CEOs aim to weather downturn without big job cuts | NLRB official: Amazon must bargain with warehouse union | How managers distract employees from their core work
CEOs worldwide are expecting a possible recession to be short-lived and are focusing on how to withstand the downturn without sweeping job cuts, according to a survey by The Conference Board. US CEOs are focusing on pricing and on high-growth business and are cutting discretionary spending, while European CEOs are postponing capital investment. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (1/12)
Recruiting & Retention
NLRB official: Amazon must bargain with warehouse union Amazon's effort to undo the recent vote to unionize a New York City warehouse was blocked on Wednesday by National Labor Relations Board Regional Director Cornele Overstreet, who threw out the company's claims that voting was inappropriately influenced by union organizers and NLRB officials. The ruling, which orders Amazon to start bargaining in good faith with the Staten Island warehouse union, likely will be appealed to the full NLRB. Full Story: National Public Radio (1/11)
Helping employees save for financial emergencies The recently passed SECURE 2.0 legislation includes several provisions meant to bolster financial well-being and retirement preparedness. Under the legislation, defined-contribution plans will be able to include emergency savings accounts with an automatic enrollment feature. Full Story: MarketWatch (tiered subscription model) (1/12)
The HR Leader
Don't like office politics? You may be at a disadvantage Use office politics to your advantage by identifying the influencers, building relationships across the organization and speaking up about your successes to position yourself for advancement, writes Robyn McLeod. "Asking for what you want, giving your perspective on things, and challenging others when necessary are all ways to ensure that your voice is included when important decisions and discussions are underway," McLeod writes. Full Story: Chatsworth Consulting Group (1/12)
Workplace Chatter
The next meeting with your boss could be in an ice bath Some executives are embracing a new trend of holding meetings, and even job interviews, in wellness club ice baths that promise to bring participants more clarity and an immune boost. Despite the health benefits, Tanner Garrity wonders whether such rituals lack inclusion, asking, "What if you'd rather not strip down to a bathing suit with your boss?" Full Story: InsideHook (1/5)
Editor's Note
SmartBrief will not publish Jan. 16 In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the US, SmartBrief will not publish Monday, Jan. 16.
About the Editor
Kanoe Namahoe 2023
(Kanoe Namahoe)
I know the benefits of ice baths. They relieve sore muscles. They support exercise recovery. They help reduce inflammation. It’s a common post-workout routine for many athletes. Now, though, ice baths appear to have made their way into the corporate world, according to today’s Chatter story. A growing number of executives are conducting business -- meetings, brainstorming sessions, even interviews! -- while sitting in a tub of iced 40-degree water. Uh, no thank you. Now, the other wellness treatments, including vitamin drips and massages, sound wonderful. (You all know I love my spa days.) But I still don’t want to do anything related to work while getting them. When I’m face down on a massage table, with hot rocks down my spine, the last things I want to talk about are story pitches, project updates or personnel issues. And what about clothing? What do you do for people who are self-conscious about their bodies and don’t want to don swimwear with their work peers -- or potential bosses? But hey, these are just my thoughts. If this is your thing, kudos. Tell me about it. I’d love to hear from anyone who has participated in this social wellness trend. I promise to have an open mind. Drop me a line. And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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