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May 2021

Looking Forward

For companies seeking a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace, data can reveal a clear path to success.

By Marta Chmielowicz

When an organization came to Korn Ferry with the goal of improving the diversity of its upper-level leadership team, a root analysis was in order. By leveraging workforce data to understand the underlying causes of racial inequity in their workplace, the client was able to gain insight into a powerful lever of inclusion and develop strategies to create lasting change. Other companies struggling to create safer and more inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplaces have a valuable lesson to learn from this approach: data can reveal a clear path forward.

Evolving Employer Branding

Employers need to redefine their EVP and employer brand to respond to the transforming world of work.

By Marta Chmielowicz

As COVID-19 restrictions lift and the U.S. economy begins to recover, employees are seeking out new job opportunities in droves. In fact, Achievers’ 2021 Engagement and Retention Report shows that 52% of employees plan to look for a new job -up from 35% in 2020. To remain competitive and attract top talent in this environment, organizations need to revamp their employee value proposition (EVP) and brand strategy to meet the needs of today’s evolved workforce.

Generation Next

Strategies to develop a holistic workforce strategy to attract younger talent and contingent workers.

By Vish Baliga

The pandemic has challenged companies to rethink their workforce strategies in profound ways, particularly with respect to remote work and gig opportunities. Much of the U.S. has become a work-from-home economy, with over 42% of the workforce now working from home or a remote location full-time. Many of the concerns associated with working from home have been addressed with the aid of new technologies and work practices. In fact, the pandemic-induced remote work environment has provided ideal conditions to validate the benefits of remote work for organizations, workers, and society at large.

Changes Ahead

As offices reopen and a hybrid workforce becomes the norm, a new set of challenges are arising.

By Jo Deal

The “future of work” and “return to office” have never been more top of mind than they are today. Organizations are faced with the impossible task of deciding how to meet everyone’s needs: those who want to work fully remotely, those who miss the office and amenities, and those who want a mix of both via a hybrid model. The true winners will be the organizations that create solutions that allow each of these groups to successfully find their new normal and thrive equally, no matter which group they are in.

Making the Grade

If 2020 was a test, HR technology passed with flying colors.

By Stacey Cadigan

If there was ever an examination of the value of the HR function as a whole -and the value HR technology can add to an enterprise -it’s been the past 12 months. More than a year into the COVID-19 crisis, HR teams have had to contend with a host of people and policy issues in a workplace that has been radically changed by the pandemic. Cloud-based HR and other technologies have played an important role in helping enterprises survive. In fact, one could say HR technology finally came of age and made the grade in the midst of this crisis.

Paving the Way to Growth

Creating employee career paths is crucial to attracting and retaining the best talent.

By Shalon Travis

When it comes to defining employee experience, there are perhaps as many definitions as there are stars in the sky. But the one thing nearly all HR leaders can agree on is that the goal of a positive employee experience is to reduce unwanted attrition, improve engagement, and build strong teams.

Maintaining a Healthy Program

Three strategies can help employers navigate the changes to employee benefits caused by COVID-19.

By Sally Prather

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic placed most employers in crisis mode, focusing on employee health and safety and the transition to remote work. As companies now begin to focus on recovery and the “new normal,” it’s essential to evaluate longterm workforce strategy to ensure sustainability and growth. A good starting point is assessing health and wellness benefits, a long-standing pain point for many organizations.

Embracing Wellness

2020 has tested employee well-being like never before. Here’s how employers can help.

By Cynthia Coverson

As employers begin to see the “light at the end of the tunnel” one year into COVID-19 amid vaccination rollouts and reopening plans, many are beginning to reflect on just how drastically employees’ needs and desires have evolved during the pandemic. For example, MetLife’s 19th annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study found that this year, more employees than ever have stated employers have a responsibility for the well-being of their workforce. That’s why this is an opportune time to prioritize employee well-being, particularly as many employers begin to make important decisions about the future of the workplace.

CEO’s Letter: Baker’s Dozen Breakdown

By Elliot H. Clark

In this issue, we announce our HRO Today Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Ratings™ for MSP (Contingent Labor Resourcing and Management) for 2021. Okay, that’s a long and complicated name, but what exactly is it? Well, it’s what you, the practitioners and clients of MSP, think of your programs and partners, distilled into an easily consumable data set for an RFP process. The Baker’s Dozen differs dramatically from other rankings out there, and we want to highlight the differences, the importance, and the advantages of our ratings system so you understand what you are getting from us versus the others.

HRO Today

Editor’s Note: Mental Health Matters

By Debbie Bolla Who needs a mental health check? According to recent research, most of us do. Findings from Paychex’s 2021 State of Mental Health in the Workplace Report show…
HRO Today

HRO Today Association Update: Come to the Table

By Renée Preston

In mid-March, the HRO Today Association held its first “HR Table Talk.” Created to provide a safe space in which members can feel comfortable discussing challenging issues, the “HR Table Talk” series focuses on critical topics such as HR technology, recognition, engagement, candidate experience, and more.