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,...

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate! While I often focus on the negative or the controversial, this week let’s take a look at what’s happened in the workplace that we can be thankful for. It might be a short list, but hey - what better day than today to count our blessings? The biggest positive trend has to be a focus on programs that impact employee well-being. Companies seem to be listening to their employees and providing benefits and policies that people actually want. We’re seeing...

In-person collaboration and creativity: the magic words behind so many hybrid and in-office work schedules. And as someone who works largely one-on-one, I’ll admit it sounds nice - until I remember that my office door closes. Most offices these days are open plan. Very industrial chic, very noisy, and no privacy to speak of. Historically, there have been few spaces for gathering in offices - other than conference rooms for meetings. Not really spaces brimming with creativity. Many companies...