Cat Colella-Graham

Safety is an integral aspect of any organization, as work-related accidents have the potential to leave a significant impact, from life altering injuries to financial consequences and even death. In fact, 5,486 total fatal injuries were recorded in the United States in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while an astounding 2,804,200 nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in private industry for the same year. HR leaders play an essential role in workplace safety… Show more

Safety is an integral aspect of any organization, as work-related accidents have the potential to leave a significant impact, from life altering injuries to financial consequences and even death. In fact, 5,486 total fatal injuries were recorded in the United States in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while an astounding 2,804,200 nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in private industry for the same year. HR leaders play an essential role in workplace safety, particularly when building a positive workplace culture surrounding the topic. With benefits that include a safer and more efficient workplace that prioritizes worker wellness, HR professionals can rely on simple yet effective strategies such as communication and routine in order to elevate workplace safety. Show less

On this episode, we are talking to Cat Colella-Graham, an Adjunct Professor, a communications leader at Coaching for Communicators and THE employee experience expert.

Returning to the office (RTO) isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but all policies should begin as a deeper conversation about how you can communicate better about your company’s expectations of employees in the office and the cultural conditions that underpin the decision.

Oftentimes, professional career seekers who are trying to achieve growing success in their field may be losing out on important industry growth opportunities if they develop a corporate mindset that keeps them stuck in a rut instead of learning and building on their true potential.

While the organization must continue to foster a company culture that prides itself on hiring from within, employees must also continue to ask the right questions and be willing to take risks by sharing their… Show more

Oftentimes, professional career seekers who are trying to achieve growing success in their field may be losing out on important industry growth opportunities if they develop a corporate mindset that keeps them stuck in a rut instead of learning and building on their true potential.

While the organization must continue to foster a company culture that prides itself on hiring from within, employees must also continue to ask the right questions and be willing to take risks by sharing their ideas and not getting too comfortable with the status quo Show less

HR professionals play key roles within their organizations, which often means juggling multiple deadlines, handling emergent situations and managing daily administrative tasks. Under these demands, it is common for HR professionals to struggle with burnout, but this can have negative consequences throughout an entire business.

Below, members of Forbes Human Resources Council share key strategies for how HR professionals can safeguard against burnout. With their advice, your organization… Show more

HR professionals play key roles within their organizations, which often means juggling multiple deadlines, handling emergent situations and managing daily administrative tasks. Under these demands, it is common for HR professionals to struggle with burnout, but this can have negative consequences throughout an entire business.

Below, members of Forbes Human Resources Council share key strategies for how HR professionals can safeguard against burnout. With their advice, your organization can take steps to bolster its HR team and prevent the negative impacts of burnout and empathy fatigue. Show less

In today's business landscape, keeping employees engaged with and connected to organizational goals has never been more important. The economy is uncertain, and geopolitical events are notable distractions for employees—particularly those doom-scrolling during the work day. So how can you retain the attention and commitment of your team?

One impactful method is providing coaching opportunities for employees. Professionals who receive coaching often benefit from improved work performance… Show more

In today's business landscape, keeping employees engaged with and connected to organizational goals has never been more important. The economy is uncertain, and geopolitical events are notable distractions for employees—particularly those doom-scrolling during the work day. So how can you retain the attention and commitment of your team?

One impactful method is providing coaching opportunities for employees. Professionals who receive coaching often benefit from improved work performance and relationships, and they typically develop more effective communication skills. Additionally, according to Randstad's 2022 Worklife Coaching Report, 85% of employees feel cared for when their employer funds coaching programs. Show less

How managers give that feedback and empower their reports to act on it takes a deft hand. Thankfully, communicators can help this process along.

Event season has returned in time for spring, and we couldn’t be more excited.

But live events, and the networking they bring, are not a natural or easy experience for all to navigate. On the contrary, some feel overwhelmed at the enormity of new faces, names and details to remember. Others may not like crowds. Others, still, can feel put off by forced interactions.

Thankfully, there are ways to build your community with intention and make it feel substantive.

Navigating organization-wide downsizing and mass layoffs remains a challenge for HR professionals in any industry, especially when the situation is outside of their control. As a responsible employer, preparing employees for such possibilities can foster continued stability, both within the organization and their employees' lives.

