the prevalence of office romances and the unionization of Tesla workers.
1. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest release revealed that job opening rates increased in 10 states and decreased in one state in December 2022. The largest increase occurred in North Dakota, at 1.6% month-over-month, while the biggest decrease occurred in Georgia, at a modest rate of -0.6% MoM. Over the same period, layoffs increased in seven states, decreased in seven, and remained unchanged in the rest of states. |
2. In the context of Valentine's Day celebrated on Tuesday, a study done earlier this year by the law firm Wright Hassall showed that workplace romances were not prevalent but still took place among 24.4% of employees. Helen Beech, a partner at Clarkslegal, made the case that "if the relationship is managed carefully," they can be to the benefit of the business. |
3. A group of Tesla workers in New York has launched a unionization campaign with the help of Workers United Upstate New York, citing concerns over health and pay. The workers are also seeking greater involvement in decision-making, which would make their roles more fulfilling. |
4. Cloud communications company Twilio has announced plans to pare back employee benefits such as a sabbatical program and book allowances in addition to laying off 17% of its workforce, just months after its last major job reductions. The move is part of an effort to shift focus to improve operating margins and, by extension, profitability. |
5. Months after talks of a hiring freeze, a LinkedIn spokesperson confirmed that the company laid off an undisclosed number of employees in its talent acquisition department. The person also revealed that hiring has slowed at LinkedIn. The layoffs form part of that which was previously announced by LinkedIn's parent company, Microsoft. |
6. A survey done by the non-profit Conference Board found that 16% of job applicants who did not get a response from hiring companies after interviewing refused to recommend said companies to others and 2% left a negative review about them. Rebecca Ray, executive vice president of human capital at the Conference Board, warned that unresponsive companies could lose out on quality employees. She recommended that hiring personnel "communicate with all candidates in a timely and respectful manner, regardless of the outcome of the hiring process." |
7. Recruiters who work to build relationships with both hiring managers and candidates before and after onboarding can boost employee retention, according to Jordan Applegate, senior director of recruiting at Sweetwater Sound. The Indiana-based company also provides benefits on campus, including free doctor visits for employees and their immediate family members, as a way to entice workers to return to the office. |