A federal judge in Texas has rejected the Labor Department's April 2024 rule raising salary thresholds for the white-collar overtime exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act, citing that the changes exceeded the agency's authority. The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors celebrated the ruling, with NAW Chief Government Affairs Officer Brian Wild calling it a "major victory" for NAW's Legal Policy Center. "Once again, the courts vacated a Department of Labor overtime rule that would harm wholesaler-distributors and businesses nationwide," Wild said. "The significant increase in salary thresholds would have stifled employee growth opportunities, reduced workplace autonomy and limited flexibility for workers."

Sonepar, electrical supplies distributor, has increased its revenue by more than $2 billion this year, with seven North American acquisitions, including Summit Electric Supply, Echo Electric Supply, Standard Electric and Madison Electric. The deals brought around 1,700 associates and 89 branches into its fold. "Each acquisition is carefully considered, and we look to partner with the best local and regional distributors, which share our values and desire to grow," says Sonepar Americas President Rob Taylor.

In an effort to counter rising competition from budget platforms Shein and Temu, Amazon has introduced Amazon Haul, a new app section dedicated to items at "crazy low" prices. Available to select US customers, Haul, which uses vibrant visuals and emojis, offers products under $20, with most priced around $10. This move is part of Amazon's strategy to appeal to consumers willing to wait longer for deliveries from China in exchange for lower prices.

Supply chains are increasingly adopting mobile robots and drones as these technologies mature, driven by a focus on AI and automation. According to Gartner's Hype Cycle report, technologies such as collaborative in-aisle picking robots and autonomous mobile robots for transport are expected to mature within two to five years, enhancing logistics operations.

GreenBox Systems, a joint venture between SoftBank and Symbotic, plans to invest $144 million in an automated warehouse in Jackson, Ga., creating 300 jobs. The facility, which is slated to open toward the end of next year, will use AI and vision-enabled robots to minimize human labor. Georgia will provide worker training, and the company could also be in line to receive tax breaks.

"Unstoppable coaching" in sales involves a strategic approach which includes managing mental forces, leveraging a three-to-one positive thought ratio and dedicating three hours monthly to coaching, writes sales expert Colleen Francis. "All sellers in your organization -- from the top to the bottom of the pile -- benefit from coaching and count on you to deliver it," Francis writes.

More than a third of employees globally plan to switch jobs over the next six months despite 80% finding meaning in their work, according to a ManpowerGroup survey. Becky Frankiewicz, chief commercial officer at ManpowerGroup, says the findings show "purpose alone isn't enough to retain talent" and employees want workplaces that support mental health, work-life balance and career development.

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