Magazine Article

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.

Pushing the Right Buttons

In the new world of work, three drivers of employee engagement have emerged: connection, well-being, and feedback.

By Marta Chmielowicz

The obstacles of 2020 tested the business world in unimaginable ways, reshaping the way people live, work, and relate to each other -potentially for the better. According to Qualtrics’ 2021 Employee Experience Trends Report, employee engagement has actually increased since the pandemic began, from 53% in November 2019 to 66% in November 2020.

Shaping HR Priorities

The challenges of 2020 are accelerating even more transformation in 2021.

By Anthony DiRomualdo, Dorothée El-Khoury, and Franco Girimonte

Unprecedented disruption in 2020 upended the HR agenda. Many business leaders were forced to put plans for growth on hold in order to step up and guide their organizations through challenging strategic and operational issues, including a global pandemic, a tense political climate, and growing calls for social justice around the world.