Newcomers to the human resources industry are entering the field at a time that is both exciting and difficult to navigate. To thrive in their roles, HR professionals must possess a solid understanding of the industry's fundamental aspects and be able to anticipate the challenges they may face in the current employment market.

HR leaders are the first and original internal communicators. While marketing and communications take external stakeholders into consideration, you focus on the employees to ensure they feel seen, heard and cared for. But after carefully planning your strategy to increase engagement and impactful programs, what could derail your carefully laid plans?

Maybe it’s time you include your communications plan in your strategy. After all, you know how to connect and engage with employees on a… Show more

HR leaders are the first and original internal communicators. While marketing and communications take external stakeholders into consideration, you focus on the employees to ensure they feel seen, heard and cared for. But after carefully planning your strategy to increase engagement and impactful programs, what could derail your carefully laid plans?

Maybe it’s time you include your communications plan in your strategy. After all, you know how to connect and engage with employees on a level no one else does. Show less

Hiring for a leadership position can be much easier with an internal candidate pool. That's why it's so important for leaders and HR departments to learn how to spot the seeds of leadership when someone is hired at a lower-level position so they can focus on developing that person's skills for the future.

The term "servant leadership" has become a buzzword in the modern business world, and those who truly embody it tend to find it has improved their organizations. At its core, this approach is one where leaders prioritize the growth and well-being of their team members over their own. This approach yields tangible benefits for organizational success, as well as a culture of trust and collaboration.

Businesses striving to improve their human resources operations face the challenge of effectively managing employee interactions with the HR department. Crafting a comprehensive policy to govern these interactions is key to maintaining efficiency, transparency and employee satisfaction.

There may come a point in your career where you find yourself grappling with the realization that your work no longer holds the same meaning it once did. That feeling of disconnection from one's job can be demoralizing and impact job satisfaction. However, that doesn't mean you should throw in the towel just yet.

Below, 19 Forbes Human Resources Council members explore several strategies professionals can take to breathe new life into their careers. Before you call it quits, try these… Show more

There may come a point in your career where you find yourself grappling with the realization that your work no longer holds the same meaning it once did. That feeling of disconnection from one's job can be demoralizing and impact job satisfaction. However, that doesn't mean you should throw in the towel just yet.

Below, 19 Forbes Human Resources Council members explore several strategies professionals can take to breathe new life into their careers. Before you call it quits, try these recommendations to help rekindle your passion for work and find renewed purpose, even when you feel stuck in a rut. Show less

“Understand that your EVP is, in fact, a promise,” Cat Colella-Graham, a consultant professor at St. Francis College, told Ragan Editorial Director Justin Joffe last year. “When you put one out there, if the lived experience is not aligned with that promise, you’re going to do more damage to your brand than if you didn’t put one out there.”

Collela-Graham added that focusing on projects like an EVP can close the partnership gap.

“It is the biggest gap to bridge because HR thinks… Show more

“Understand that your EVP is, in fact, a promise,” Cat Colella-Graham, a consultant professor at St. Francis College, told Ragan Editorial Director Justin Joffe last year. “When you put one out there, if the lived experience is not aligned with that promise, you’re going to do more damage to your brand than if you didn’t put one out there.”

Collela-Graham added that focusing on projects like an EVP can close the partnership gap.

“It is the biggest gap to bridge because HR thinks they can communicate when they can’t,” she said. “In most cases, they do not understand that the sole purpose of communicators is to drive behaviors — whether it’s trust, loyalty or whatever it is. HR needs comms to drive the behaviors they are trying to achieve.”

Getting the policies and their rollout may be only half the battle, but doing so in a collaborative process with comms sets the stage to properly allow for mutual oversight. Show less

For creative and business consultants, success lies in the ability to secure new clients. A consultant's portfolio and professional reputation are their most valuable assets for bringing new business in the door.

Despite the increased opportunities for flexibility and productivity, the remote work era has also presented challenges for human resources professionals. From ensuring employee well-being to maintaining seamless communication across virtual teams, HR departments must adapt and innovate to keep remote work arrangements efficient.

Below, 20 Forbes Human Resources Council members discuss the strategies, tools and best practices for managing remote work operations. Follow their… Show more

Despite the increased opportunities for flexibility and productivity, the remote work era has also presented challenges for human resources professionals. From ensuring employee well-being to maintaining seamless communication across virtual teams, HR departments must adapt and innovate to keep remote work arrangements efficient.

