The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act has taken effect, requiring companies with 15 or more employees to make "reasonable accommodations" for workers who are pregnant and for pregnancy-related issues. Such accommodations could include allowing employees to sit down, flexible hours and exemptions from work that could pose danger, including heavy lifting, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Full Story: NBC News (6/27),CBS News (6/27)
Establish your reputation as an inclusive workplace Prioritize initiatives that elevate your workplace culture and increase employee satisfaction levels to better acquire top talent and retain high-level performers. Discover how to refresh your engagement practices with a SHRM Seminar. Explore topics, dates and virtual/online offerings.
Nearly 90% of employees in the US and 68% of those in several European countries say they want to work with companies that share their values, according to LinkedIn research, and 55% aren't willing to settle for less even if a pay raise is offered. Tools like Commitments from LinkedIn can help job hunters learn if prospective employers share their values, S. Chris Edmonds says. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (6/27)
Women's tennis pledges to reach pay equity by 2033 The women's tennis tour, WTA, is committing to pay equity by 2033 at its biggest tournaments, which are significantly behind the prizes on the men's ATP Tour. The WTA said the increases would be phased in so that they are sustainable, and the organization also plans to increase the number of regional events to support the next generation of players. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (6/27)
Path to Workforce
Female leaders: Support key to gender equity in STEM Sue-Ellen Wright and other female STEM professionals discuss the challenges faced by women in fields such as engineering, where fewer than 20% of the workforce is female. Among the interventions recommended by the women in this article is early and consistent education supports for girls as well as networking and mentorship for women in the field. Full Story: UNLEASH News (6/23)
The HR Leader
How can company retreats rise above awkward moments? Blurred boundaries and "cringeworthy" exercises can ruin company retreats, which leaders can salvage by sprinkling work into diverse activities that leave out alcohol-focused evenings, culture experts and employees say. Retreat planners say demand has soared amid remote work and easing COVID-19 restrictions, but one business owner opts instead to take employees out for a long lunch and give them the afternoon off. Full Story: BBC (6/27)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Which one is a Flemish artist whose birthday is June 28? Check your answer here.
Experiences are, in large part, what we make of them, I believe. I’ve been to a handful of corporate retreats and have always enjoyed them. They included fun activities -- like indoor go kart racing and golf -- and motivational workshops. Everyone got together for dinner and then afterwards, relaxing with cocktails and live music. It was nice to be able to enjoy time with colleagues talking about things other than work and contracts. So I’m a bit puzzled by the experiences of the Negative Nellies in today’s HR Leader story about corporate retreats. I do understand the concerns about alcohol-infused activities and Corrine’s reluctance to share a room with a co-worker. I agree 100%. Those are easy to handle, though -- everyone gets their own room and limit or cut out the drinking. But not liking corporate events because you’re worried about how you’ll feel if you see a vice president wearing a polo shirt? Or because you might end up in a brainstorming session with a senior leader? That didn’t make sense to me. Corporate retreats are intended to be fun, relaxed team building opportunities. Get into the spirit of them! At the very least, look for the good instead of worrying about the “Oh no what if…” scenario. “What if I wind up next to the CEO at lunch?” Be a professional and strike up a conversation. “What if my boss shows up in a bathing suit?” Don’t stare or wear the same one. “What if I don’t like the activity? I don’t want to do group yoga.” Then go to the gym. I’ll meet you there. At a time when the workforce is suffering from low morale and disconnect, I think corporate retreats can be a breath of fresh air. It’s a way for organizations to reward their teams with some fun and leisure, and nurture professional relationships. If your company is putting one on, I encourage you to participate and approach it with an open mind. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. What's been your experience with corporate retreats? Good? Or nightmare? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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