Cleveland SHRM Newsletter | December 2024

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have long been pillars of corporate America, driving innovation, employee engagement, and financial success. Before scaling back DEI initiatives, businesses should carefully weigh the evidence highlighted in McKinsey’s report, Diversity Matters Even More:

? Women’s representation on executive teams has grown by 20%.

? Ethnic diversity on leadership teams increased by 15% in 2023.

? Companies that rank highly for diversity are 39% more likely to outperform their peers.

This Forbes article, Why Corporate America Should Reconsider Scaling Back DEI, delves into the growing trend of companies reducing DEI investments and explores the potential consequences for workplace culture, performance, and competitiveness.

Read the Forbes article here

The Top 10 People + Strategy Articles for 2024 (SHRM)

As the year comes to a close, we're taking a look back at the People + Strategy Brief's best-read articles of 2024. Read the top 10 list...

SHRM Report: Workplace Culture Fosters Employee Retention Worldwide (SHRM)

Despite variations in how workers rate their organizational cultures globally, workplace culture remains critically linked to motivation.

Workers fear their skills will be obsolete within the decade, report says (HR Dive)

By providing training opportunities, employers can nurture the skills needed to compete in the new market,?the Global Labor Market Conference study said.

1 in 3 companies are enforcing RTO due to office leases, report finds (HR Dive)

As lease agreements come up for renewal, though, some leaders may reconsider how their work arrangements fit with their space needs.

REMINDER: Tis the season… For a host of reasons – weather, time-off requests, unexpected absences, and more – the holidays can be challenging for employers (especially retailers https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/news-insights/the-7-biggest-things-retailer-employers.html). Thankfully, you can lower your stress levels and get out in front of issues with some advance planning. https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/how-to-address-5-hr-challenges-for-the-holidays

NOTE: While the use of AI in hiring decisions continues to be problematic [https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/ai-hiring-tools-risk-discrimination-watchdog-tells-congress], artificial intelligence nevertheless offers the potential of helping employers reduce staff turnover and enhancing employee well-being. https://www.hrmorning.com/articles/how-ai-mitigates-employee-attrition/?

RE OHIO: Ohio’s minimum wage is going up for businesses that bring in more than $394,000 per year. On Jan 1, 2025, those employers will need to pay non-tipped employees $10.70 per hour, and tipped workers $5.35 per hour. Smaller businesses that don’t reach the $394,000 annual revenue threshold can continue to pay employees the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for non-tipped staff and $2.13 for workers who receive tips. Hourly wages for 14 and 15 year olds will also remain at federal levels for all employers, regardless of annual receipts. https://com.ohio.gov/about-us/media-center/news/ohio-minimum-wage-set-to-increase-in-2025

By the Numbers: 76 years. That’s how long Babcock & Wilcox Co, the decision that allowed employers to hold mandatory employee meetings to explain the company’s position on unionization, has been in place. On November 13, 2024, however, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that Babcock & Wilcox Co violated the National Labor Relations Act, calling it ‘unconstitutional.’ The good news? The effect of the ruling may be short lived: President-elect Trump is expected to replace the current NLRB General Counsel as soon as he takes office. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/employment-law-compliance/nlrb-bans-mandatory--captive-audience--meetings#:~:text=Several%20states%2C%20including%20California%20and,on%20employers'%20arguments%20against%20unions

Thursday, January 9, 2025

CSHRM New Member Orientation

Location:?Merwin's Wharf Time:?5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

The State of Cleveland SHRM

Location:?CBIZ 5959 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Suite 600?? Time:?11:30 - 1:00 PM

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Networking Like a Boss

Location:?25200 Miles RdBedford, OH 44146??? Time:?3:00-6:00 pm

NOHRC 2025 UPLiftHR:?Elevate Yourself through Motivation and Education

Early Bird Registration Rates Available NOW: Deadline December 31

Join Us for the 59th Annual Northern Ohio Human Resource Conference (NOHRC).?UPLiftHR is designed to inspire and equip human resource professionals with the tools, knowledge, and motivation to elevate their careers and workplace impact.

Across two days, participants will experience a unique blend of motivational sessions and targeted educational workshops.

• Day 1 focuses on the why—reigniting passion and purpose for HR professionals striving to bring their best to their roles.
• Day 2 delves into the how with practical sessions covering essential HR skills, compliance updates, and forward-thinking strategies to prepare for emerging trends in human resources.

Experience the latest in HR knowledge sharing, earn recertification credits, and expand your professional network.

Take advantage of our Early-Bird rate before December 31: REGISTER NOW

Learn about all of the available NOHRC sponsorships: SPONSOR NOHRC

SAVE THE DATE?????