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HRDA Frankly Speaking: Ally’s Reggie Willis on Leading the Five-Generation Workforce

The complexities of leading teams of five different generations were a central focus at this year’s Spark HR 2025, with Reggie Willis, Chief Diversity Officer at Ally Financial, offering invaluable insights. In a session that resonated deeply with HR professionals, Willis explored the profound impact of generational differences on workplace communication and collaboration. His key […]

Safeguarding Intellectual Property in the Modern Workplace

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a rule banning most noncompete agreements nationwide. Although enforcement is currently stayed (paused) pending legal challenges, courts and legislatures continue to narrow or eliminate noncompete enforceability—prompting employers to reevaluate how they protect proprietary information and competitive advantage. In response, many employers are turning to trade secret law. […]

Faces of HR: Spencer Stuart’s Steve Patscot on the Future of HR 

Before the digital revolution swept through the workplace, there was a different kind of hustle. For Steve Patscot, now Consultant, Partner, and HR Practice Leader at Spencer Stuart, his journey began in the trenches of recruiting at GE – a time when communication, prioritization, and execution were honed through pure human connection, devoid of the […]

“Per My Last PTO Request”: What Demoted Gets Right About Workplace Anxiety 

Corporate life is full of unspoken rules, awkward small talk, and the occasional “per my last email” power play. That’s exactly why Demoted is my favorite podcast right now.   Hosted by Ross “Corp” Pomerantz and Natalie Marie, Demoted gives voice to everything employees love to complain about in office culture.  Each week, the hosts […]

Breaking the ‘Too Valuable to Promote’ Cycle: How to Develop Indispensable Employees  

In any organization, high-performing employees are invaluable. But what happens when someone becomes so good in their current role that promoting them—or moving them elsewhere—feels impossible?   It’s a delicate balancing act. How do you retain top talent without stalling their career or inadvertently creating risk?  Look to Lateral Moves  Scott Purcell, Co-Founder of Man of […]

Why Employees Matter More Than Mission Statements

Company culture is often described as something driven from the top. But real culture—the one employees live every day—is built, reinforced, and sometimes broken by the people who make up the organization. Leaders can cast a vision, but it takes employees to bring it to life—or let it fade. As John Jones, Managing Director and […]

Big Brother is Watching: Tracking Government Employees

After ordering federal workers back to the office, the Trump administration sent an e-mail informing employees it will employ the use of technology to ensure they’re back, Reuters says. For example, it will track laptop logins, employee badge swipes, and other information to monitor where work is being completed. “Most EPA employees have returned to the office, […]

4 Ways HR Leaders Can Drive Employee Engagement 

Employee engagement continues to be the top priority for HR leaders in achieving a productive and happy workforce. The challenge is how to keep teams motivated and excited in their work. HR leaders from some of the biggest and brightest companies recently spoke at SPARK HR 2025 and revealed some staggering statistics. Across America, only […]

Reimagine Employee Feedback: How to End Performance Reviews

“I love performance reviews!”—said nobody, ever. Despite their unpopularity, most companies still conduct annual performance reviews even though 98% of CHROs admit their performance management processes are broken. Why cling to something that doesn’t work? Because many executives simply can’t imagine a better way to enhance employee performance. What if there’s a way to ditch […]

merger

Culture: The Key to M&A Success 

As M&A activity is projected to accelerate in 2025, organizations face a critical challenge that extends far beyond traditional due diligence and integration plans. While financial models, operational synergies, and legal alignment are rigorously analyzed, one key element is often underestimated: culture.  Cultural integration — the alignment of values, behaviors, and people practices between merging […]