Below, 20 Forbes Human Resources Council members discuss the strategies, tools and best practices for managing remote work operations. Follow their recommendations to help your company not only navigate but thrive amidst the challenges of having a distributed team. Show less

It’s the holiday season, and even with the general sense of cheer associated with this time of year, it’s not without its stresses. There are deadlines, scheduled time off for team members that leave others to pick up the slack, and personal stressors outside of work.

Luckily, there are also tactics that communicators can take to ensure wellness is still a priority for employees during the holiday season, even if a team is small and not as rich in resources as some others might be.

The role of a fractional chief human resources officer (CHRO) has emerged as a transformative force in the business landscape. The strategic deployment of fractional CHROs has proven instrumental in steering companies toward their objectives with precision and agility. These specialized professionals, though part-time in nature, wield an outsized influence, catalyzing improvements in departmental performance and propelling overall company success. For firms contemplating their next strategic… Show more

The role of a fractional chief human resources officer (CHRO) has emerged as a transformative force in the business landscape. The strategic deployment of fractional CHROs has proven instrumental in steering companies toward their objectives with precision and agility. These specialized professionals, though part-time in nature, wield an outsized influence, catalyzing improvements in departmental performance and propelling overall company success. For firms contemplating their next strategic move, the adoption of this employment model stands as a beacon of innovation and efficiency in achieving multifaceted organizational goals. Show less

Technology has the potential to revolutionize numerous areas of the healthcare sector, including mental health. From innovative apps to virtual therapy platforms, the marriage of technology and mental health support has ushered in a new era of accessible and personalized care.

As society shifts toward promoting mental well-being, it's important for business leaders to explore how technology can augment and enhance mental healthcare. Below, 20 Forbes Human Resources Council members share… Show more

Technology has the potential to revolutionize numerous areas of the healthcare sector, including mental health. From innovative apps to virtual therapy platforms, the marriage of technology and mental health support has ushered in a new era of accessible and personalized care.

As society shifts toward promoting mental well-being, it's important for business leaders to explore how technology can augment and enhance mental healthcare. Below, 20 Forbes Human Resources Council members share ways tech tools can be used to reshape mental health support to make it more inclusive, responsive and effective. Show less

As the holiday season approaches, human resources (HR) leaders and managers face a wonderful opportunity to foster a positive and appreciative work environment. Demonstrating gratitude towards their teams is not only a seasonal tradition but also a powerful way to boost morale and strengthen employee engagement.

Below, Forbes Human Resources Council members explore 20 straightforward yet highly impactful ways HR leaders and managers can show their appreciation during the holidays… Show more

As the holiday season approaches, human resources (HR) leaders and managers face a wonderful opportunity to foster a positive and appreciative work environment. Demonstrating gratitude towards their teams is not only a seasonal tradition but also a powerful way to boost morale and strengthen employee engagement.

Below, Forbes Human Resources Council members explore 20 straightforward yet highly impactful ways HR leaders and managers can show their appreciation during the holidays. Discover why this gesture goes beyond festive cheer, creating a lasting impact that can improve team dynamics, employee retention and overall workplace satisfaction. Show less

Heading into a new year, an important conversation topic is inclusive career mobility and how HR can support every employee in becoming the best professional they can be. Often, we rely on antiquated review systems and goal-setting processes that emphasize the goals we set for staff rather than the forward-looking career goals they have for themselves. Everyone defines success differently, and we must find ways to support that expansive thinking while driving heightened corporate results. One… Show more

Heading into a new year, an important conversation topic is inclusive career mobility and how HR can support every employee in becoming the best professional they can be. Often, we rely on antiquated review systems and goal-setting processes that emphasize the goals we set for staff rather than the forward-looking career goals they have for themselves. Everyone defines success differently, and we must find ways to support that expansive thinking while driving heightened corporate results. One option to consider is engaging with an executive coach to build an effective program that supports employees' mobility. Show less

Your company faces a double whammy from climate risk.

Climate change and related environmental conditions are driving unprecedented heat waves, floods, and droughts across the globe. This impacts operations, production, and supply chains.

