Global Talent #23
Hybrid Work is Reshaping Sales: Don’t Hire Another Employee Without This Game-Changing Approach
How Los Angeles Fires Are Impacting Staffing Firms and Candidates
Craig Johnson | Staffing Industry Analysts | January 14, 2025
The Los Angeles fires have deeply impacted staffing firms, their clients, and local communities, causing widespread devastation. The Palisades Fire alone burned over 23,000 acres, destroying more than 1,200 structures and claiming at least 24 lives. Staffing firms and private firefighting companies are actively involved, providing resources and support. Private firefighters, coordinated by the National Wildfire Suppression Association, are supplementing state efforts. Companies like The Walt Disney Co. and Netflix have pledged millions in aid. Many staffing firms, such as RemX and Partners Personnel, are ensuring employee safety and maintaining operations amid evacuations and power outages.
How is Big Tech Reshaping DEI Amid Political Pressures?
Pavithra Mohan | Fast Company | January 15, 2025
Big Tech companies like Meta and Amazon are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, influenced by shifting political and legal landscapes after the Supreme Court's decision against affirmative action. This trend reflects a broader move across industries as corporations respond to societal pressures and potential legal threats. Meta, for instance, is eliminating explicit DEI teams, repurposing roles, and modifying DEI training to avoid the politically charged term. The moves indicate a strategic pivot as companies navigate DEI's evolving public and legal contexts.
How Does Hybrid Working Empower Modern Sales Forces?
Jamie Carter | HRNews | January 15, 2025
The shift to hybrid working models has transformed the sales landscape, blending tradition with modernity to meet evolving business needs. Employee engagement and flexibility have become crucial, with companies adopting specific norms to enhance connections, visibility, and adaptability. Gartner's findings suggest that lacking structured hybrid policies can heighten employee departure risk by 12%, signaling the importance of formalized strategies. The hybrid model supports mental well-being, enhances performance, and aligns with B2B customer preferences for diverse interaction channels. While the debate over office versus home working continues, the trend leans toward a flexible approach that maximizes productivity and creativity. Meanwhile, McKinsey emphasizes the demand for personalized, multichannel contact, prompting 90% of enterprises to maintain their hybrid approach for deeper customer engagement. This realignment, focused on agility and efficiency, ensures robust sales pipelines and sustainable growth.
Are Remote Workers Ready to Leave Office Demands Behind?
Kim Parker | Pew Research Center | January 13, 2025
A recent Pew Research Center study highlights a growing tension between U.S. employers and remote workers as companies increasingly demand a return to the office. About 75% of employees with remote-capable jobs continue to work from home part-time, yet nearly half express reluctance to stay with employers who revoke remote work options. This sentiment is stronger among younger workers, women, and those fully remote. With 26% of respondents very unlikely to remain if remote work is withdrawn, businesses may face retention challenges. Meanwhile, 75% of employed non-remote workers report mandatory in-office days, a rise since early 2023. Although hybrid work is popular, with 72% preferring it, the desire for flexible work arrangements persists. As President-elect Trump’s administration considers similar policies for federal employees, the debate surrounding remote work's future intensifies, prompting questions about job satisfaction and workplace flexibility.
How Can "Skills-First" Approach Change Workforce Dynamics?
HBS Managing The Future of Work Podcast | January 15, 2025
In an era marked by shifting economic and cultural landscapes, this Harvard Business School podcast explores the transformative potential of the "skills-first" hiring strategy. Debbie Dyson, CEO of OneTen, shares insights on how skills-based hiring can provide a more equitable workforce, especially following the 2023 Supreme Court decision impacting affirmative action. OneTen, aiming to employ one million Black Americans in sustainable jobs, highlights how eliminating degree requirements broadens access, yet challenges remain in changing traditional hiring practices. Through partnerships with major corporations like Delta Air Lines and Cisco, OneTen advocates for a comprehensive assessment of candidates' soft skills. This approach seeks to address workforce participation issues and skills gaps, ultimately fostering a more inclusive labor market. The podcast underscores the necessity of embedding these practices into corporate cultures for sustained impact.