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North American Edition
12th February 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Disney changes DEI to focus on business outcomes
Disney is changing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to focus more closely on business outcomes, according to a memo. The note to employees from Disney's chief human resources officer, Sonia Coleman, says the company's "Reimagine Tomorrow" site will be rebranded as "MyDisneyToday." The "Reimagine Tomorrow" program was an online space for "amplifying underrepresented voices" that featured some of Disney's DEI commitments and actions. The rebranded program will now focus on how well the company attracts top talent, champions a culture where everyone belongs, and creates and supports underserved communities, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, Disney is to replace the "Diversity & Inclusion" performance factor that it used to evaluate executive compensation with a new "Talent Strategy." This new factor includes concepts from the old one, but is more focused on how values drive business success. "We create entertainment that appeals to a global audience," wrote Coleman. "And having a workforce that reflects the consumers we serve helps drive our business."
WORKFORCE
Trump signs executive order to continue downsizing federal workforce
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reducing the federal workforce. Elon Musk, who serves as a special government employee, emphasized what he said was the need for accountability within the federal bureaucracy, referring to it as an "unelected" fourth branch. He said: "The people voted for major government reform and that's what the people are going to get." The order outlines plans for large-scale reductions in federal agencies, with a directive to hire no more than one new employee for every four that leave. Despite the push for resignations incentivized by financial offers, concerns about transparency and accountability remain. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) voiced support for federal workers, saying they "deserve better than to be threatened, intimidated and pushed out the door."
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
PBS closes diversity office
PBS has announced the closure of its office of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The decision aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order and comes as PBS braces for potential challenges to its federal funding, which constitutes about 16% of its budget. PBS chief executive Paula Kerger said: “We were committed to telling the stories of all Americans before we had an office, and will continue to do it afterwards.” The move raises concerns about the future of DEI initiatives across PBS's 330 member stations, which will have to navigate their own compliance with federal funding requirements. Kerger emphasized the importance of demonstrating the value of public broadcasting amid increasing scrutiny and calls for defunding from some lawmakers.
TECHNOLOGY
JD Vance warns against ‘excessive regulation' at Paris AI summit
At the Artificial Intelligence Action summit in Paris, U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautioned global leaders and tech executives that “excessive regulation” could stifle the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) industry. He warned European Union countries against overregulation and said the Trump administration wants AI to remain free from ideological bias. "The Trump administration is troubled by reports that some foreign governments are considering tightening the screws on U.S. tech companies with international footprints," Vance said. "Now, America cannot and will not accept that, and we think it's a terrible mistake — not just for the United States of America — but for your own countries." Vance said the U.S. wants to ensure that the internet is a safe place, but suggested the European Union's Digital Services Act had overreached, enacting "massive regulations" and "policing so-called misinformation." He said: "It is one thing to prevent a predator from preying on a child on the internet, and it is something quite different to prevent a grown man or woman from accessing an opinion that the government thinks is misinformation."
LEGAL
Better protections urged for temporary foreign workers in P.E.I.
Advocates are calling for improved protections for temporary foreign workers in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) who face potential sexual violence in the workplace. Sarah Dennis, program manager for the RISE Program, which provides free legal support for people who have experienced workplace sexual harassment, highlighted the numerous barriers these workers encounter, including language difficulties, isolation, and fear of deportation. Joe Byrne, co-ordinator of the Migrant Worker Resource Centre, noted that many abuses go unreported due to workers' fear of losing their status. Despite the passing of the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act in 2022, it has yet to be enacted as regulations are still being developed. Karla Bernard, interim leader of P.E.I.'s Green Party, emphasized the need for the government to provide resources and support to make these workers more visible and connected within the community. "Everyone in P.E.I. deserves to live safely and freely," she said.
