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

Send us a textDid you know, if you never negotiate your pay, you could leave almost $1M on the table over your career. Yeah, that's an 'M' -  as in million. So, we called up our friend, Kate Dixon - one of the leading experts in all things compensation. Kate is the author of "Pay Up" and "Name Your Price". She's also the founder of Dixon Consulting - a compensation and leadership coaching firm.  What we love about Kate (there are a lot of things to love about Kate, including her dog, Jeffrey), is that she consults with companies from Nike to Intel to Silicon Valley Start-Ups to architect their compensation strategies.  And, she also coaches executives and employees on how to get the best compensation package possible.  She know's how this stuff works. From all angles. And, during our chat, she laid out what we all need to know to earn what we deserve. Here's what we covered: 'Comp 101' - How Compensation Works:  A simple explanation of how the hell companies determine who gets paid what  (like pay bands, scales and functions)  Determine Your Market Rate: The best ways to determine your 'market rate' Get in the Right Mindset: Mindset shifts necessary to advocate for yourself  How to Have the 'Ask' Conversation - 4-Part Recipe: A fool-proof 4-part way to negotiate your salary (for internal or external roles)The Future of Compensation: What's going to happen with pay? What should happen.Hype Songs: Yes, you should have one Listen, you'll leave this epidote with actionable advice on how to navigate offer negotiations so you earn what you deserve. Grab a notebook, you'll want to take notes. 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 March Friends! We're back with three topics this week! Here's what we're jamming about:Topic 1: Where Are The Moral Leaders?We dive into the complexities of moral leadership, a hot topic brought into sharper focus by a HOW Institute study covered in HR Dive. We shed light on the growing disconnect between leaders' actions and the ethical framework employees yearn for, emphasizing why navigating this leadership chasm is critical for any organization's longevity.Topic 2:  The Silver Tsunami Is ComingWhen the 'silver tsunami' comes crashing down, workplaces everywhere will feel the impact.  We're seeing a staggering 2.7 million more retirees stepping back than anticipated, sparking discussions about stock markets, burnout, and the shifting landscapes of corporate pensions. It's a wave that's reshaping the workforce.   We referenced these links: An Unanticipated Retirement Wave is Happening Right Now in the U.S.Another ‘Great Retirement’ Wave Hits the US After Stocks Rally2024 Marks the Beginning of “Peak 65”, as More Americans Reach Retirement Age Than Ever Before–and it’s not Slowing Down for a WhileTopic 3:  Ruth Gottesman is a Bad Ass Woman. We love when people use their money to do a lot of good. 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 textWelcome to the last week of February, Friends!There were two news stories this week that give us hope (like, a lot of hope) for the future.  Check it out:Topic 1: The 4-Day Work Week Totally WorksWe've got the latest scoop on a landmark study analyzing the UK's four-day work week pilot, which could signal a sea change for how we approach the grind. We reviewed Autonomy's study of "Making it Stick: The UK Four-Day Work Pilot. Year One". The data's painting a picture of a win-win: energized employees and robust organizational growth.  Is it here to stick?  Topic 2: We're in a Productivity Boom, Ya'll! 1994 was the last time the US experienced a productivity boom - increasing the economic pie and changing how work worked. Are we here again? We check out the New York Times article that questions if the quarter-over-quarter productivity increases are putting us in another productivity boom.  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 textHiya Friends! We're back with New Week, New Headlines this week. And we're talking shop. Here's what we jammed about:Topic 1: Choices: CEO Pay Cut or Layoffs? Why do some CEOs and C-Level execs take a pay cut instead of laying folks off? Why don't others? We tackle the reasons. Plus a spotlight, from CNBC, on how former Nintendo CEO, Satoru Iwata's cut his salary to avoid layoffs.  Topic 2: Indeed's State of Workplace Findings The Indeed Survey with The Harris Poll, 2023 launched last week with some surprising (71% of people are looking for jobs), and not surprising (people want hybrid) findings about what workers are looking for in future employers.  They also listed the Indeed’s Best Jobs of 2024 and fun fact - mental health is big. Tech jobs? not so much. Hot Job Board of the Week! On sabbatical? Need to just try something completely different? Looking to do your own Eat, Pray, Love USA-Style? Well, Mel found the site for you. Coolworks Job BoardDisclaimer: 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 one is goooood, Friends! Ready to escape the 9-5, take control and find balance without sacrificing income. Learn the art of the entrepreneurial leap with Brett Trainor and embrace the power of fractional/freelance work that fits into the life you want to have.Brett,  of the Corporate Escapee* joins us to map how to pivot out of corporate. In this episode, we tackle: What's a Corporate Escapee?Who Should Escape? Who Shouldn't?The Market for Fractional / Freelance, etcThe Money in Fractional / FreelancePlanning Your Pivot out of CorporateThe First Three Steps You Need to Take And the Biggest Piece of Advice to Make the Leap Listen, we left this conversation with Brett feeling optimistic and clear about how to make this move. We hope you will too. *We highly recommend you check out: Brett's LinkedInThe Corporate Escapee Podcast Group - LinkedInBrett's LinkTree - Join the Slack Community, Listen to the Pod, etc.  