Robert Bird | Source | Professor of Business Law and Eversource Energy Chair in Business Ethics at U...
Robert Bird
Robert is a Professor of Business Law and the Eversource Energy Chair in Business Ethics at the University of Connecticut. A JD/MBA graduate from Boston University, he teaches courses in compliance, business law and ethics, and employment law. Robert’s scholarship focuses on sustainability, compliance, corporate governance, ethics, legal strategy, and employment law. He has authored over sixty publications, including articles in the Journal of Law and Economics, American Business Law Journal, the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, and the MIT Sloan Management Review.
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University of Connecticut (https://uconn.edu/)
Professor of Business Law and Eversource Energy Chair in Business Ethics
started Aug 2004
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The Growing Gap Between College Grads And Available Jobs
The majority of college graduates are working in jobs that don't require higher education, leading many to question the value of college, a recent study finds.
Article
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U.S. PTO Policies: A Catalyst for Employee Burnout and Dissatisfaction
Robert highlights that limited PTO leads to burnout and poor work-life balance, disproportionately affecting women. He notes that U.S. employment law views employment as a contract between equals, but employers often hold more power. Robert suggests negotiating PTO during major work events or seeking employers who value work-life balance. -
Empowering Blue-Collar Workers: Compliance Through Culture and Clarity
Robert emphasizes that new standards should be clearly communicated and tailored to employees' expectations. "Avoid legal jargon to prevent disengagement." Compliance thrives in a culture where managers lead by example. Managers must embody the standards they wish to enforce, ensuring employees understand the benefits of compliance for both the company and their job security. -
American Work Culture: A Historical Perspective on Minimal PTO
Robert highlights America's individualistic work culture and weaker unions as reasons for minimal PTO. He notes significant downsides, including employee burnout and destabilized family relationships. While benefits like PTO improve societal well-being, they increase hiring costs, potentially reducing salaries. Balancing stability and risk is crucial for optimal outcomes for all stakeholders.
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A strong corporate culture or sense of mission can attract graduates to new opportunities at an unexpected employer.
