Hotel housekeepers strike over pay, working conditions | Resignation agencies help workers in Japan leave jobs | How Costco's "do the right thing" culture has paid off
Hotel workers strike over low pay and working conditions. (Joseph Prezioso/Getty Images)
Housekeepers represented by the UNITE HERE union have walked off the job at 24 hotels across cities like San Francisco, Honolulu and Boston, demanding higher wages and automatic daily room cleaning. The strikes underscore deeper issues of strained work conditions and financial instability among hotel workers, predominantly Black and Hispanic, since the pandemic. Hotels cite staffing shortages and budget management as reasons for reduced services but say they have contingency plans to meet guests' needs as negotiations continue.
Japan's rigid work culture, characterized by long hours and high pressure, has led to the rise of resignation agencies like Momuri that help employees quit their jobs without confrontation. Despite the government's attempt to address unethical employers by blacklisting over 370 companies, many workers still face significant harassment when trying to quit, especially younger workers who prefer a stress-free exit strategy to lifetime employment.
Hourly employees present unique management challenges, such as frequent schedule changes and less loyalty to the company. Author Scott Greenberg, who has firsthand experience in retail and expertise in motivational business strategies, outlines how to better manage these workers by meeting their emotional needs and providing clear performance metrics.
Although nonprofit sabbaticals are becoming more common, they are still not the norm and burnout remains a major concern, particularly for women of color, says Cora Daniels of the Bridgespan Group. Daniels shares her rejuvenating paid sabbatical experience, highlighting the importance of rest for nonprofit leaders and other initiatives, like the Walter & Elise Haas Fund's Endeavor Fund, that promote wellness and rest for employees.
When a younger staff member makes a wrong decision because of perceived inexperience, Tim Elmore, CEO of Growing Leaders, provides "A LEG" to stand on when talking with them by first asking questions to get at the root of their reasoning, making them feel heard by listening intently, empathizing to signal that you understand and only then guiding them from your personal power instead of your position. "Your influence now comes from a relationship, not a title," Elmore notes.
The Beatles' performance on the rooftop of Apple Corps HQ in London lives on, but their last public performance might be called unremarkable -- it didn't sell out. What venue?
My friend David* went through a breakup recently. It was his second for the year. Secretly I was happy -- that relationship seemed to stress him out. But, he’s a good friend so I expressed my sympathies when I saw him the other night at a friend’s birthday party.
“Yeah, I’m taking a break from relationships,” he told me as we perused the drink menu. “I need to heal and think. Two breakups in one year. Maybe they’re not the only problem.”
I was stunned by his words. I respected them. It showed character and integrity.
And it made me think of today’s workforce, in particular how important the employee experience has become. I agree that employers need to create a workplace culture where employees are compensated fairly and feel safe, comfortable and positioned for success. That’s fair.
But are managers and employers 100% responsible for employee satisfaction in their work? I’m not sure this is fair or achievable.
If someone on your team is perpetually dissatisfied and disgruntled, maybe it’s not all your fault. Maybe that person needs to do what David is doing and look at themselves and ask some tough questions. Am I taking advantage of professional development? Have I communicated my goals to my manager? Am I seeking out opportunities? Or am I just waiting on my boss to “fix things”? Am I a problem solver or a problem dumper?
Introspection is challenging, but I think it’s fair. For everyone involved, including managers. At the very least, it’s a good place to start.
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