The Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement program, known as DALE, offers deportation protection and work authorization to undocumented workers who assist in labor investigations. This initiative aims to empower workers to report workplace abuses without fear of deportation, aiding under-resourced labor agencies in holding employers accountable.
The "January Resignation Rush" is a trend where employees reconsider their careers at the start of the year, often leading to increased turnover. This period is marked by employees re-evaluating their job satisfaction and career goals, making it a critical time for employers to address potential resignations.
HR leaders and benefits experts should deepen their understanding of long-term care planning to better support employees, especially as 70% of Americans aged 65 may require such care. Lori Martin of Envision Benefit Specialists emphasizes the importance of being proactive in this process. "Caregiving is an absolute crisis. A lot of caregiving stories you read are pretty heart-wrenching. But when there's a plan in place, it can be a different experience," says Martin.
Open career discussions between graduate students and mentors are essential, writes Raquel Salinas, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences,. Salinas advises students to start conversations early, use individual development plans and engage in reverse mentorship, while recommending that mentors normalize career discussions, recognize transferable skills and acknowledge personal factors in career decisions.
The "leadership playground" at Lego nurtures behaviors like bravery, focus and curiosity, says Chief People Officer Loren Shuster, who explains that the volunteer playground builders ensure broad representation and buy-in across the company. "It came from you; this is built for you, by you, and not by a bunch of executives who may or may not be in touch with what's happening in every part of the organization. It has a built-in mechanism of representation," says Shuster.
My father-in-law is one of the hardest-working men I know. The sole provider for his family -- with nine children! -- Dad spent nearly 40 years tending the fields and facilities for a local rancher. He worked with integrity and diligence. When a wildfire threatened the ranch a few years ago, Dad -- who was in his 70s -- armed himself with a hose and an ax and went to work to help safeguard the land. Those who worked with him, including the rancher, had enormous respect for him and his work ethic.
My father-in-law is from Guadalajara, Mexico. He brought his family to California in the 1970s to build a better life. I’m certain he was undocumented at the time. Eventually, he gained legal status, but in those early years, his priority was work. He had a family to support.
I’m sure Dad dealt with unscrupulous employers before getting the job at the ranch. Knowing him, he took it as part of his reality and the dues he had to pay as part of his new life in California. Even then, he never cut corners but worked with honor. It’s who he is.
Employers who prey on and exploit undocumented workers turn my stomach. I’m glad to read about programs like DALE, featured in our top story today, that help protect individuals from workplace abuse. No one should have to deal with that -- for any reason.
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