LinkedIn round-up: Australia’s answer to Silicon Valley, climate strategy, and toxic positivity

HR Leader has compiled a round-up of some of the interesting topics discussed on LinkedIn lately. An Australian town wants to be the next Silicon Valley, Shell is seeing pressure for its climate strategy, and buzzwords like “toxic positivity” and “conscious quitting” are making the rounds.

Silicon Valley Down Under

As seen on ABC News’ LinkedIn, a Queensland town wants to be Australia’s answer to Silicon Valley.

The town of Logan, halfway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Australia, with tech companies converging in the area.

Logan’s deputy mayor Jon Raven commented: “It’s so important for Logan to have start-ups operating in our city because the jobs of the future are going to be the jobs for young people.”

With the local council supporting start-ups and the town receiving worldwide recognition for innovation, Logan could become Australia’s tech hub.

Shell directors sued over climate strategy

The Guardian reported on LinkedIn that a number of Shell’s directors had been sued over their inadequate climate strategy.

Environmental law charity ClientEarth filed the lawsuit with the high court in England. According to The Guardian, it’s a world first for holding directors accountable for inadequate organisational net zero policy.

‘Toxic positivity’

LinkedIn News discussed “toxic positivity” in a post. Toxic positivity is excessive optimism that doesn’t acknowledge how you’re feeling and why you’re experiencing negative emotions.

This is unhealthy as it means you’re essentially living in denial and being invalidated for the way you may be feeling.

LinkedIn News said managers should avoid this by: “Instead of offering generic advice or faux empathy, allow them to express their negative emotions. The first step you can take is simply to listen. Then, try to offer concrete support. Follow up on your proposal to help only if you see that your teammate or employee welcomes it.”

It’s okay to be upset, angry, or disappointed. Cramming those feelings down and pretending all is okay isn’t the best way to deal with negativity.

‘Conscious quitting’

LinkedIn News UK described the phenomenon of “conscious quitting”, saying that it is on the rise in the UK.

Conscious quitting refers to an employee leaving a company because it does not conform to their values and ethics. This is especially common around environmental and social issues.

LinkedIn News UK said in the post: “UK workers of all ages are increasingly concerned for society and the planet’s future, and almost half of them are willing to quit their job if their employer doesn’t think the same.

“The shift in priorities is fuelled by a desire for personal fulfilment and a sense of contributing to the greater good. This is even more noticeable among Gen Z and Millennial workers, many of whom would rather take a pay cut than work for a firm that is not bettering humanity.”

In the poll posted, at the time of writing this, 34 per cent would take a pay cut to work for a company that relates to their values. Twenty-four per cent said no, and 41 per cent said, “How big is the pay cut?”

HR operating models

David Green, senior vice-president at people analytics company Insight222, shared a post on LinkedIn detailing five emerging HR operating models.

The five models listed are:

• Ulrich
• Agile
• EX-driven
• Leader-led
• Machine-powered