Home Depot has recently implemented a new policy that requires all its corporate employees to work an eight-hour shift in customer service or retail every quarter. This move is aimed at providing corporate employees with a better understanding of the company’s operations and is seen as a learning opportunity. However, the success of this policy will largely depend on its implementation and the quality of in-store training provided to corporate staff.
This initiative by Home Depot is seen as an unusual move in the retail industry, especially at a time when labor activism is on the rise and unionization movements are gaining momentum across various industries. The company’s decision comes in the wake of rising union petitions and efforts by employees to advocate for better working conditions. Notably, Philadelphia Home Depot employees voted to unionize in 2022, and workers at other companies like Apple, CVS, and Amazon have also unionized in recent times.
In a bid to increase productivity at work, Forbes provides insights and advice on various topics such as networking myths, dealing with managers who overlook problems, and using apps to boost efficiency. Additionally, the publication sat down with Tammy Sun, CEO and Founder of Carrot Fertility, to discuss how menopause impacts women in the workplace and how employees can advocate for better benefits and support. The conversation highlighted the importance of employee advocacy and bringing up issues related to menopause and fertility benefits to HR and management.
Boeing is currently facing a challenge with its striking workers as the company withdrew its final offer and filed an unfair labor practice charge against the union. Additionally, the aerospace firm announced layoffs of about 10% of its workforce, with plans to raise funds through stock offerings and debt. A new study also revealed that female leadership tends to suffer when private equity firms invest in companies, with a decrease in the percentage of women in leadership roles seen by the end of the investment period.
Social security benefits are set to increase by 2.5% in 2025 to reflect cost-of-living adjustments, benefiting retirees with an average increase of about $50 per month. Furthermore, the AFL-CIO and the National Science Foundation have announced a partnership to better understand the impact of technology, including AI and automation, on jobs. This collaboration could serve as a model for how unions work with federal agencies on workforce development initiatives.
In other news, TikTok announced layoffs of 500 employees, mostly in its content moderation department in Malaysia, signaling a shift towards AI technology. The platform’s move reflects the ongoing trend of companies leveraging automation to streamline operations. Additionally, a U.S. labor board accused a tech company of interfering with workers’ rights to advocate for better working conditions, highlighting the importance of protecting employees’ rights in the workplace.
