About one-third (34%) of workers believe that managers decide what to pay them based on what they think each employee should make, instead of on their actual performance. In light of these numbers, it is important not to wait for federal laws to address pay equity. If you want to attract and keep good employees, you need to prioritize this issue now; and artificial intelligence (AI) can help. In addition to increasing transparency, AI can enable you to personalize rewards and recommend pay rates, bonuses, or other perks using data rather than feelings or observations. AI also can boost employees’ confidence in the organization and their beliefs that their employer is committed to fairness and equity. Any organization—large, small, or in-between—can use some form of AI in ways that can decrease turnover and eliminate unconscious bias. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (5/6) Will AI Be the Solution to Pay Equity?
HR Industry Brief
(5/3) 4 Simple Reasons Why Texting Can Lead to Better Hires
In a busy world where people are constantly on the move, it can be challenging to connect via traditional means such as emails or even phone calls. Increasingly, hiring managers and recruiters are using texting for fast, easy communication. Why? First of all, texting is quicker; and it makes it easy to set up appointments or interviews. It’s easy to use texts for reminders and extra tips before personal meetings. No one likes to be ghosted or surprised; a quick confirmation and note about what information to bring will help ensure a smoother, more successful meeting. Texting is especially popular with millennials and other younger workers; so using this means of communication can get their attention and interest. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (5/3) 4 Simple Reasons Why Texting Can Lead to Better Hires
(5/2) Poll: Americans Among Most Stressed People in the World
It may be time to ramp up your efforts to help employees manage stress. According to a new Gallup Report, Americans are more stressed than people in most other countries; and their worries and fears are increasing. Over half (55%) of Americans surveyed said they experience stress during much of the day, and 22% said they regularly feel anger. Stress, anger, and worries are more common among younger Americans (those ages 15 to 49); and lowest-income people reported more negative emotions than the highest-income Americans. Among the poorest 20% of Americans, nearly 70% reported feeling stressed during the day. Among the programs or benefits that may help reduce stress including financial counseling/coaching, yoga/meditation and exercise classes, family activities, and tuition assistance or professional development opportunities. [Read more...] about (5/2) Poll: Americans Among Most Stressed People in the World
(5/1) How Bad Technology Is Costing You Top Talent
Outdated or inadequate technology may just seem like an inconvenience, but it actually can be costing you good employees. According to a recent survey, 24% of workers have considered leaving their position over bad technology because it doesn’t match up to their job demands. To build high-tech systems that workers appreciate and embrace, make sure your tools and platforms are structured around employee workflow and aligned with the tech people use in their lives outside of work. Consider digital workplace platforms that streamline HR systems, leverage chat and community features, encourage collaborations, and employ analytics. Remember that the secret to effective workplace technology is a combination of easy-to-navigate interface and a personalized toolkit. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (5/1) How Bad Technology Is Costing You Top Talent
(4/30) Cultural Intelligence Is a Competitive Advantage
Having a high cultural quotient (CQ) can help you attract and keep the best employees in a globalized work environment. Toward that end, HR leaders should prioritize improving their organization’s CQ. How is this done? Start by taking a CQ test and share it with your team to determine where your organization stands; then share your CQ data within the company, even if the results aren’t stellar. Transparency will encourage a supportive environment and leadership that is open to change and learning. Finally, strategize and take action as a team to improve your CQ. Consider learning new languages, traveling, or volunteering together. Engage in real-world activities that introduce people to new cultures in a positive way. Read the … [Read more...] about (4/30) Cultural Intelligence Is a Competitive Advantage
(4/29) 7 Tips for Keeping Shift Workers Healthy
Many employees like the flexibility that shift work can enable, but non-traditional schedules can have a negative impact on mental and physical health. To keep your shift workers safe, healthy, and happy, consider a few tips: · Make their schedules as predictable as possible, and provide adequate advance notice for schedule/shift changes. This enables your workers to prepare mentally for the change and make necessary arrangements such as child care or transportation assistance. · Limit the number of nights employees work consecutively. Make sure all workers get adequate time off to rest, refresh, and recharge. · Have designated places and times for shift worker to rest. · Include flexibility in health/wellness programs so that shift workers aren’t excluded or unable to participate because of their schedules. · Consider shift-based hiring. Think about hiring people for specific shifts. Matching employees with the shift that best … [Read more...] about (4/29) 7 Tips for Keeping Shift Workers Healthy
(4/26) The Need for Soft Skills Training Grows as Automation Transforms the Workplace
An increase in automation and dependence on technology often suggests depersonalization in the workplace; but, in fact, human connections and soft skills are more important than ever. Make sure your employees have the soft skills they need to thrive in a high-tech world. Start with a needs assessment. Do leader embrace innovation? Do teams collaborate effectively? Are there communication gaps? Use a gap analysis to assess skills and identify training and coaching needs; then make training accessible. Remember that interactive training involving multi-media programming and role playing is most effective for adult learners. Identify measurable outcomes to track so that you can identify gaps and opportunities on a regular basis. Don’t wait until there are problems such as turnover, conflicts, errors, and lost productivity to recognize soft skill gaps. [Read more...] about (4/26) The Need for Soft Skills Training Grows as Automation Transforms the Workplace
(4/25) Why Can’t You Fill That Vacancy?
Sometimes it’s hard to fill a job opening. It may seem like there just aren’t good candidates out there, but the problem might be that you’re not identifying or attracting the right people. Consider a few common reasons vacancies stay open and how you can address them. For instance, perhaps you’re not posting in places that the right applicant will see the listing. Think about broadening your reach via newer job boards, industry publications, and/or area schools/professional training programs. Perhaps you are focusing too narrowly on specific requirements. In this case, think about what skills can be learned on the job and limit the number of must-have qualifications in the job listing. Take a second look at the salary range—is it competitive with what others in the area are offering for a similar position? Maybe you’re not “selling” all of the job’s benefits. Create an accurate yet positive picture of the job and emphasize popular or unique benefits[Read more...] about (4/25) Why Can’t You Fill That Vacancy?
(4/24) Putting Humanity into HR Compliance: Collapse the HR Triangle—Enable but Don’t Be an Enabler
Disciplining or dismissing an employee can be difficult for managers, and they sometimes look to HR to do the unpleasant task for them. However, while you certainly want to help, taking on this responsibility can result in employees feeling upset or angry with both management and HR. At the same time, however, simply telling managers to handle it doesn’t always go much better. The answer? Consider providing talking points or even a script to help guide the manager’s discussion with the worker. If that doesn’t work, sit in on a meeting between the manager and employee. You can prompt questions or discussions, but don’t take over the conversation; and let the manager make decisions about any issues that arise. You shouldn’t enable weak or inexperienced managers; instead, you can empower and support them; ultimately, you can help make them better leaders. [Read more...] about (4/24) Putting Humanity into HR Compliance: Collapse the HR Triangle—Enable but Don’t Be an Enabler
(4/23) SCOTUS to Decide Whether Title VII Forbids LGBT Discrimination
The U.S. Supreme Court has announced that it will hear three cases to decide if employees are protected from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and transgender status. This will be a key decision that could resolve a circuit split and agency disagreement on this issue. However, experts say it many not have much day-to-day impact on employers, as legislators in 20 states and Washington, D.C. have passed laws to address gender identity and sexual orientation protection at work. Even if the SCOTUS determines that it is legal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity, state laws and other issues could still give employees a legal claim if, for instance, they are harassed by a co-worker for being LGBT. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (4/23) SCOTUS to Decide Whether Title VII Forbids LGBT Discrimination
