PLBsearch

????The “Influencer Election” of 2024 Has Changed the Communications Playbook???? As we look back at November 2024, one thing is clear: non-traditional media was?the?strategic battlefield. The traditional “big sit-down” evening news spot has been replaced by influential podcasts, targeted newsletters, and new media voices commanding audiences that surpass most news networks. The 2024 election proved the power of these channels, reshaping how communicators reach their audiences. ???Here’s What’s Next in Communications Strategy: 1???Targeting Audiences with Precision We’re seeing a move from broad demographic targeting to incredibly granular approaches. Now, it’s about reaching specific subsets of audiences – down to the zip code – based on the influence their location has on an issue or legislative outcome. Smart targeting leads to smarter budgets, delivering precision and impact. 2???Less Traditional Media Outreach Op-eds in major papers are still great, but leading communicators are telling us about the power of?curated media lists that prioritize podcasts, Substack newsletters, and digital channels with YouTube content. These outlets can mirror the visual impact of traditional TV, with the added power of audience trust and engagement. As we move toward 2025, communicators must think differently. Whether you’re a CEO or a CCO, now is the time to innovate, embrace new media, and invest in targeted, authentic engagement. Link here ---> https://lnkd.in/etubRJYD #InfluencerElection #CommunicationStrategy #TargetedMedia #PublicAffairs #Podcasting #DigitalMedia

The Great Work-From-Home Debate: Where Do We Go from Here? The WFH debate is back in 2025, with companies, employees, and policymakers clashing over the future of remote work. While some embrace hybrid models, others are enforcing strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates. The Changing Landscape?– Remote work proved productive during the pandemic, offering flexibility and cost savings. Now, companies like Amazon, JPMorgan, and even Zoom are pushing RTO, citing collaboration and culture. The federal government is even offering buyouts to those unwilling to return. The Employee Perspective?– For many, remote work is?non-negotiable. Recruiters say “What’s their WFH policy?” is often the first question candidates ask. While some thrive in-office, especially younger employees, hybrid models are emerging as the middle ground. What’s Next??– Companies prioritizing flexibility may retain top talent, while strict RTO policies could lead to attrition. One thing is clear: WFH isn’t just a trend—it has?permanently?reshaped work. What do you think? Is WFH here to stay, or will in-office mandates win out? Read the full article here ---> https://lnkd.in/eGAU-7tx PLBsearch Pepper Binner, Asheley Linnenbach, Kimberly Ryon #executivesearch #corporateaffairs #publicaffairs #WFH #RTO

The Great Work-From-Home Debate: Where Do We Go from Here? The WFH debate is back in 2025, with companies, employees, and policymakers clashing over the future of remote work. While some embrace hybrid models, others are enforcing strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates. The Changing Landscape?– Remote work proved productive during the pandemic, offering flexibility and cost savings. Now, companies like Amazon, JPMorgan, and even Zoom are pushing RTO, citing collaboration and culture. The federal government is even offering buyouts to those unwilling to return. The Employee Perspective?– For many, remote work is?non-negotiable. Recruiters say “What’s their WFH policy?” is often the first question candidates ask. While some thrive in-office, especially younger employees, hybrid models are emerging as the middle ground. What’s Next??– Companies prioritizing flexibility may retain top talent, while strict RTO policies could lead to attrition. One thing is clear: WFH isn’t just a trend—it has?permanently?reshaped work. What do you think? Is WFH here to stay, or will in-office mandates win out? Read the full article here ---> https://lnkd.in/eGAU-7tx PLBsearch Pepper Binner, Asheley Linnenbach, Kimberly Ryon #executivesearch #corporateaffairs #publicaffairs #WFH #RTO

The Great Work-From-Home Debate: Where Do We Go from Here? The WFH debate is back in 2025, with companies, employees, and policymakers clashing over the future of remote work. While some embrace hybrid models, others are enforcing strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates. The Changing Landscape?– Remote work proved productive during the pandemic, offering flexibility and cost savings. Now, companies like Amazon, JPMorgan, and even Zoom are pushing RTO, citing collaboration and culture. The federal government is even offering buyouts to those unwilling to return. The Employee Perspective?– For many, remote work is?non-negotiable. Recruiters say “What’s their WFH policy?” is often the first question candidates ask. While some thrive in-office, especially younger employees, hybrid models are emerging as the middle ground. What’s Next??– Companies prioritizing flexibility may retain top talent, while strict RTO policies could lead to attrition. One thing is clear: WFH isn’t just a trend—it has?permanently?reshaped work. What do you think? Is WFH here to stay, or will in-office mandates win out? Read the full article here ---> https://lnkd.in/eGAU-7tx PLBsearch Pepper Binner, Asheley Linnenbach, Kimberly Ryon #executivesearch #corporateaffairs #publicaffairs #WFH #RTO

Happy Holidays from PLBsearch! As we close out 2024, we’re deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration of our amazing clients, candidates, and partners in the public affairs community. Your dedication to advancing impactful work inspires us every day. This season, we celebrate the connections we’ve built, the achievements of the past year, and the exciting opportunities ahead. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

The workplace is evolving faster than ever, and the latest administration transition adds another layer of complexity. Across the political spectrum, professionals and organizations alike are navigating near-term talent strategies while adapting to seismic shifts in how—and where—we work. From LinkedIn’s inaugural Work Change Snapshot, 70% of global executives agree that work is changing at an unprecedented pace, and nearly two-thirds of professionals feel overwhelmed by how fast things are moving. This acceleration is reshaping everything from flexible work policies to the skills needed for emerging roles. Key trends to watch: ??Flexible work is in flux: While remote and hybrid roles remain desirable, opportunities for them are shrinking as companies lean into on-site work. Many professionals (25%) now find themselves proving they can work effectively from home. ??AI is changing the skills game: Generative AI is revolutionizing how we work, but businesses are struggling to implement it at scale. As AI adoption grows, LinkedIn data shows that most jobs will require new skills within the next few years. The job market has always been shaped by the convergence of economic, social, and technological forces. But today’s rapid changes are both a challenge and an opportunity. Those who lean into innovation and up-skilling will thrive in this evolving landscape—setting the stage for success in 2025 and beyond. What changes are you seeing? How are you adapting? Let’s discuss in the comments. Read our full piece here: https://lnkd.in/e7zrKaJv

A couple of weeks ago, we found ourselves riveted by a #LinkedIn webinar featuring?Sheryl Sandberg?entitled “Elevating Your Career and Driving Equity at Work.”?In it, she shared her takeaways from #LeanIn's annual?Women in the Workplace Report?with McKinsey & Company, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of her very successful book?Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead.?As a female-owned and led firm, we care deeply about this subject. ?Click link below to read more! #women #executivesearch #LeanIn #career #femaleowned #careercoach https://lnkd.in/gJYM5Fik

This past weekend, PLBsearch was once again a proud sponsor of the Arlington Free Clinic's Annual Benefit Gala. This year's theme was Celebrating Resiliency, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Clinic. For 30 years, this amazing nonprofit has provided full-service healthcare (medical, dental, behavioral, wellness, etc.) to thousands of chronically sick patients who would otherwise lack access. The healthcare providers, who are best-in-class physicians in our area, give their time on a 100% volunteer basis - outside of their day job - and many of them have done so for the entire 30 years. It is heartwarming as always to support the Arlington Free Clinic, and we congratulate them on 30 years of incredible mission-driven success! If you would like an easy way to support the Arlington Free Clinic, here is a link to their Amazon wishlist: https://lnkd.in/gpgwSPDw.

As the cooler weather finally creeps in, so does the return to hiring after the long, hot summer of 2024. As has always been the case in the fall, our clients find themselves turning their attention to hiring the highest caliber candidates, meeting with their board of directors and focusing on goals achieved in 2024, while assuring that Q4 budgets expectations are met. Regardless of the coast on which you live, many of those interactions and decisions hinge on the outcome of the presidential election and balance of Congress. Hiring in all sectors of our work looks to the political winds for guidance. Whichever party secures the White House and control of Congress will likely also dictate the type of candidate firms and corporate offices will seek for their highest communications posts. Those employee candidate choices could also be viewed through the lens of which political candidate prevails and sits behind the resolute desk in January 2025.? While we all breathlessly watch the election unfold, smart employment candidates are ready to seize an opportunity to demonstrate political fluency in an interview setting by keeping themselves apprised of the key issues that will come up in the new year.? From multiple news subscriptions, Substack newsletters, and leading podcast shows, the vast amount of information to consume is endless. We believe that the addition of a new PLBsearch column, can bring you topics that are current, from balanced sources, to encourage a robust discussion about #hiringtrends and #talentacquisition in the #publicaffairs and #communications. Make sure to follow us for more to come!