Changes in living and working conditions caused by increasing risks from hurricanes and floods, smoke and air pollution, and exposure to vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, impact employees’ well-being.

Employees need more time… Show more

Your company faces a double whammy from climate risk.

Climate change and related environmental conditions are driving unprecedented heat waves, floods, and droughts across the globe. This impacts operations, production, and supply chains.

Changes in living and working conditions caused by increasing risks from hurricanes and floods, smoke and air pollution, and exposure to vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, impact employees’ well-being.

Employees need more time off and sick days due to fires, smoke, flooding, intense heat or cold, etc. This takes a toll on engagement, attrition, and productivity. Eventually, people will seek to relocate, resulting in potential imbalances in available skilled workers. Show less

As the end of another year approaches, the digital clutter that accumulates can become overwhelming. Overflowing email inboxes, cluttered desktops and disorganized digital files can hinder productivity and create stress. But fear not, because there are efficient digital tools and strategies at your disposal to help you declutter and start the new year with a clean slate.

Below, 14 Forbes Human Resources Council members share the best practices and digital tools that can aid you in your… Show more

As the end of another year approaches, the digital clutter that accumulates can become overwhelming. Overflowing email inboxes, cluttered desktops and disorganized digital files can hinder productivity and create stress. But fear not, because there are efficient digital tools and strategies at your disposal to help you declutter and start the new year with a clean slate.

Below, 14 Forbes Human Resources Council members share the best practices and digital tools that can aid you in your year-end digital decluttering process. Discover how to regain control of your digital life and create an organized and efficient workspace that sets you up for success in the year ahead. Show less

An effective intranet platform can play a pivotal role in achieving strong employee engagement, providing a centralized hub for communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing within an organization. Though, designing an intranet platform that truly enhances employee engagement requires careful consideration of several key factors.

Below, 16 Forbes Human Resources Council members explore crucial factors that company leaders should bear in mind when designing an intranet platform to… Show more

An effective intranet platform can play a pivotal role in achieving strong employee engagement, providing a centralized hub for communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing within an organization. Though, designing an intranet platform that truly enhances employee engagement requires careful consideration of several key factors.

Below, 16 Forbes Human Resources Council members explore crucial factors that company leaders should bear in mind when designing an intranet platform to maximize employee engagement within their organizations. From intuitive user experience to personalized content, security measures to mobile accessibility, leaders must navigate a multitude of considerations to create an intranet platform that drives productivity, connectivity and overall job satisfaction. Show less

As the fall season approaches, HR leaders are gearing up for the crucial task of open enrollment. This annual period is a pivotal time for organizations to offer employees the opportunity to review and make changes to their benefit plans. However, the process requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a seamless experience for both HR teams and employees.

Below, 19 Forbes Human Resources Council members delve into key considerations that fellow HR leaders need to bear in mind… Show more

As the fall season approaches, HR leaders are gearing up for the crucial task of open enrollment. This annual period is a pivotal time for organizations to offer employees the opportunity to review and make changes to their benefit plans. However, the process requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a seamless experience for both HR teams and employees.

Below, 19 Forbes Human Resources Council members delve into key considerations that fellow HR leaders need to bear in mind as they prepare for the fall open enrollment, enabling them to create a successful and beneficial experience for all stakeholders involved. Show less

As HR teams, we've been here before. The economy's been difficult to navigate, so we're facing talent challenges like hiring enough people, retaining engaged employees or making the difficult decision to reduce staff. But today's causes are new. We've had to face the unprecedented pandemic, which forever changed how we work and how we view work, and contend with social justice issues that deepened feelings of isolation and fear.

In the past, when things improved, it was hard to trust… Show more

As HR teams, we've been here before. The economy's been difficult to navigate, so we're facing talent challenges like hiring enough people, retaining engaged employees or making the difficult decision to reduce staff. But today's causes are new. We've had to face the unprecedented pandemic, which forever changed how we work and how we view work, and contend with social justice issues that deepened feelings of isolation and fear.

In the past, when things improved, it was hard to trust they would stay that way. After these past three years, it's even harder to imagine. I call this the HR twitch. We know the other shoe is going to drop; we just don't know when. Show less

Discipline and willpower are vital ingredients for accomplishing our goals and leading a fulfilling life. However, strengthening these qualities can be a challenging endeavor. Fortunately, there are practical and effective strategies available to improve discipline and willpower.

