Align Public Strategies takes a closer look at the tightening job market in the new economy and the expectations workers have, including higher wages and portable benefits. All of these conditions can make it more difficult to recruit and retain workers.

Plus, as Starbucks gets ready to shut down 8,000 stores for racial-bias training, the Align team discuss what message the company is communicating to its employees about the brand. The Align team also shares several updates to stories from last week’s episode, including a new soda tax study, ICE raids and an influential conservative think tank calling for a paid leave policy.

Align Public Strategies is a full-service public affairs and creative firm that helps corporate brands, governments and non-profit organizations navigate the outside world and inform their internal decision-making. This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality.