social media posts often speak volumes | Managing your boss might make your job easier
Raul Vargas, new CEO at Farmers Group, reversed the company's permanent remote working policy, demanding that employees now work at the office at least three days per week. Angry employees, many of whom moved home or implemented other lifestyle changes as a result of the previous move to permanent remote working, complained on the company's internal social platform with threats to quit or unionize. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (6/6)
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Recruiting & Retention
Job candidates' social media posts often speak volumes Checking out a job candidate's presence on social media is an accepted part of the hiring process, and said checking can raise red flags, writes Mandy Gilbert, CEO of Creative Niche. One red flag is a general lack of respect, Gilbert writes, and suggests screening for offensive posts and comments by candidates to shield "your company's reputation, avoid potential legal issues, and ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace culture." Full Story: Inc. (tiered subscription model) (6/5)
Why you should have an employee sabbatical program Employees who take a six- to eight-week long sabbatical -- especially those who leave their home country for a time -- return with more energy, creativity and confidence, which is why companies should offer such options to combat burnout, says DJ DiDonna, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and founder of The Sabbatical Project. Another payoff for companies, DiDonna says, is that it prepares them for turnover by forcing them to redistribute responsibilities while an employee is away and can help those who stay on the job build their skills. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (6/6)
Path to Workforce
Pa. program promotes manufacturing as potential careers Nearly 5,000 high-school students across much of northern Pennsylvania have been introduced to possible careers in manufacturing in the region. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center's Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team Program brings students, faculty, administrators and parents together with young manufacturing professionals to explore the various opportunities. Full Story: Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) (6/2)
The HR Leader
Vanguard's Tiffany Haley on finding the right talent Tiffany Haley, head of global talent acquisition at Vanguard, talks about the three attributes the company most seeks in its talent and reveals her favorite interview question. "Instead of asking what candidates want to gain from the role and from working here, I ask them what they want to give," Haley says. Full Story: Insider (6/5)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Elvis Presley's home, Graceland, opened to public tours June 7, 1982. Where is it? Check your answer here.
Raul Vargas’ abrupt aboutface with Farmers Group’s remote work policy caught scores of workers off guard, as we see in today’s Top Story. I’m not surprised employees are furious. Many made giant life changes based on the company’s promise and now they’re forced to change again -- before September. I get their frustration. Companies, I realize, can roll back policies, even when they promise they won’t. That happens. But when that rollback upends workers’ lives, anger seems a justifiable response. Vargas seems unconcerned about the backlash. He trotted out the usual “collaboration, creativity and innovation” line to defend his decision. *Yawn* Even researchers are pushing back on the "we need everyone together to brainstorm" argument. I’m curious what you all think -- about reneging on the promise and in giving workers just three months to comply. Is this fair? Would you give employees more time? Would you be willing to make exceptions for certain cases? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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