Amazon's new policy makes it harder for employees with disabilities to work from home, requiring "a more rigorous vetting process" and monthslong office trials to assess accommodation needs. This change aligns with CEO Andy Jassy's push to strengthen company culture by returning to the office, but it has drawn criticism from employees and disability advocates who worry about its impact on workforce inclusivity. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (11/14)
Recruiting & Retention
Banks turn to creative incentives to tackle turnover Banks are exploring unconventional strategies to overcome recruitment and retention challenges, including sabbatical programs for long-tenured employees, subsidized housing to address high cost of living, and cash bonuses for employee referrals. Some fintechs also suggest that the use of AI could lead to smoother workflows and reduce employee burnout. A 2023 survey found banks reporting turnover of nearly 20% among nonofficer employees. Full Story: American Banker (11/14)
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NLRB rules that mandatory anti-union meetings are illegal The National Labor Relations Board has held that "captive-audience meetings," which are mandatory meetings at which employers outline their views on unionizing, run afoul of the National Labor Relations Act. Ruling in favor of Amazon workers and reversing a 76-year precedent, the NLRB said such meetings "have a reasonable tendency to interfere with and coerce employees in the exercise of their Section 7 rights" under the NLRA. Full Story: HR Dive (11/13)
The HR Leader
Host Hotels and Resorts focuses on employee belonging Host Hotels & Resorts received Nareit's 2024 Diversity Impact Large Cap award in recognition of their multi-year efforts in strategic planning and program development focused on creating a sense of belonging for employees. Looking ahead to 2025, Executive Vice President and Chief HR Officer Mari Sifo emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and anticipating employee needs in their approach to diversity and inclusion. "Our core has been around our strategy ... It is how we translate that into action," Sifo says. Full Story: Nareit (11/11)
Researchers found that rats who were taught to drive a car as part of an original experience on anxiety instead displayed what may be joy at the anticipation of driving the vehicle and even chose to drive to a tree of fruity cereal when walking would have been faster, writes Kelly Lambert, a professor of Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Richmond. The experiment, called "Wait For It," showed researchers "that planning, anticipating and enjoying the ride may be key to a healthy brain," Lambert writes. Full Story: The Conversation (11/11)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
You might remember Nellie Bly who was inspired to circle the globe like the fictional Phileas Fogg. Less known is she was a patent holder for which of the following inventions?
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. One of my favorite sites to explore is WhoWhatWear, a fashion website and sister Future publication. My go-to area on the site is its office-outfits section. I get tons of ideas for attractive, non-frumpy, non-stick-chick workwear that matches my personality and style. Here are some of my favorite articles: I Need Some Fresh Office Outfit Ideas — 5 Looks That Have My Attention15 Casual Work Outfits That Make Office Dressing Feel Downright EffortlessI Studied Cool Work Outfits to Figure Out What to Wear to a Conference I'm always looking for good workwear ideas. What sites or stores are your favorites? Men, don't be shy! I know your peers would appreciate your input. Let me know! Do you enjoy this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”
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