Summer insights: HR trends, diversity in leadership, and the future of workplace automation

Welcome to the July 2024 edition of our newsletter! As the summer heats up, I’d like to share some essential updates and exciting insights with you. One hot topic this month was the Society for Human Resource Management’s decision to drop “equity” from its diversity and inclusion program, now called I&D. This change has sparked quite a debate among HR professionals, with many expressing concerns about the move. SHRM aims to emphasize inclusion to address societal polarization, but critics worry it might overlook the crucial equity aspect for marginalized communities.? ?

• What are your thoughts on SHRM’s decision to drop “equity” from its program??

• How will this impact your organization’s diversity and inclusion efforts??

We also explored how rising summer temperatures impact worker productivity and well-being. With climate change driving more intense heat waves, employees face challenges from decreased cognitive performance to health risks for those working outdoors. For example, researchers estimate that by 2200, heat-induced labor losses will reduce US capital, a measure of accumulated investment, by 5.4% and consumption by 1.8%. Safety and productivity will also suffer in workplaces with limited air conditioning, including restaurants and warehouses.? ?

As the job market cools down from its pandemic peak, these challenges highlight the need for adaptable and resilient HR strategies. Stay tuned for more insights and stories that matter to you!?

Did you know that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation?? ?

In July, we published more discussions about creating inclusive environments that support underrepresented groups in leadership roles. Achieving gender balance and diversity is about fairness and leveraging diverse perspectives to drive innovation and success. Birna Dr?fn Birgisdóttir , creativity specialist and co-founder of the brainstorming tool Bulby, and Dr. Vrnda ‘V’ Boykin , organizational leadership, learning and development, GTM enablement, equity leader, and keynote speaker, both highlighted the vital role of mentorship and supportive networks in helping individuals reach leadership positions and the responsibility of organizations in fostering a culture that values diversity.

Birna Dr?fn Birgisdóttir and Dr. Vrnda “V” Boykin shared that diversity encompasses gender, race, ethnicity, and other dimensions of identity, making diverse leadership teams more adept at addressing the needs of a varied customer base. They also discussed how leadership commitment and accountability are essential for driving meaningful change and gave practical advice on creating inclusive workplaces where all employees feel valued and empowered.?

We thank Birna and Dr. Boykin for their invaluable insights. Their contributions provide a roadmap for organizations seeking to enhance leadership diversity and build inclusive workplaces.

• Insights on gender balance in leadership from Birna Dr?fn Birgisdóttir?

• Breaking barriers: Dr. Vrnda “V” Boykin on gender balance and leadership?

??? The invaluable insights these and other specialists shared with us will also be featured in our summer e-book (coming soon) about gender balance in leadership.? ?

How is GenAI transforming HR tasks??

Artificial intelligence is all the rage among business leaders, but HR needs to be included. HR leaders play a key role in creating a strategic and integrated approach to AI, balancing benefits, risks, and objectives to maximize ROI while maintaining an organization’s reputation, security, and inclusivity.? ?

Below, we have gathered some vital HR tasks where GenAI excels, including in recruiting. Imagine automated candidate screening and improved talent acquisition strategies — GenAI is revolutionizing the hiring process.?

July blog posts roundup?

This July, we covered a couple of interesting topics. First, we have dived into electrical manufacturing, where automation technology is revolutionizing the industry. And for the crown jewel of our coverage — royal job postings! Ever wondered what it takes to be a royal chef or a cultural advisor to a king? From serving up feasts fit for a monarch to planning state banquets, these roles are packed with perks — and a few crown-sized challenges. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a “knight” job, check out this blog post!?

The evolution and impact of automation in electrical manufacturing?

Discover the amazing path of automation in electrical engineering! From the advent of PLCs in the 1960s to recent advances in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, this blog post dives into how automation has revolutionized this industry. Learn how these technologies improve electrical manufacturing productivity, quality, and sustainability.?

What do you think about the future of automation? How can companies best prepare their workforce for these changes??

Transforming work: promoting employee flexibility and well-being?

The traditional work model is transforming. Our new blog post examines how companies are transitioning to flexible hours, remote work, and improved wellness programs to better support their employees. Research shows that these changes increase productivity and improve job satisfaction.? ?

Interested in learning about the impact of these trends? What flexible working methods have been implemented in your organization? Learn how market analysis and intelligence can help tailor workplace preferences to regional needs and create a more inclusive environment.? ?

Explore the fascinating world of royal jobs?

Curious about career opportunities within royal households? Our new article delves into the majestic world of royal employment, uncovering intriguing roles and their unique demands. From event planners in Monaco to cultural preservationists in Japan, royal families worldwide are looking for skilled professionals. With approximately 2,150 royal job vacancies each year, there’s a royal role for everyone. What does it take to work for royalty, and how do these positions differ from typical jobs??

Future-proofed is a monthly dose of insights on people analytics, the future of work, and data-driven HR to help smart HR leaders stay ahead of the curve. Follow me on LinkedIn for the latest insights to start future-proofing your organization today.?