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Leveraging AI in HR

It sounds oxymoronic to talk about how human resources can find synergies with artificial intelligence. But that’s exactly what many cutting-edge HR teams have been doing, and there are plenty of insights to be gained by those who are a little late to jump on the AI bus. “Effective leadership is embracing technology through AI-driven […]

The Power of Empathy in Leadership: Driving Innovation and Engagement

In a recent interview, Microsoft’s CEO emphasized a profound insight: empathy is the most significant source of innovation. This statement resonates deeply, positioning empathy not only as a human value but as a teachable skill essential for meeting people’s needs, fostering innovation, and engaging employees. Empathy, when combined with compassion, transcends simply recognizing emotion; it […]

Beyond Friends: EAP Lessons from Matthew Perry’s Legacy of Helping Others

As family and friends recently paid tribute to Matthew Perry on the one-year anniversary of his untimely passing, I considered honoring his memory with a throw-back post about one of my favorite Friends episodes. But the beloved sitcom star repeatedly made clear that he wanted to be remembered for far more than his work in […]

Supreme Court Refuses to Uphold Title IX Trans Harassment Guidance

On August 16, the Supreme Court refused to lift lower court orders blocking the Department of Education’s (DOE) new regulations protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination based on gender identity. The new rule expanded the definition of sex-based discrimination under Title IX to protect gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination in federally funded schools. The entire […]

Turning Skills into Opportunities: The Value of a Non-Traditional Career Path in a Shifting Business Landscape

No matter the sector—whether it’s tech, manufacturing, or energy—industries are evolving rapidly, driven by factors like AI, globalization, and increasing regulatory demands. One key factor unites companies leading this change: the significant role leadership plays in driving and navigating these shifts. In many organizations, the C-suite has expanded to include new roles that address emerging […]

Navigating the Gig Economy: Pros and Cons of Leveraging Independent Contractors

When it comes to staffing an organization, there are more options than the traditional full-time, closely supervised W-2 employee. Many organizations leverage independent contractors, a type of worker that is treated differently for both employment law and tax purposes, and that offers both advantages and disadvantages when compared to traditional workers. Understanding Independent Contractors Independent […]

DOL Confirms Cybersecurity Guidance Applies to Health and Welfare Plans

On September 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) confirmed its cybersecurity guidance applies to all employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans. In 2021, the DOL issued guidance providing best practices in cybersecurity for plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries, recordkeepers, and plan participants. The retirement plan industry took notice and has generally made […]

The Role of HR in Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness 

With businesses increasingly relying on technology, cybersecurity threats are more prevalent than ever. Cyberattacks can target any organization, from small businesses to large corporations, and cause financial loss and long-lasting reputational damage. While information technology (IT) teams are often seen as the front line of defense against these attacks, human resources (HR) plays a crucial […]

Connecting Hearts and Minds: Vandana Juneja’s Journey to Shaping Inclusive Workplaces

Vandana Juneja has dedicated her career to shaping workplaces that are inclusive, equitable, and empowering. With a background spanning human resources (HR), law, and global consulting, Juneja’s diverse experiences uniquely equip her for her role as the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion  Officer, a new role at Thornton Tomasetti, a scientific and engineering consulting firm. In […]

With the Rise of AI, Is a Chief Automation Officer Necessary? 

In the age of digital transformation and advanced technology like AI, automation is a critical element for organizations to stay competitive. That’s why many C-suites are considering incorporating a Chief Automation Officer (CAO) into the fabric of their organization to provide senior executive oversight of automation initiatives. But is a whole new role in the […]