Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work

Send us a textThis week, we're focusing on key studies that just dropped...Topic 1: Rudeness Epidemic: Insights from SHRM’s Civility IndexCan workplace incivility be costing your organization more than you realize? Join us as we unravel the harsh reality that nearly 40% of daily uncivil acts happen at work. We dive into personal stories and real-life experiences that highlight these staggering numbers. Discover how the SHRM Civility Index, with its current US score of 40, categorizes the frequency of incivility in the workplace. Learn about the importance of respect and how assessing civility can lead to a healthier work environment. References: SHRM Civility IndexTopic 2:  Turns Out, Becoming an AI Power User is Easy.Despite some hesitations and the lack of a clear implementation strategy among leaders, AI is gaining traction for enhancing productivity and alleviating burnout. We'll share insights from Microsoft's and LinkedIn's 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report, revealing how employees from Gen Z to Boomers are harnessing AI to streamline tasks like transcription and meeting summarization. Tune in for practical advice to become an AI power user in your workplace and learn how this technology can help bridge the gap in workload demands. References:2024 Work Trend Index Annual ReportDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textAdam Horne, co-founder of Open Org is on a mission: to build a more trusted, transparent world of work. So, we wanted to get him on the pod to talk about how in the hell do you do that? Turns out, it's not only doable (let's start with employees having ZERO surprises around biggies like compensation, benefits, etc), but, when done authentically - can improve (like majorly improve) hiring, retention and overall health of an organization.  Our conversation covers aligning internal and external transparency, the costs of cultural mismatches and the unintentional humor (or not) of hiring managers who promise more than they deliver.  Most importantly, this episode is loaded with practical advice for creating genuine, transparent work environments. Specifically, you'll learn:About OpenOrgThe Costs: When Organizations Lack Transparency What Does 'Good' Organizational Transparency Look Like?Leading Transparency Practices Benchmarks: Who's Doing This Really WellThe Future of Transparency Listen as we pick Adam's brain on the whole tapestry of trust within companies and walk away with a blueprint for embedding transparency in your organizational DNA.References: Learn more about OpenOrg here. In this episode, Adam referenced several free, open resources for organizations, managers and job seekers - check them out here.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textWe're back with New Week, New Headlines!This week, we're digging into a two stories that we can't let go.Topic 1: Top Tech Talent Exodus Over RTOFaced with RTO mandates, some top tech talent left instead according to an article in the Washington Post this week.  Topic 2: We Love Moms. Just Not at Work. Following an article in Fast Company,  "Enough “Momwashing.” The U.S. gives lip service to motherhood while not supporting moms at work" we decided to dive into how (or not) US organizations don't support women through: childcare, paid leave and fair pay. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a text Belonging is the innate desire to be part of something larger than ourselves without sacrificing who we are.  And we know, your sense of belonging at work is directly correlated with your engagement and satisfaction.So, we called up our friend, Dr. Beth Kaplan to talk about belonging. She's a University of Pennsylvania researcher. A speaker. And a thought leader on the topic. We went directly to the source. In this episode, we go deep on: What is belonging? Why does it matter in the workplace? Common challenges with belonging The small things individuals, teams and companies can do to make a BIG   belonging impact Why workplaces of the future will need to be trauma-informed  You'll find yourself nodding along as we discuss the crucial blend of individuality and community in professional spaces.  Our conversation navigates toward the trauma-informed workplace, debunking myths about resilience and exposing the systemic issues that really need fixing. Dr. Kaplan’s insights on these complex issues are nothing short of a revelation. You don't want to miss this one. Learn more about Dr. Kaplan:  https://drbethkaplan.com/Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textFriends!BIG news week last week as new rules for workers hit the books. So, we're breaking it down.Topic 1: Non-Competes - Everything You Need to KnowThe recent federal ban of non-compete agreements is a win for workers. But not all workers are included in this ban. We cover everything you need to know,: the history, the ruling, the next phase and what you need to do to protect yourself.  References: FTC Press AnnouncementFTC Noncompete Rule U.S. Bans noncompete agreements for nearly all jobs - NPRFTC is sued by business groups over its ban on noncompete agreements, which may delay enforcement - CNNMapped: Where noncompete agreements are banned or restricted - AxiosWhy the U.S. Chamber is Suing to Block FTC’s Noncompete Ban - U.S. Chamber of CommerceMany workers barely recall signing noncompetes, until they try to change jobs - NPRTopic 2: Wait, Shouldn't Everyone Get Overtime?We tackle the latest rule by the U.S. Department of Labor on overtime pay and why its reach isn't as all-encompassing as you might think.  References:Samsung's 6-Day Work WeekGoogle Asking Teams to Work 120 Hours a WeekIn our latest podcast episode, we delve into the seismic shifts occurring in the American labor landscape. With the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) recent move to ban non-compete agreements and the U.S. Department of Labor's new rule affecting overtime pay, the very foundations of employment practicesDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textWe are kicking off a brand new series called Visionary Executives.  There are a lot of cool leaders out there that are doing really interesting work and bringing people in business together in a way that everyone wins. So, today, we start this series to talk with executives the leading edge stuff they're doing and what you can take away from that, either as an employee or as an executive yourself. And we're stoked to start with Alan Whitman, the former Chairman and CEO of Baker Tilly.  