Famous parents often smooth the road to stardom for their children — even when their kids have earned a place in Hollywood through talent and hard work. After all, getting an audition is easier for the aspiring actor whose mom knows the casting director. Indeed, most parents want their children to succeed. Even beyond teaching values like hard work and resiliency, parents will often give their children an academic and occupational boost when possible. And while last night’s Academy Awards audience was filled with recognizable legacies, it works the same way outside of Hollywood: lining up an interview is easier for the applicant whose parent knows — or is — the hiring manager. Of course, making career connections through networking is generally a positive thing — but feelings of resentment toward so-called “nepo babies” can be harmful to the people who are given the label as well as their co-workers who perceive them as “getting a break.” So, even if your workplace is a world away from the glamour of the silver screen, these issues could be percolating in your organization. What four steps can you take to help your business develop strong policies and combat resentment based on nepotism?
1. Set Parameters
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with hiring friends and family, nepotism in the workplace is about more than simply hiring relatives: it generally occurs when an executive or manager shows favoritism toward family – and friends – over other candidates or employees....
A message claiming to offer free laptops to students has been widely circulated online. The message asks students to apply under the supposed ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’, giving the impr...