Mercedes workers in Ala. reject UAW unionization bid | Navy simulator engages students in recruitment drive | When you want to achieve big goals, start small
Workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Ala., rejected a bid by the United Auto Workers to unionize the plant in a 2,642 to 2,045 vote on Friday. The result is a major blow to the union's efforts to expand its presence in the South and follows a string of recent high-profile wins for the union. "It was clearly damaging to the union and other organizing attempts near-term, but it is the beginning, not the end," says University of California Berkeley labor relations professor Harley Shaiken. Full Story: The New York Times (5/20),Reuters (5/20),CNN (5/20)
Recruiting & Retention
Navy simulator engages students in recruitment drive A simulator touring the US in an 18-wheeler is giving potential Navy recruits a taste of what they might encounter in service. The Nimitz simulator is designed to appeal to a digital generation of students in an arcade-like setting in which they can also learn about STEM programs in the Navy. Full Story: CBS News (5/8)
Nonprofit's chatbot helps people reframe thought patterns A free AI-based tool that the nonprofit Mental Health America has incorporated into its chatbot helps people work toward reframing negative thoughts about challenges they are facing. "My goal is to reduce distress in that time while people are trying to get care, and to prepare people for therapy with tools so they get more benefit when they start," says clinical social worker Theresa Nguyen, the organization's chief research officer. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (5/12)
Benefits & Compensation
Knead Hospitality puts child care on the benefits menu Washington, D.C.-based multi-brand restaurant company Knead Hospitality has expanded its two-year-old Knead Life + Style benefits package to include reimbursement for up to $1,800 in child care expenses per quarter for salaried staffers. The aim of the new perk is to help employees with kids afford the care they need to be able to come to work and to encourage those staffers to stay with the company, co-owner Jason Berry said. Full Story: Restaurant Hospitality (5/16)
Gallup research shows 70% of workers are disengaged from their jobs, which can present leaders an opportunity to embrace and create what Michael Lee Stallard and Katharine P. Stallard call a "Connection Culture" where team members feel valued, have a voice in the company's direction and are inspired by its leaders' vision. "This isn't just about data points and improving engagement scores; it's about creating a healthy, life-giving workplace culture that promotes people thriving and organizations excelling," they write. Full Story: Michael Lee Stallard blog (5/16)
