August 16, 2023
Legal Orders Raise Concerns of Press and Personal Freedoms
Data collection of individuals and media organizations are drawing increased attention. More governments across the globe are ordering tech giants to preserve user data for legal and investigative purposes. A law enforcement raid of a newspaper office in Kansas is raising concerns about press freedom, as information about a confidential source was obtained.
With social media use not slowing down, lawmakers are considering more protections for young users. A new law in Illinois has amended the state’s Child Labor Law to provide social media influencers under age 16 potential compensation for monetized content.
Employee Insights Inform Employer Efforts
As companies adjust to hybrid work schedules, employee information is becoming more valuable—and controversial. Amazon is closely tracking office attendance and warning employees not meeting its recent return-to-office mandate. Overall, office workers have high interest in a four-day work week, though most would not want longer hours to make up for it.
Major advancements in data collection are raising new implications for employees. Research from Harvard Business School explores the rise of ‘people analytics’ that could determine promotions and performance. A new report indicates more employers are prioritizing retention amidst a changing labor market.
Making PR More Personal Increases Productivity
The public relations industry is rapidly changing while facing unprecedented challenges. Clients are asking for more as the pace of media accelerates. More management may not be the answer—survey data reveal as agencies grow past 40 people, productivity can drop substantially.
Agencies looking to bolster productivity and improve employee engagement should focus on quality, not quantity, by fostering a strong culture and emphasizing worker wellness. Reducing meetings and adding a mix of structure and spontaneity can also help raise morale.
Sequence Summaries: Legal Latitude, Employee Info, and PR Productivity
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