Archives

The Evolution of Retirement: From Pensions to 401(k)s and What It Means for Employee Retention

In the modern, information-based economy, human talent is incredibly important to just about any organization. Finding, recruiting, and retaining that talent is consequently extremely important as well, and businesses have many strategies aimed at retention, from creating diverse and inclusive workspaces to tenure-based bonuses and advancement schemes. But what ever happened to the ultimate corporate […]

The Importance of Creativity in the Workplace

While artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize the workplace by adding tremendous efficiencies and taking over a multitude of tasks from human workers, it is becoming increasingly apparent what kinds of work AI is not well-positioned to perform. This makes human abilities like creativity increasingly sought after among human workers. Creativity in High Demand A new […]

Case Study: Employee Challenges DEI Training Video—But Neglects to Watch It

In recent months, many employers have faced increased scrutiny of and challenges to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including claims that the programs amount to “reverse discrimination.” In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit (which covers Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin) rejected an employee’s reverse discrimination claim under […]

Work-Life Balance at the Executive Level

There is a lot of discussion about work-life balance in the U.S. workforce. Employees often feel like, between a full-time job and non-work obligations like child-rearing, they don’t have time to pursue passions like hobbies, exercise, or travel. And it doesn’t seem like things get easier at the top. The perception is often that it’s […]

Regina Bradley

Faces of HR: How Regina Bradley Champions People at the Ad Council

Regina Bradley’s two-decade tenure at the Ad Council has been marked by her unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. As Chief People Officer, she oversees a small but mighty team responsible for both People and Facilities operations. Bradley’s expertise extends to a wide range of HR functions, including talent management, succession planning, […]

onboarding

Building Trust at a Distance: Strategies for Virtual Onboarding

The landscape of modern business has undergone a dramatic transformation with the rise of remote work. As companies increasingly embrace distributed teams, the need for effective onboarding strategies that transcend physical boundaries has become essential. At the heart of successful remote collaboration lies a crucial element: trust. Building and maintaining trust in a virtual environment […]

Don’t Act Without Thinking: A Few Thoughts on Firing Employees

Conventional wisdom says firing an employee is one of the more difficult decisions for managers and HR. Unconventional wisdom says to think differently. Read on. Thought No. 1: Fire Sooner, Not Later When a new employee isn’t the right hire, act! When there isn’t a good match between your need and their talent, no amount […]

Musk’s CA to TX Move Highlights Impact of Culture on Business

Business mogul Elon Musk recently announced the relocation of the headquarters for both X and SpaceX from California to Texas. The decision stems from Musk’s disapproval of new laws in California related to notification of children’s gender identity. This move illustrates a growing trend in which business decisions are increasingly influenced by the cultural and […]

AI in Hiring Processes: A Balanced Approach

In the evolving employment landscape, the excitement around AI and its integration into the workforce is palpable. As AI reshapes roles and expectations, a surprising trend emerges: despite technological advancements, a significant 70% of executives still firmly prioritize soft skills over AI competencies during the hiring process, according to 2024 Fast Company reporting.   This divergence […]

What Leaders Should Know About Chicago’s New Paid and Sick Leave

Effective July 1, 2024, Chicago employers will need to comply with the city of Chicago’s paid leave and paid sick and safe leave ordinance. The ordinance requires Chicago employers and employers with Chicago-based remote workers to provide up to 40 hours per year of paid leave and 40 hours per year of paid sick leave […]