Alan's known for being a progressive leader. But what we we're interested in is how he was able to balance business results (he 3X'd the firm during his tenure) with the people stuff (he was voted #1 Advisory CEO on Glassdoor).  We cover the big stuff:  WTH do CEOs actually do? How DID he balance results and people? What's critical for CEOs to nail? ...to the elephants in the room: Should CEOs make as much money as they do? Should they take paycuts over layoffs? Are most of them pathological or cool? This is an inspiring conversation with a leader you is equally so.  More about Alan. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textHoly hell the work news is hot this week. And here are the main stories we wanted to jam about....Topic 1: Is AI Taking or Augmenting Your Job AI is reshaping work and jobs -sometimes illuminating them. Sometimes augmenting them. Strap in as we dissect what it takes for companies and employees to be AI-ready, because when it comes to AI, silence is not golden—it's a red flag. Companies that are proactive in preparing for the integration of AI stand to benefit significantly. We take you behind the scenes of industry leaders like Amazon and AT&T, who are pouring resources into employee development and reskilling initiatives. This not only prepares their workforce for an AI-augmented future but also signals a commitment to their employees' career longevity.Topic 2: The Legal Right to DisconnectCalifornia's 'right to disconnect,' which aim to foster work-life harmony in this new digital age. The digital transformation of the workplace has  led to a blurring of the lines between professional and personal life. We reminisce about the days of indestructible Nokia phones and the infancy of Wi-Fi—technologies that have since improved collaboration but have also contributed to the 'always-on' work culture. The rise of remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic has only intensified these expectations, prompting legislative efforts to ensure employees can disconnect from work during off hours. Links to articles: CNBC ArticleGlobal HR Lawyers lus Laboris publicationSogolytics Blog: What is the “Right to Disconnect” and When Will the US Adopt It?NYC Right to Disconnect Legislation ProposalNYC National Law Review ArticleDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textThis conversation was equal parts eye-opening and hilarious.  This week, we welcome 'The Labor Lawyer' Ryan Stygar to jam about all things employment law, workers rights and what you should to make sure you're protected. Listen, this episode has it all, storytelling,  actionable advice and yeah, penis jokes (hey, blame the sexual harassers). More specifically, we jam about: Ryan's Journey to Becoming an AttorneyEmployment Law & Worker's Rights 101Current State of Worker's RightsThe Three Things Every Employee Should Do What To Do If You Have a CaseWhen You Need to Call a LawyerRapid Round Check out more of Ryan here: His Firm: Centurion Trial Attorneys Podcast: Working Class insta: attorneyryan TikTok: attorneyryan Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textHappy Detention Day Friends! We recorded this on March 24th, which, is when the crew from The Breakfast Club headed to the library for detention. Little trivia for you.  And, March 24th is also the day, we jammed about the following topics: Topic 1: Job Scams Get Sophisticated Job scams are on the rise and getting more sophisticated.  From a CBS News Interview, LinkedIn's career expert, Catherine Fisher, we break down the cunning tactics of these digital-age con artists. From bogus UNICEF internships to AI-powered frauds on social media. It's nuts. We walk through the types of scams, how to spot these scams and the data you should never provide as a candidate (to, you know, not get scammed).  We also referenced the following: Consumer Affairs Article, Federal Trade CommissionShow Notes Updates- as of 4.15.24Additional notes from ID.me: We wanted to share that any attempt to hack ID.me is thwarted by ID.me's experienced security team, whose team members have numerous certifications in privacy and security program management. ID.me also meets the highest federal identity, privacy, and security for digital identity verification — including Identity Assurance Level (IAL) 2 and Authenticator Assurance Level (AAL) 2, as set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for all its identity verification pathways: self-service, video chat, and in-person. Online scams can trick people into creating an ID.me account with exposed information. ID.me encourages those who believe their ID.me account or personal information are compromised to notify us immediately so that the ID.me team can promptly address the issue.Show correction: In this episode we mistakenly referenced ID.me as a "government-run organization." We want to clarify that ID.me is not a government-run organization or agency. Rather, ID.me, a veteran-founded, veteran-operated digital identity company, is a trusted partner of 15 federal agencies and 40 state agencies across 30 states that offers streamlined login and identity verification.Topic 2: Jarring Truths About Women's Health in Prime Working Years A Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textIt's Sunny Friends! Freakin' finally. And, in addition to the vitamin D - here's the news we jammed about this week: Topic 1: Where Have All  The Plumbers Gone? According to Bloomberg, The US will be short 550,000-plumbers by 2027. The reason why, frankly, blows.  We jam about the impacts of this shortage,  and the urgent need for a societal shift in perspective  towards trades. Topic 2: New Gig Worker Rules Worker classification. It's what determines if someone is an employee or an independent contractor (gig worker).  Lawsuits are flying, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the forefront, challenging new legislation that could reshape the workforce, impacting everything from worker rights to how businesses operate and the future of the gig economy itself. References for all our fellow nerds :Final Rule - U.S. Department of LaborAdded Protection or Opportunity Lost? Insurance JournalBusinesses Escalate Fight Against Biden Rule on Gig Worker Pay - Washington PostTCF ReportAP ArticleNELP ReportDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com