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 textHeeeeeeeeey Friends! Well, we're making it a fun news week. Because, you know what, we all deserve some good news to balance out the news-news. So, here's what we're talking about this week:Topic #1: RTO Costing Employees $561/moYes, according to Fortune, the average employee returning to the office spends $561 per month. That is comparable to the average two-person household’s grocery bill in the U.S. for the entire month, or as Francesca pointed out - a lease on an Audi. And, those aren't the only costs.Topic #2: CEO Optimism Rises. Do We All Finally Get Our Hot Girl Summer?For the first time in two years, CEOs' optimism about the economy is on the rise and above 50%, according to The Conference Board. We break down what that could mean for employees, and our summer. NOTE: I (Francesca) cherry picked the good news out of this study - to show some sun coming through the clouds. For a super balanced view of this report, check out this breakdown by Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, at The Conference Board. Hot Job of The Week: Sales Beast at King KongBest job description of all time. 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! The news doesn’t stop. And neither do we (except for naps, Francesca loves a nap).Here’s what we’re jamming about this week:Topic 1: Are We Headed Back to Victorian Child Labor?Could Florida's latest child labor law proposal (re: Tampa Bay Times) be the tipping point for teen workers? Authors of this bill are looking to allow teens to work more than 30 hours a week, and in riskier situations.  And, this isn’t just a Florida issue. Child Labor violations increased 44% last year alone.   Topic #2: A Tale of Two Job Markets The U.S. job market. On paper, according to Reuters, it's booming, but we're peeling back the layers to reveal what's really going on behind those low unemployment rates with a take from WSJ. We tackle the economic trifecta of halted interest rates, inflation highs, and wage growth that's throwing businesses and job seekers for a loop. New! Job of the WeekWe’re highlighting a job that just looks boss. This week, it’s Director of Snacks! Who wouldn’t want that on their name plate?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 textHowdy Friends!Well, the work news keeps-a-comin. And here’s what we’re jamming about this week:Topic 1: Who’s Making $2M Profit Per EmployeeNot gonna lie, we were surprised by the result. Visual Capitalist (great site, definitely go nerd out there), ranked the Top US Companies, by Profit Per Employee. And look, it kinda blew our mind. We jam about the findings, why they matter, and share how you can calculate your company’s Profit Per Employee.Topic 2:  Starbucks Labor Disputes Go To SCOTUS And, the coffee may be hot, but the labor disputes at Starbucks are even hotter (we’ll be here all week, folks. Tip your bartenders. Enjoy the buffet).  We analyze the recent labor battles, pulling insights New York Times and BBC, and the implications to workers of the US Supreme Court's agreement to hear the case. Hope you have a great week!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 textOooh Friends!This is the conversation the community wanted to have. So we’re going there - signs you may want to quit.  Here’s what we’re jamming about:Our Quitting Stories:  We’ve quit and we go into the big why. Either we’re sorry or you’re welcome. Signs You Should Quit:  Four main reasons you may want to consider spending your time differently. Great Resources to Navigate Your Decision: Books, Pods and the one key question to ask yourself. Roast & Toast:  We roast old paradigms and toast a gentleman that lives rent free in Francesca’s mind. PS: Be nice to your flight attendants, people. Listen, we've been there and it’s not easy when you realize your job is no longer the right fit.  This episode isn't just about walking away; it's about the power of choosing your path.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 textHeyyyyooo Friends!Here is the work news we’re jamming about this week: Topic 1:  Yo, Please Say Thank You According to a joint study by Kudoboard and Bamboo HR, happiness at work has hit the skids. The interesting thing? There may be a pretty simple fix.    Topic 2:  The Harsh Reality of Employee Wellness. We dissect a recent New York Times exposé that casts doubt on the effectiveness of wellbeing these initiatives, despite their popularity. This week's conversation isn't just about the problems – it's about sharing the solutions. We're spilling the beans on the latest developments that could revolutionize your work life. With personal insights and expert opinions, we provide you with the tools to transform the daily grind into a more fulfilling, productive experience. So, if you're on the lookout for a candid, engaging exploration of the modern workplace, peppered with personal stories and actionable advice, make sure to hit play on this episode. And don't forget, if our chat resonates with you or someone you know, spread the word and connect with us on the TikToks and the Your Work Friends LinkedIn Group for more behind-the-scenes content.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