April 2023
Mass protests have erupted in France against the government's proposed pension reform, which would raise the nation’s retirement age from 62 to 64. Aging Baby Boomers have made retirement policies into a major issue: Employers around the world should be aware of the potential for strong reactions to benefit reforms, prioritizing clear communication and employee input, and planning for potential disruptions to minimize negative consequences. (Associated Press)
South Korea recently proposed increasing the maximum weekly working hours from 52 to 68, sparking protests and calls for the government to prioritize workers' rights and well-being. Work-life balance has become a global priority, particularly among younger workers; many advocates are urging employers to also consider the broader economic and social implications of their decisions in regards to working hours. (CNN)
While Europeans and Asians have returned to in-person work in large numbers (generally over 80%), the US is still embracing WFH, with roughly half of Americans still working remotely. Whether Americans are simply slower to return to the office remains to be seen, however managers who have been banking on a 100% return should prepare for the possibility that remote work has become a more permanent feature of the landscape. (The Wall Street Journal)
The Tulsa Remote program, which offers a $10,000 grant to eligible remote workers who relocate to Tulsa, OK for at least one year, aims to foster a sense of community among remote workers and to connect them with local organizations and businesses. The program has become incredibly popular among both participants and local officials, and has sparked a series of similar efforts in other cities across the US. (WorkLife)
American workers are taking fewer vacation days than ever, a trend which will likely have negative repercussions not just on their mental and physical health but on overall productivity as well. A lack of time off may also have a broader impact on society and the economy, as burnout and stress can lead to decreased workplace engagement and increased healthcare costs. (The Washington Post)
Strong company culture is critical to success in a hybrid work environment, helping create a sense of belonging and purpose in an environment when workers may sometimes feel disconnected from the organization. Executives have a critical role to play in shaping and maintaining culture: Promoting inclusivity and collaboration, prioritizing employee engagement and well-being, and leading by example. (Quartz)
Psychological safety in a professional setting refers to a work environment where employees feel secure to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of retribution, ridicule, or negative consequences. This type of work environment has been strongly linked to employee satisfaction; managers looking to increase innovation and creativity in particular should strive to prioritize and promote a supportive environment. (WorkLife)
Shopify recently implemented a “No Meetings Wednesdays” policy after using a bot to auto-delete a total 322,000 hours of meetings from employee calendars, in an effort to give employees more time to simply… work. While this approach may not be ideal for every company or industry, Shopify’s COO says that he has “gotten more positive feedback on this change than anything else he's done at Shopify.” (NPR)