It’s become almost commonplace for employers to say they offer flexible working arrangements. But like “full benefits,” “competitive compensation,” and “holiday party,” what this actually means can vary widely. In my years writing benefits communications and “best company” applications I’ve seen some great examples of flex work done right—and quite a few examples that are […]
Work Life
Let’s Hear It for Individual Contributors!
Why do so few companies provide opportunities for individual contributors to continue doing what they do best—or move sideways into some other direct line of work? Why is climbing into the managerial ranks so often the only path to better pay and more prestige? Pretty much everyone acknowledges the reality of the Peter Principle—so why […]
Is Your Diversity Program Stuck in the Block Corner?
“Diversity” is the kindergarten of inclusion: it’s all about numbers and colors. Not to knock kindergarten, but the question of how many of one group or another your organization has, while important, is the least interesting question. And to focus on race and/or ethnic background, with maybe a smidgen of gender thrown in—is to severely […]
Mothers of America–Is It Time for an Attitude Adjustment?
One day a couple months back, two articles appeared on The New York Times op/ed page, both focusing on the nation’s continued lack of support for parents. Or specifically, as both pieces pointed out, for mothers: [In my research] I spoke to mothers specifically because in wealthy nations, mothers have historically been the focus […]
The Secret to Innovation?
Q: How do you promote innovation? A: You listen. To everyone. At the recent “Great Place to Work For All” summit, an annual event sponsored by Great Place to Work (GPTW), the focus was on inclusion. Speaker after speaker drew a direct connection between everyone at the organization feeling heard, and business innovation. Note that […]
The Devil Wears What??
When in the past would a candidate’s history of mistreating employees have been a thing? The news about how Senator Amy Klobuchar has treated her staff, beginning as rumors but now increasingly well-documented in multiple credible news sources, is disappointing and sad. But here’s another way to think about it…four years ago, would it have […]