STRUCK BY: Heroes and Villains


I’d thought I might try something new this year - rather than end the year with a “best of” list, share my workplace Hero and Villain of 2025.

Hero: Bank of America

In October, Bank of America instituted a minimum hourly wage for U.S. employees of $25 per hour. Since 2017, starting salary for full-time U.S. employees at the bank will have gone up by more than $20,000. BofA also offers what I consider an exceptional benefits package, including 26 weeks of parental leave, a sabbatical program, and a Life Events Services team to support employees and their families navigating difficult life events. BRB, applying to Bank of America.

Villain: The Department of Labor

The DoL has rolled back over 60 regulations, including many designed to protect employees from cancer-causing chemicals in their workplaces. Other rollbacks include whistleblower protections, minimum wage rules for home health care workers, and OSHA’s ability to enforce literally any workplace health and / or safety standards.

Who are your Heroes and Villains this year?

See you in 2026!

Emily Lerner, skillstruck studio

⚡️Leadership Coach + Professional Truth Teller 👩🏻‍💻 Recovering tech exec 🔥 People Strategist 📍Silicon Valley skillstruckstudio.com

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