DHS enlists IRS for immigration duties
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking to enlist Internal Revenue Service (IRS) criminal investigators and other Treasury Department personnel for immigration enforcement tasks. In a letter dated February 7th, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requested assistance from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to combat human trafficking and illegal employment. Ms. Noem stated: "It is DHS's understanding that the Department of the Treasury has qualified law enforcement personnel available to assist with immigration enforcement." The move aligns with President Donald Trump's broader strategy to enhance immigration enforcement across various government agencies. The IRS, primarily focused on tax collection, also investigates drug trafficking and corruption.
STRATEGY
Paper Source cuts jobs in Chicago
Paper Source, a Chicago-based stationery retailer owned by Barnes & Noble, is set to close its Forest Park warehouse this spring, resulting in 107 job losses. The closure will impact more than 200 employees currently working at the facility and associated shops. The company aims to streamline operations amid challenging market conditions. The facility’s lease ends at the start of 2026, said Janine Flanigan, senior director of store planning and design at Barnes & Noble, who added: “We have to vacate and have started the process with all our employees about the closure. As a retailer whose business is especially concentrated in the holiday period, we have to make the move in the summer to be able to meet the seasonality of the year-end".
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Republicans propose taxes on college scholarships
As Republicans in Congress seek to reduce spending, proposals are emerging that could significantly impact higher education. Suggestions include new taxes on college scholarships, the elimination of student loan repayment plans, and increased taxes on university endowments. Jessica Thompson, a higher education policy expert with The Institute for College Access and Success, expressed her concern, saying: “It's shocking to me, because this amount of cuts is not happening in reaction to like a budget crisis.” The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce is considering various changes to student loan programs, potentially limiting federal aid access. These proposals may be advanced through budget reconciliation, allowing for party-line votes in Congress.
WORKPLACE
Law firms offer extravagant perks to lure talent
Law firms are increasingly offering extravagant perks to attract and retain talent in a competitive market. These benefits range from standard offerings like healthcare and gym memberships to unique incentives such as tropical getaways and global sports events. For instance, Fenwick & West provides associates with a one-week trip to Hawaii, while Baker McKenzie hosts a global soccer tournament for associate teams from around the world to play and socialize. Elsewhere, Kirkland & Ellis is offering concierge services to assist lawyers with personal tasks, aiming to keep them focused on work.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Foodborne infections kill 900 Americans annually
Foodborne illness kills hundreds of Americans annually, sickens tens of millions, and costs billions in medical care, lost productivity, and premature deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 10m cases of foodborne illness occur annually in the U.S., caused by six pathogens: salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and norovirus. The economic impact is estimated at $75bn annually. 
INTERNATIONAL
Women are 'more likely to stay home when sick'
Research from the University of Western Australia suggests that women are less likely to attend work when unwell, particularly when sickness-preventative practices are in place. The study, co-authored by Aleksandra Luksyte and Gillian Yeo, found that these practices, which include social distancing and increased ventilation, significantly reduce workplace anxiety among women. The findings suggest that employers should recognise the differing impacts of health initiatives on men and women and address attendance pressure to discourage sick employees from coming to work. Associate Professor Luksyte emphasized the need for workplaces to promote the importance of not working while sick, saying: "Continuing to work while sick is even costlier due to its negative effects on employees and their co-workers."
U.K. employers lead Europe for salary transparency
Research from recruitment platform Indeed reveals that 71% of British employers include salary details in job advertisements, compared to just 16% in Germany. The figure has risen from 48% in 2019, indicating a growing trend towards pay transparency in the U.K. Jack Kennedy, an economist at Indeed, observed: "The culture around pay secrecy and negotiation is a bigger factor in some countries than others." Legislation is next year due to come into force in the European Union which will require employers to provide salary details either in a job advertisement or before an initial interview, in a bid to reduce gender or ethnicity-related pay  differentials. Britain does not have similar legislation on pay transparency, although courts last year ruled that fashion chain Next was discriminatory when it paid retail staff - who were mostly female - less than predominantly male warehouse workers for doing work that judges said was of equal value.
New Zealand loosens ‘golden visa’ rules to attract investors
New Zealand wants to attract more investors by loosening so-called "golden visa" rules, dropping an English-language requirement and cutting the number of days that applicants need to spend in the country.
 


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