RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

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What’s the real value in a good pitch? For the world’s largest cosmetics company, it’s the brain behind it.

Each year, L’Oréal hosts its Brandstorm innovation competition, where teams of three young professionals present pitches that address one of the conglomerate’s business needs. Through the competition, which wraps in mid-June, top teams get the opportunity to work with experts at L’Oréal to develop their pitches and learn more about the company’s business processes. While the competition may seem product-focused, the cosmetics giant actually views it as a lucrative talent acquisition opportunity.

The winning team is awarded with a three-month program at L’Oréal’s Paris headquarters, during which they can test their project’s viability under the tutelage of the company’s experts. They’re also hired into the company’s management trainee program. Even some of those who don’t win walk away with a prize: L’Oréal hires as many as 500 competition participants each year.

“Brandstorm is both a recruitment tool and an image and reputation tool,” Michael Kienle, L’Oréal’s global VP of talent acquisition, whose team oversees the competition, said. “It’s a touch point, and the most important touch point for L’Oréal with young talents annually.”

For more on the talent acquisition strategy behind L’Oréal’s annual Brandstorm competition, keep reading here.—PM

      

Sponsored By Indeed

Indeed is defining a new era of hiring—and yes, HR can join from anywhere, even the sacred “camera off” zone.

As AI sweeps through recruiting, the smartest teams understand the key is knowing when technology should move fast and when human judgment should grab the wheel.

Indeed FutureWorks brings global hiring leaders together Sept. 2 and 3 to unpack that balance. Speakers include Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun (who is steering an iconic brand into its next chapter), AI expert Ethan Mollick, and trust authority Rachel Botsman.

The virtual experience is free, which means the only thing standing between HR teams and actionable hiring insights is registration.

Explore the speaker lineup, hear what’s next, and learn how leading organizations are navigating the evolving world of hiring.

TOTAL REWARDS

Credit: Josh Larson

What makes uncertain times even more uncertain? A changing benefits landscape.

Roughly 100 benefits and HR pros gathered at a From Day One conference in Chicago on June 3 to tackle pressing issues in the benefits space—like rising healthcare costs, AI, and employee well-being—and how to address them.

The consensus? Personalized and better communicated benefits, a group of total rewards leaders said during one panel.

“We cannot just offer the same benefits to everybody, because they have different needs, different stressors,” Rahul Rajvanshi, a director of benefits and total rewards at Montefiore Health Systems, said.

For more on how HR can better personalize and communicate benefits, keep reading here.—MC

      

COMPLIANCE

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President Trump’s nominee to helm HR’s (sometimes) favorite federal agency is headed to the Senate.

Trump late last month signalled continuity for his labor department, nominating his acting labor secretary and the agency’s former deputy, Keith Sonderling, to replace ousted DOL head Lori Chavez DeRemer, who resigned earlier this year.

“It is my Great Honor to announce that I am nominating Keith E. Sonderling, the outstanding Acting United States Secretary of Labor, to be permanent,” Trump posted to Truth Social on June 29. “Throughout his career, Keith has proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country, and I know he will do an incredible job in his new role.”

Sonderling is a steady, repeat customer for Trump. He served in Trump’s administration during his first term, leading the Wage and Hour Division and later serving as a commissioner for the EEOC.

For more on Trump’s new labor secretary nominee, keep reading here.—AD

      

Sponsored By Indeed

Welcome to the new era of AI in hiring. Indeed FutureWorks gathers hiring leaders to unpack the balance between AI and human judgment in recruiting. Register now to hear from speakers like Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun and AI expert Ethan Mollick. Save your spot at the free virtual experience.

work perks

Francis Scialabba

Today’s top HR reads.

Stat: Volkswagen might have to cut as many as 50,000 jobs in order to keep up with competitors, particularly those in China, its CEO told employees via an internal memo. (Reuters)

Quote: “I couldn’t go to work, I could barely concentrate.”—María Belén Carrasco, founder and CEO of Mexico-based clothing company Pijamera, on the detrimental impact of tinnitus, a condition that creates a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears and that millions of people are affected by globally (Bloomberg)

Read: Bosses are pressuring workers to exaggerate how much they actually use AI in their work, and the latter say the fibs are causing them to miss out on raises or promotions. (Business Insider)

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People Person Podcast

On this episode of People Person, host and Morning Brew Inc.'s SVP Head of People Operations Kate Noel, speaks with Jenna Young, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry about the importance of PTO: taking it, not taking advantage of it, and how companies should actually be thinking about it for optimal employee performance. Plus, Jenna shares her idea for trading AI training with Summer Fridays.

Jobs

More focus, less fluff. CollabWORK filters out the noise and delivers jobs that actually match what HR Brew readers are looking for. Click here to see the full board of curated roles.