Global Talent #15
The Long-Term Impacts of Mansplaining on Workplace Engagement and Why Companies Must Prioritize “Cultural Add” Over “Cultural Fit”
How Will the Projected 1.7 Million Green Jobs Impact Europe’s Economic Future?
Maalfrid Brath | Edie | November 13, 2024
Green jobs are central to Europe’s race toward net zero, yet the skills gap in this area could threaten the transition’s progress. According to a new report, investments in hydrogen and biofuels could create 1.7 million jobs and contribute €145 billion to GDP by 2040. However, about 60% of current workers will need reskilling to meet green job demands. While 70% of companies seek green-skilled professionals, nearly half struggle to find or train qualified candidates. COP29 is a key moment for businesses to commit to green job training and workforce transformation. Solutions include vocational training, fostering diversity, and enabling cross-border recruitment. Spain and Italy aim for 50% female representation in green jobs by 2040, showing potential progress in inclusive hiring. For businesses, supporting green skills development isn't just strategic; it’s essential to their role in achieving Europe’s green future.
Do “Cultural Fit” Assessments Reinforce Bias in Hiring Decisions?
Roy Maurer | SHRM | November 12, 2024
Bias subtly influences each hiring stage from crafting job posts to making final decisions despite efforts to ensure inclusivity. Bias, defined as a subconscious “internal algorithm” built on past associations, often affects even initial job descriptions. Experts emphasize the importance of writing job ads free from gendered or exclusionary language to attract diverse candidates. Companies should avoid relying solely on familiar platforms or referral networks and expand pipelines through inclusive job fairs and associations serving underrepresented groups. Standardizing interviews, using competency-based evaluations, and building diverse interview panels can help minimize bias when assessing candidates. Shifting from “cultural fit” to “cultural add” helps avoid reinforcing homogeneity in final decisions, encouraging a focus on diversity of thought and experience to enrich company culture and growth.
Remote Work and Geographic Inequality: Are Certain Regions Benefiting More Than Others?
The Lawyers Off the Clock Podcast | November 13, 2024
Remote work has become a significant trend in the corporate world, and companies are grappling with its implications. Starbucks and Amazon, for instance, have recently made headlines with their fluctuating remote work policies. Starbucks initially mandated in-person work but has since relaxed its stance, while Amazon has imposed a strict return-to-office policy. Younger professionals, particularly millennials, are more inclined towards hybrid work models, valuing flexibility and work-life balance. Geography also plays a role in remote work trends. Colorado, with its natural beauty and lower cost of living, has emerged as a popular destination for remote workers. Conversely, states like Mississippi, with a higher concentration of traditional industries, have seen less adoption of remote work. As companies navigate the complexities of remote work, they must prioritize employee satisfaction, productivity, and company culture. Striking the right balance between flexibility and in-person interaction is crucial for long-term success.
A/B Tests Reveal How Hybrid Work Reduces Employee Turnover Without Hurting Productivity
Nicholas Bloom, James Liang, Ruobing Han | Harvard Business Review | October 29, 2024
A groundbreaking Trip.com study on hybrid work reveals that a hybrid schedule - three office days per week - boosted job satisfaction and decreased attrition by 35%, especially for employees with long commutes and women, without compromising productivity or performance. An A/B test compared groups working three versus five days in-office and found that hybrid employees were equally productive, contrary to initial managerial predictions of a 2.6% drop. Managers' perceptions shifted to seeing hybrid as a 1% productivity booster. The study’s cost-saving results are significant; each reduced quit saved Trip.com approximately $30,000, adding up to millions. The study’s success, attributed to a structured performance review process, synchronized scheduling, and executive support, showcases the potential of hybrid models when rigorously tested and fine-tuned. Trip.com’s commitment to data-driven A/B testing, a rare approach for management practices, signals a path for other companies to enhance employee satisfaction while protecting their bottom line.
What Are the Long-Term Impacts of Mansplaining on Women’s Workplace Engagement?
Kelly Meerbott | FastCompany | November 13, 2024
Despite significant advances in gender equality, the issue of “mansplaining,” when men explain concepts to women in a patronizing or dismissive way, continues to impact workplaces globally. A 2020 survey revealed that women face this six times weekly, often sidelining their contributions, diminishing confidence, and eventually leading to disengagement and loss of innovative ideas. Mansplaining subtly manifests through casual interruptions, unsolicited advice, and over-explained concepts, creating a culture that undercuts diverse perspectives essential to creativity and growth. Rooted in long-standing gender biases, mansplaining disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, reinforcing exclusionary power dynamics. Addressing this issue requires more than individual effort; it calls for a shift toward inclusive leadership.
