Drivers go on strike at 7 key Amazon delivery hubs | Improve staff retention with cross-functional mobility | Navigating change in multicultural environments
Teamsters-affiliated drivers went on strike on Thursday at seven key Amazon delivery hubs, including those in New York City, San Francisco and the Chicago area. The strike began after the passing of a Sunday deadline the Teamsters had set for contract negotiations with the workers, who are calling for compensation at the same levels as US Postal Service and UPS workers as well as safer working conditions. Amazon has said it does not consider the drivers to be employees of the company.
With 51% of employees actively seeking new jobs, companies are urged to enhance engagement by promoting cross-functional mobility and mentorship. Allianz Trade's Alix McCabe emphasizes the importance of offering diverse career paths and development opportunities to retain talent.
Employee benefits next year will focus on personalization to meet the diverse needs of a multigenerational workforce, HR leaders say. Companies are expected to offer customized wellness programs, flexible work arrangements such as a four-day workweek and expanded family benefits, including pet-related policies.
Trying to balance work while dealing with his father's recent death helped management consultant Marc Cugnon realize the importance of leaders showing empathy to their team and proactively offering support and redistributing tasks. "Nobody at your job can take away the personal angst and agitation, but they help alleviate some of the everyday sources of stress and pressure," writes Cugnon.
Licensed clinical social worker Michele Navarro Ishiki has founded the nonprofit Piha Wellness and Healing to help residents of her native Maui, especially those affected by the Lahaina wildfires, get the mental help support they need from people who understand their culture. "Our vision is for every home to be healed and be piha [full] in their wellness and healing ... for our kupuna [ancestors], those who came before us, those who stand beside us, and those who come after us," says Navarro Ishiki.
Welcome to Friday Faves! Every Friday, I spotlight books, podcasts, email newsletters, documentaries or other content pieces that I enjoy. I also share suggestions that I get from you. Got a favorite for your peers? Send it to me. I may include it here for a future column.
Aloha dear SmartBrief on Workforce readers!
My mom is in town so I took half a day off yesterday and we went to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to see its newest on-load exhibit, the Dead Sea Scrolls. Fascinating! We probably spent two hours just lingering over the artifacts and talking to docents.
After a quick lunch we visited the gift shop and that’s where I picked up this week’s Friday Fave: The Notes: Ronald Reagan’s Private College of Stories and Wisdom. I heard about this book ages ago. President Reagan used to carry index cards with him, on which he would jot quotes, jokes, pithy phrases, thoughts and nuggets from speeches or conversations. He carried them with him in case he needed a quick zinger for a speech or discussion. It’s been a cool, fun read and has given unique insight into the man known as “The Great Communicator.” Some of my favorites from the book:
On Political Theater. “Tricks are the prac. [sic] of fools who haven’t the wit to be honest.”
On Character. From an experience with Marie Montessori: “When asked why she didn’t reply to her critics replied that if she were climbing a ladder & a dog came yapping at her heels, she would have 2 choices. Either she could stop & kick the dog or she could continue to climb the ladder. She preferred to climb.”
On Humor. “The good years -- when the kids were old enough to cut the grass & too young to drive the car.”
What are you reading, watching or listening to these days? Let me know! I'm open to all your ideas.
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