Below, 10 Forbes Human Resources Council members share various approaches and techniques that can help individuals cultivate self-discipline and bolster their willpower. Whether it's creating effective habits… Show more

Discipline and willpower are vital ingredients for accomplishing our goals and leading a fulfilling life. However, strengthening these qualities can be a challenging endeavor. Fortunately, there are practical and effective strategies available to improve discipline and willpower.

Below, 10 Forbes Human Resources Council members share various approaches and techniques that can help individuals cultivate self-discipline and bolster their willpower. Whether it's creating effective habits, setting clear goals, practicing mindfulness or harnessing the power of motivation, there are actionable steps that can be implemented in everyday life. Show less

In the corporate world, C-suite executives and managers are often extremely accomplished individuals who have climbed the ladder of success through hard work and determination. Unfortunately, with authority and success, there sometimes comes a risk of developing a superiority complex, where leaders start to view themselves as infallible and become disconnected from their teams. This dangerous mindset can have detrimental effects on organizational culture, employee morale and overall… Show more

In the corporate world, C-suite executives and managers are often extremely accomplished individuals who have climbed the ladder of success through hard work and determination. Unfortunately, with authority and success, there sometimes comes a risk of developing a superiority complex, where leaders start to view themselves as infallible and become disconnected from their teams. This dangerous mindset can have detrimental effects on organizational culture, employee morale and overall performance.

Below, as 20 Forbes Human Resources Council members explore the importance of humility in leadership, they also examine the reasons why executives at every level must actively avoid falling prey to a superiority complex. Implement these tips to combat this way of thinking. Show less

It seems like employers and employees are negotiating a balance of power nowadays. As markets in the United States and around the world continue to vacillate between hope and fear, some employers have tried to mandate a return to the traditional five day a week, back-to-office model. Despite economic uncertainty, and some massive layoffs particularly at tech companies, employees tend not to agree.

When possible, employees are exercising their outsized influence on where and how they… Show more

It seems like employers and employees are negotiating a balance of power nowadays. As markets in the United States and around the world continue to vacillate between hope and fear, some employers have tried to mandate a return to the traditional five day a week, back-to-office model. Despite economic uncertainty, and some massive layoffs particularly at tech companies, employees tend not to agree.

When possible, employees are exercising their outsized influence on where and how they work and corporate leaders are beginning to adapt.

“Both organizations that are living and humans that are breathing need to understand the relationship,” Cat Colella-Graham shared with us during Pursuit Perspectives, the Pursuit PR thought leadership speaker series.

Through executive and founder interviews, Pursuit PR taps into the experiences of successful executives and uncovers their viewpoints on market trends and professional development. Show less

In times of economic strain, organizations often face the delicate balancing act of optimizing their team's productivity while safeguarding against burnout. While it can be tempting to push employees to their limits in an effort to achieve maximum results, it is crucial to prioritize their well-being and avoid the detrimental effects of burnout.

Human resources has a lot of demands in 2023 and many stakeholders who view their needs as priorities. On the one hand, HR is the soul and curator of a respectful and healthy culture; on the other, they are on the front lines of organizational change and rightsizing. HR leaders today have many demands on their attention and many stakeholders to support. It can be overwhelming. How can human resource leaders manage multiple stakeholders' priorities to balance the needs of leadership, employees… Show more

Human resources has a lot of demands in 2023 and many stakeholders who view their needs as priorities. On the one hand, HR is the soul and curator of a respectful and healthy culture; on the other, they are on the front lines of organizational change and rightsizing. HR leaders today have many demands on their attention and many stakeholders to support. It can be overwhelming. How can human resource leaders manage multiple stakeholders' priorities to balance the needs of leadership, employees, investors and the community? Show less

For many communicators, collaborating with other departments remains a great challenge. We know that providing our input on marketing copy before it’s sent out can catch potential risks or reputational red flags. We get that we can improve the talent search if given the chance to review job postings and updates to the career page before HR publishes them. But these collaborations don’t just happen, and we can’t expect our value to be immediately apparent.

