Labor unions mobilize to challenge advance of algorithms in workplaces
The renewed drive to regulate AI could change how workers are exposed to AI in their jobs and complicate industry plans to roll out technology.
Workplace Issues
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Office holiday parties shun booze and tinsel, push guac and pickleball
In the name of inclusivity, business leaders are opting for year-end celebrations cut totally free from seasonal connotations. And dropping liquor reduces the potential for unprofessional behavior.
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How will AI impact Indiana’s workforce? It’s complicated.
Advances in technology traditionally have had the biggest impact on more physical jobs, but generative AI tools will likely be most disruptive for jobs that require brains, not brawn.
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IBJ Podcast: Brothers behind tech firm Qualifi on being Black founders, raising capital, ‘unwillingness to die’
Darrian and Devyn Mikell discuss the inspiration they’ve received from their family (including an older brother with a Pro Bowl career in the NFL); how they handle the rollercoaster of startup life; obstacles that Black entrepreneurs face; and the importance of a diverse staff.
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Former top IU med school researcher says why he left
The IU School of Medicine scored a major coup five years ago when it recruited one of the nation’s top experts in the fast-growing field of regenerative medicine. But the University of Pittsburgh recruited him away this spring.
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Articles
Trump administration urges federal workers to talk religion at work
Federal employees can display religious items at work, pray in groups while not on duty and encourage co-workers to adopt their faith, according to guidance released Monday by the Office of Personnel Management.
Supreme Court sides with woman claiming anti-straight job discrimination
Corporations and employment lawyers were closely watching the case because many think the ruling could result in more workplace discrimination claims by members of majority groups.
Paid or unpaid: What employers should consider before hiring interns
Industry experts told IBJ that employers should consider legal guardrails, equity concerns, workload and external financial support when deciding whether an internship program will be compensated.
UPDATE: Indianapolis public defenders’ union rallies for arbitration in first contract
Arbitration, which would bring in a third party to settle labor disputes between a union and employer, isn’t an issue they’re willing to compromise on, workers said.
UPDATE: Federal workers confront mass confusion as Musk’s deadline to list accomplishments looms
Elon Musk’s unusual demand has faced resistance from several key U.S. agencies led by the president’s loyalists, including the FBI, State Department, Homeland Security and the Pentagon
USDA tries to reverse mistaken firing of bird flu response workers
Last week, some firings in the Energy Department were also initiated, then paused, after they sparked alarm about the effect on nuclear defense programs.
Trump administration tries to bring back fired nuclear weapons workers in DOGE reversal
The layoffs were part of a Department of Government Efficiency purge that targeted about 2,000 Department of Energy employees.
Google scraps diversity hiring goals as it complies with executive order
Many companies inside and outside of the technology industry have abandoned or scaled back their diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs.
Proposed federal rule change reflects challenges, opportunities for Indiana’s disabled workers
The state has for several years been moving toward competitive integrated employment, in which people with disabilities work alongside non-disabled people for the same wages and benefits.
OneAmerica pledges to raise base pay rate to $22 per hour
Indianapolis-based OneAmerica Financial, the city’s largest private company, announced Wednesday that it will raise its minimum pay rate to the equivalent of $22 per hour for all full-time employees by March.
By city’s own standards, pay rate fails to measure up
Across Indianapolis city-county government, 166 employees earn less than $18 an hour, the benchmark that some groups consider a living wage, including the city’s economic development arm.
Indianapolis school leader suspended over sexually explicit email
The school hired an outside law firm to investigate whether Ryan Gall’s 2022 email “was part of a pattern of behavior or a regrettable lapse of judgment made in a moment of time,” according to the Victory College Prep board.
Report: State loses out on $4.2B annually due to child care shortage
Broadly speaking, the $4.22 billion in untapped economic potential falls into two categories: workplace disruptions—such as worker absenteeism and employee turnover—and lost tax dollars from unearned wages.
Some tech companies are still grappling with remote vs. in-office work—and there’s no consensus answer
In the Indianapolis area, some firms continue to operate remotely and say they wouldn’t have it any other way. Others, though, say their companies run better when employees are in the office at least some portion of the week.
Tips for workers seeing a raise—and for managers considering the request
Information is the key to a confident and successful negotiation for both sides, experts say.
Expunging criminal record, regaining driver’s license often require assistance
Several counties across the state are working to help Hoosiers clear their records and reinstate their driver’s licenses, using expungement and driving restoration laws like those passed in many states to help residents get their lives back on track.
Summer hours are perk small businesses can offer workers to boost morale
Reduced hours in the summer months can also enable smaller businesses to stand out to prospective employees in a competitive talent marketplace.
Mark Nance: More diversity in golf means more diversity in business
It’s no secret that golf builds business connections unlike anything else.
Tired of late messages from your boss? A new bill aims to make it illegal.
Technologies that were adopted to help employees connect to their managers and colleagues remain in place regardless of whether people are working remotely or from the office. As a result, workers are more connected than ever and often feel pressured to respond at all hours.