Tractor Supply axes support of LGBTQ+ and DEI, Greece passes 6 day work week, and Phenom People goes shopping

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What’s up people.

Here’s what you need to know to be just a little smarter this week if you decide to talk to co-workers….

Breaking News:

Tractor Supply Cuts DEI Roles: Tractor Supply axes diversity roles and Pride support, refocusing on “rural America priorities.” Their justification is disgusting. There is no other way to explain this.
Microsoft Layoff Plans Leaked: Microsoft’s layoff plans signal a strategic pivot towards AI and core competencies, shedding less aligned segments like gaming and hardware.
OSHA Proposes Extreme Heat Rule: OSHA’s new rule mandates water and rest breaks for workers in extreme heat. But, what qualifies as "extreme heat," and will there be similar rules for cold?
Philadelphia Unions Sue Over RTO Mandate: Unions are suing Philadelphia for mandatory RTO. Should desk jobs return, or is flexibility the future?
Greece Implements Six-Day Work Week: Greece's six-day workweek aims to boost the economy but risks employee morale and work-life balance.
Alaska Airlines Pay Boost for Attendants: Alaska Airlines flight attendants get a pay raise for boarding duties, up by 32%. Why wasn’t this done sooner?
Microsoft Settles Worker Leave Probe: Microsoft’s $14 million settlement over worker leave violations highlights the importance of compliance and trust in HR practices.

Monster and CareerBuilder Merger: Monster and CareerBuilder are merging, forming a significant player in the job advertising market. This defensive move aims to create scale but might not drive innovation in the industry.
H.I.G. Growth Acquires Mobile Health: H.I.G. Growth Partners' acquisition of Mobile Health signals a shift towards proactive health management, potentially redefining corporate wellness strategies.
Phenom Enhances Onboarding with Tydy Acquisition: Phenom acquires Tydy to enhance onboarding experiences, shifting focus from IT-led to personalized, HR-driven processes, improving pre-boarding and onboarding engagement.

ADP National Employment Report: ADP's June report shows private sector job growth slowing, with annual pay up 4.9%. Inflation and stagnant job growth signal potential political shifts in the upcoming elections.
2024 US Workforce Trends Report by Gallagher: Gallagher's 2024 report shows rising healthcare costs and stabilizing turnover. Key insight: Half of companies plan to enhance HR tech by 2026.
National University AI Job Posting Analysis: National University's analysis reveals that 75% of AI jobs prefer a Master's degree, seek mid-level experience, and offer limited remote work. Top skills: technical expertise, management, and communication.
Using AI at Work Makes Us Lonelier and Less Healthy: AI in the workplace increases loneliness and reduces health, highlighting the need for managers to prioritize employee well-being and social cohesion over pure productivity.
Gen X Retirement Struggles: A survey shows 60% of Gen X fears working into their late 70s, with 47% doubting retirement goals. Financial crises, inflation, and the shift from pensions to 401(k)s are major challenges.

SmartHR Secures $140M Series E: SmartHR raises $140M led by KKR, emphasizing the trend of cross-border investments in HR tech, similar to Deel and Oyster.
Creatio Raises $200M: Creatio raises $200M, showcasing ongoing innovation in CRM and workflow automation through its AI-powered no-code platform.
H1 2024 Work Tech Investment Hits $2.22B: Global Work Tech investment reaches $2.22B in H1 2024, marking a 43% increase from H2 2023 and echoing pre-2021 levels, signaling resilience and growth.
Pepul Secures $4M: Pepul secures $4M to evolve into a dynamic social app for career development, targeting Gen Z with a clean and positive approach.