Walkouts at Google offices worldwide this week to raise awareness of sexual harassment and fair treatment will likely begin the process of other companies creating a framework for handling sexual-abuse allegations in the workplace, writes Cassie Werber. Some of the possible changes include ending mandatory arbitration in cases like these, clear company guidelines for reporting sexual harassment, and a commitment to end pay inequality. Quartz (11/1)
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Making the Connection
Do pre-networking before a conference Not all networking events or conferences are created equal, but even poorly organized events can provide some value, writes Dakota Shane. Engage with attendees on social media weeks before the event and try to connect with attendees in person via lunch or drinks to build strong industry connections. Inc. (10/2018)
The Landscape
18K GM employees get buyout offer General Motors has notified approximately 18,000 salaried employees that it is offering voluntary buyouts to employees with at least 12 years of experience or it may need to implement layoffs. The company, however, is continuing to hire for development of self-driving and electric cars. Detroit Free Press (10/31)
Your Next Challenge
Survey: Do workers need skills or a degree? A survey of freelance workers with four-year college degrees finds that 93% of them say training in specific skills is more valuable than earning a degree, while 79% say their degree is useful in their current work. In this commentary, Stephane Kasriel, CEO of Upwork, which co-commissioned the study, asserts that the data reveal that many future jobs will require ongoing learning that college degrees may not offer. CNBC (10/31)
An airport employee was loading baggage into the cargo hold of an American Airlines airplane leaving Kansas City, Mo., on Saturday when he apparently fell asleep -- due to being self-admittedly intoxicated. The handler was discovered unharmed when the flight landed in Chicago, and American Airlines said that the incident is under investigation. USA Today (11/1)
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