Shifting skillsets and new diverse workplaces create an environment whereby employers need to make some changes in order to remain competitive in attracting and retaining key talent.

One such HR Program that continues to evolve and require attention is that of performance management.  According to our 2017-2018 Global Future for Work study, breakthrough approaches were identified to meet the evolving workplace – they included, leadership development, organizational structure and effective performance management all of which remain critical to engaging talent.

You’ve seen the headlines, as one notable man after another has a disgraceful fall from power after many women have bravely come forward with their stories. Beyond the scandals involving Weinstein, Lauer, Moonves, and hundreds of other high profile individuals, today’s workplace environment has seen a significant surge in focus and awareness of sexual harassment. The effects of the #MeToo movement and the Time’s Up Initiative have sparked hundreds of accusations against (mostly) men in power. According to a CNN/Time Survey, 70% of Americans classify sexual harassment as a “very serious problem” compared to 1998 when only 36% of Americans did.

$1,500,000,000,000![1] At $1.5 trillion in outstanding loans nationally, chances are that many of your new recruits and current employees are struggling to pay down student loan debt, resulting in financial stress and delayed retirement savings. In fact, student loans are so common that 4 out of 10 Americans who have gone to college took out some sort of debt to pursue their degree.[2]

The gig economy trend isn't new. It's just bigger now with more than 57 million workers in the United States freelancing. This equates to about 37% of the workforce. This is significant considering close to half of millennials are freelancing today; and a gig economy growth prediction is that by 2027, gig economy workers will make up most of the U.S. workforce. ("Freelancing in America: 2017", Upwork).

This compelling data raises some important questions about what HR professionals (or someone who has responsibility for recruitment, retention and talent) should do about the impacts of the gig economy at their organization. 

The disco era brought us many fads: leisure suits, pet rocks and his and her perms. Those are mercifully gone, but the late ‘70s also introduced the promise of a paperless society. It hasn’t happened yet (and may not in our lifetimes), but the astonishing technology leaps over the past 40 years have certainly diminished the need for printed materials.

Several external drivers – from the changing nature of work and the workforce to digital disruption to employee expectations for transparency – necessitate a renewed focus on Total Rewards. Benefits are no exception to the need to modernize: Employees are seeking customization and personalization of their benefits portfolio, especially as the workforce becomes more diverse. Global benefit cost and risk continue to put pressure on company budgets, and benefits technology has created opportunities to improve the employee experience and the administration of benefit plans.

More than ever before, companies are turning to employee engagement pulse surveys for employee feedback and, empowered by new technology, they are soliciting it more often and on more topics than ever. No longer requiring support from specialists, they are keeping their costs low and their options open.

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, being “attractive” to employees means taking advantage of every opportunity to engage and highlight your organization’s value so you can retain and attract the right talent. Individuals are no longer simply looking for a job; they want to be your fans, but they have to know what’s in it for them ― WIIFMs!