Stellantis to offer buyouts in cost-cutting push | Survey: Executives reluctant to disclose social identities | 5 responses to workplace vacation-shamers
Stellantis will offer voluntary separation packages to roughly half of its US white-collar workforce of approximately 12,700 people to cut its headcount and reduce its North American cost base. The initiative, which will be offered to those with at least five years experience, follows a wider cost-cutting trend across the US auto industry and comes on the heels of broad economic uncertainty, the shift to electric vehicles and a new United Auto Workers contract. Full Story: CNBC (11/13),The Associated Press (11/13),The Wall Street Journal (11/13),Reuters (11/14)
Recruiting & Retention
Survey: Executives reluctant to disclose social identities A new Deloitte survey finds that 67% of senior managers and around 60% of workers in the US do not disclose their race, sexual orientation, parental status or disabilities in an attempt to fit in better at work. However, disclosing those social identities could help create a culture that welcomes employees to disclose theirs, and employee resource groups have the potential to offer a safe space to advocate for change, writes Corrine Post. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (11/14)
Workplace benefits can help mothers prioritize wellness Employers can take specific steps to help mothers in the workplace reduce stress, balance family and employment priorities and improve wellness. Comfortable, dedicated space for breast pumping, on-site child care services, and personalized, flexible work scheduling can be helpful. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (11/10)
Path to Workforce
Students forge path as automotive entrepreneurs Idaho high-school seniors with extensive workforce training are establishing their own automotive repair business, Elite Mobile Automotive & Weld of North Idaho. They aim to start their entrepreneurial journey early, leveraging skills acquired in programs like welding and automotive technology offered by Kootenai Technical Education Center. Full Story: Idaho Education News (11/13)
Studies and news stories indicate that many workers aren't satisfied with their jobs or employers, meaning companies need to embark on a culture shift, Joe Thiel, president of Meridian Technologies, writes. An appropriate salary is essential, but so are holistic onboarding and continual nurturing, Thiel notes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (11/14)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
The CIA is, ahem, central to apocrypha about them authoring a song that helped take down the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. What song/group is alleged to be involved in this story?
It was Christmas Eve 2003. The kids and I were with my parents at my Uncle Billy’s house. I was watching football with Dad; we loved the college bowl games. I was in the kitchen getting a snack during halftime when Mom entered the room. “Girls,” she said, circling Aunty Kathy and I with her arms. “As of today, my husband is retired.” Aunty Kathy gave a happy squeal -- “Oh Keala that’s wonderful!” -- but I stood there holding a Diet Coke, feeling confused. I looked at Mom quizzically. “Your husband?” I asked, head cocked. “Yeah!” Mom said, still delighted. I spoke slowly. “Isn’t your husband my dad?” “Of course.” “So Dad retired? Today? Do my brother and sister know? Will there be a party? He’s only 56 -- that’s young! How come we didn’t know he was thinking of this?” I had so many questions. Dad was offered a generous buyout and accepted it, Mom explained. He was the oldest member of his crew and had fewer than 10 years until official retirement. When his manager came to him with the buyout offer, he readily accepted. It was more than enough for he and Mom to be comfortable for years, and he was young enough to pursue another career. “Daddy didn’t want a party,” she continued. “And no your siblings don’t know. I’ll tell them. He didn’t say anything because, well, that’s Daddy.” True. Dad was discreet about his life and I wasn’t surprised about him not having a party. It wasn’t his style. He didn’t like the spotlight. Mom said he did say good-bye to the friends who were still with the company. I returned to the living room. The game was back on. Dad was stretched out on the floor, head on a stack of pillows, arms crossed on his chest, his eyes glued to the game. I had to say something. “Hey Dad,” I said loudly (his hearing wasn’t great). “Mom says you’re retired now?” “Yep.” “That’s cool.” “Yep.” “No party?” “Nope.” His voice was getting tense. I knew I wasn’t supposed to talk while the game was live -- long-standing rule in the house -- but I felt like I had to acknowledge this life-changing milestone. “Well you’re young, Dad. You can go any direction you want. It’s exciting!” “Yep.” I giggled to myself. I knew I had to wrap this up. “I’m proud of you, Dad," I said, grinning. "You worked hard and earned this early retirement. Good for you! Congratulations!” “Thanks,” he grunted, still not moving from his position on the floor. This time I laughed aloud. A humble man of few words -- and father to a chronic overthinker and overtalker. I stopped talking and we watched the game in friendly silence. That memory popped into my head as I read today’s top story about buyouts at automaker Stellantis. About 6,400 salaried employees are expected to get these offers. It’s quite a signal about the changes happening in the auto manufacturing industry. It will be interesting to see what happens next. Stay tuned as we continue this coverage. How can I serve you better with this brief? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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