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German women can now find out what men earn — why don't they?

Natalie Holmes

July 02, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Germany

The early impact of Germany’s wage transparency law has been limited because it only applies to large companies and, while it permits an employee to inquire whether she is paid differently than her male colleagues, she must still sue her employer herself in order to rectify the situation. In the fight for fair pay, it’s more effective to put the onus on companies to demonstrate responsible behavior rather than leave individuals to battle entrenched power structures by themselves.

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New Zealand care workers pioneered a deal to end pay segregation

Anna Louie Sussman

June 18, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: New Zealand

Undervaluation of care work stems from gender bias. A labor union brought this argument to court in New Zealand and won big. The settlement nearly doubled wages for workers, which has led to the added bonus of less staff turnover. Similar claims from more female-dominated professions are in progress.

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'The Daddy quota': how Quebec got men to take parental leave

Mireille Silcoff

June 15, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada, Quebec

Influenced by Scandavian countries, the province of Quebec created its own paid paternity leave program, which offers 70-75% paid leave. The program is aimed at dad’s, who have traditionally faced stigma and judgement for accepting paternity leave. Quebec offers “five weeks of “use-it-or-lose-it” benefits, for fathers and non-biological mothers in lesbian couples.” The program has been an instant hit: “Over 80% of Quebec fathers take their paternity leave.”

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How movie stars conquered the ‘gig economy'

Andrew Hanna

June 07, 2018 |

Politico |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

For contingent workers in what is often called the "gig economy," securing access to benefits, retirement, and other markers of job security can be a struggle. However, the success of the Screen Actors Guild and other labor unions for those in the entertainment industry in the 20th century might provide a useful framework for organizing for a 21st century labor market.

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Saving for Retirement: How Auto-IRA Plans May Secure the Future

Emily B. Hager Clara Ritger

April 11, 2018 |

Wall Street Journal |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Medford, Oregon

Oregon is helping its residents save for retirement by automatically enrolling those eligible for the Roth IRA retirement savings program. Employees can choose to contribute or opt out, and thus far the participation rate is 80%. As social security benefits are at risk in the future, this program, in Oregon and around the country, is helping people start early in preparing for retirement.

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'Heck it was productive': New Zealand employees try four-day week

Eleanor Ainge Roy

March 29, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: New Zealand

To improve employee work-life balance, some companies have experimented with cutting working hours, either by reducing the length of a work day or shifting to a four-day work week. Pilot programs show mixed results. At New Zealand’s Perpetual Guardian, employees find a four-day work week both energizing and stressful since there is reduced time to complete work tasks.

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Want to save your job and make more money? Buy out your boss

Aditya Chakrabortty

March 14, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Glasgow

The owners of Novograf, a UK-based marketing company, faced a challenge when they were ready to retire. They did not want to sell their company and risk a relocation of the factory, which would take away jobs from the local economy. Instead, they sold their company to their employees. Data shows that employee-ownership leads to higher wages and higher job satisfaction. One year after the transition to employee-ownership, Novograf sales grew by 20%.

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A New Study Shows How Behind the U.S. Is on Paid Leave—and How It Could Lead

Alieza Durana

February 28, 2018 |

Slate |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

A new survey and analysis shows that paid leave has a hugely positive impact in quality of life and financial stability. Using examples of what has worked around the world, the report suggests that paid leave should be offered for six months, regardless of length of tenure in a job, and regardless of the size of a business.

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When Being Unproductive Saves a Career

Courtney E. Martin

January 18, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

In the United States, executive leaders of non-profits have a high turn-over rate due to workplace fatigue. The Durfee Foundation has pioneered funding 3-month sabbaticals for directors of non-profits to “decompress” so that they can return to work feeling refreshed and productive. Research has shown that these sabbaticals have improved relationships with the board and other organizations. Now more foundations across the country offer funding for sabbaticals.

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Companies Realize Benefits Of Pitching In For Child Care

Martha Dalton

December 21, 2017 |

WABE |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

For many parents childcare can be very expensive, however, recently employers have started helping employees overcome this barrier. Little Apron Academy is a childcare center that Home Depot is partnered with and allows their employees to have an onsite care center that is also more affordable.

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