Workforce

Hiring the right candidate is essential for your business's success. When you bring someone on board who aligns with your company culture and goals, they can drive productivity and boost morale.

However, you may miss the early signs that a new hire is not a good fit. This can lead to more significant issues like poor performance, disengagement and turnover down the line. Spotting these red flags early can address potential problems before they snowball. It will save you time, energy and resources while keeping your team on track.

Effective communication between IT teams and the rest of the organization has become a critical success factor as organizations increasingly rely on digital technologies. Misunderstandings can expose the company to cyberattacks, delay projects and ultimately hinder overall business growth.

Explore these strategies for bridging the gap between technical expertise and everyday business operations to facilitate more effective organizational interactions. 

Businesses with multiple departments often have a diverse mix of employees with different backgrounds and various perspectives. Conflicts are more likely to happen when people communicate in different ways or fail to understand where the other person is coming from. 

Leadership can implement practices to avoid many misunderstandings, but occasional tension will still occur. Knowing the best strategies to try to stop conflict before it starts and manage it when it does can keep the team moving forward and a company’s culture thriving. 

The workforce is evolving, with a noticeable demographic shift toward an aging population. Businesses must recognize the value of these experienced workers as life expectancy rises and people remain active in their careers longer.

Adapting company practices to support and retain older employees is a strategic move that enhances productivity and ensures valuable knowledge stays within the company. Fostering an inclusive environment where older workers feel valued enables businesses to reduce turnover, maintain a diverse and skilled workforce and thrive in a competitive market.

Traditionally, performance management considered big projects and employee interactions with management and often involved an annual performance review. With modern tools, however, employees are demanding more structure and regular feedback to grow their skills and improve opportunities for promotion. 

Since “The Great Resignation,” companies have struggled to attract and retain top talent. Many business leaders have shifted the benefits they offer their workers, including creating a stronger and more positive company culture. Handling performance management in ways the younger generation relates to requires overhauling the entire process. 

Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) has emerged as a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape. This evolution allows even those with limited technical skills to launch sophisticated phishing attacks, making it easier for cybercriminals to target organizations of all sizes. Understanding PhaaS is crucial for IT professionals because it enables them to anticipate and mitigate these advanced threats.

The line between blue-collar and white-collar roles has always been well-recognized. However, as leaders seek clever ways to address the white-collar talent shortage, overlooked blue-collar professionals may help fill the gap. 

Recruiting former blue-collar talent could be a game-changer for businesses, especially since these individuals often deliver a wealth of knowledge, unique skill sets and an incredible work ethic. Here's why leaders should embrace blue-collar hiring, plus several ways to overcome the challenges of a dynamic workforce.

The lines between work-life balance are constantly blurred in today's remote and hybrid workforce, especially as modern technology has given rise to around-the-clock accessibility. Employees demand schedule flexibility and respect for their personal lives, while employers expect teams to prioritize their jobs, regardless of the time. The result is often burnout, stress and a decline in productivity. 

California's "Right to Disconnect" bill sought to remedy the issue by limiting communications during off-work hours, much to corporate dissatisfaction. However, the bill didn't pass, leaving many wondering what's next for ensuring work-life balance and supporting employee well-being. 

Many companies strive for an inclusive workplace culture, but it can be challenging without the help of some well-placed tools. In a perfect world, each co-worker would put themselves in others’ shoes. The team would value their input and see the strengths they bring to their role.

Unfortunately, empathy training rarely goes as smoothly as leaders would like. Fostering an inclusive work environment requires targeted education. At the same time, brands must be aware of taking a centered approach that makes everyone feel valued and wanted. Virtual reality makes improving company culture and creating a cohesive workplace easier. 

In the much-anticipated new book, "Dare to Relate: Leading with a Fierce Heart," trailblazing former federal agency CEO, TEDx speaker and renowned relational leadership expert Cheryl L. Mason, J.D.