That’s where being a strategic… Show more

For many communicators, collaborating with other departments remains a great challenge. We know that providing our input on marketing copy before it’s sent out can catch potential risks or reputational red flags. We get that we can improve the talent search if given the chance to review job postings and updates to the career page before HR publishes them. But these collaborations don’t just happen, and we can’t expect our value to be immediately apparent.

That’s where being a strategic advisor comes in. Among projects that require effective collaboration, crafting an employee value proposition (EVP) is a great place to start getting strategic with your counsel.

EVPs are a key part of your organization’s employee branding strategy. They represent the values that your company brings to its workforce and include compensation, benefits, and culture. An EVP can also include policies around work-life balance, remote or displaced expectations, and anything else that accurately portrays the employee experience.

Ragan asked Cat Colella-Graham, professor at St. Francis College and founding member of Chief, to share her tips on creating EVPs that are inclusive of the right internal stakeholders. Here’s what we learned. Show less

For many communicators, collaborating with other departments remains a great challenge. We know that providing our input on marketing copy before it’s sent out can catch potential risks or reputational red flags. We get that we can improve the talent search if given the chance to review job postings and updates to the career page before HR publishes them. But these collaborations don’t just happen, and we can’t expect our value to be immediately apparent.

That’s where being a strategic… Show more

For many communicators, collaborating with other departments remains a great challenge. We know that providing our input on marketing copy before it’s sent out can catch potential risks or reputational red flags. We get that we can improve the talent search if given the chance to review job postings and updates to the career page before HR publishes them. But these collaborations don’t just happen, and we can’t expect our value to be immediately apparent.

That’s where being a strategic advisor comes in. Among projects that require effective collaboration, crafting an employee value proposition (EVP) is a great place to start getting strategic with your counsel. Show less

What was once a tightly locked-down illegal substance is now widely used across the U.S. in 36 states that have authorized medical and/or recreational cannabis use. With changing laws and attitudes about cannabis use, organizations have either shifted internal policies to comply with current laws or continued enforcing a zero-tolerance policy. while organizations not affected by legal cannabis use continue to assert zero-tolerance policies in compliance to laws.

We reached out to leading… Show more

What was once a tightly locked-down illegal substance is now widely used across the U.S. in 36 states that have authorized medical and/or recreational cannabis use. With changing laws and attitudes about cannabis use, organizations have either shifted internal policies to comply with current laws or continued enforcing a zero-tolerance policy. while organizations not affected by legal cannabis use continue to assert zero-tolerance policies in compliance to laws.

We reached out to leading communications consultant Cat Colella-Graham, professor at St. Francis College and founding member of Chief, to understand where policies stand today and how organizations are reacting to the changing landscape. Show less

Annual reviews are an important tool for assessing employee performance, setting goals and providing feedback. However, if your company has never conducted annual reviews before, it can be challenging to know where to start.

Introducing a new process can be difficult, especially if your employees are not used to it. To help, a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members provides some tips for first-timers on how to introduce annual reviews to employees. From setting clear objectives… Show more

Annual reviews are an important tool for assessing employee performance, setting goals and providing feedback. However, if your company has never conducted annual reviews before, it can be challenging to know where to start.

Introducing a new process can be difficult, especially if your employees are not used to it. To help, a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members provides some tips for first-timers on how to introduce annual reviews to employees. From setting clear objectives to asking the team for feedback, these strategies can help you successfully implement this important process. Show less

As organizations evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, teams within the company are expected to keep pace and stay aligned with the organization's mission and goals. However, in the face of rapid technological advancements and shifting business priorities, team leaders can find it challenging to ensure their department's future is secure and remains relevant.

To avoid being replaced or phased out, team leaders need to be proactive in identifying opportunities and taking steps… Show more

As organizations evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, teams within the company are expected to keep pace and stay aligned with the organization's mission and goals. However, in the face of rapid technological advancements and shifting business priorities, team leaders can find it challenging to ensure their department's future is secure and remains relevant.

To avoid being replaced or phased out, team leaders need to be proactive in identifying opportunities and taking steps to keep their team aligned with the organization's mission and goals. Below, 15 Forbes Human Resources Council members offer their best tips for leaders who want to secure their department's future and ensure its relevance within the organization, even amidst budget cuts. Show less

Being promoted to a leadership role is a great accomplishment and recognition of one's skills and potential. However, with greater responsibilities and higher expectations come greater challenges, including a heavier workload, more meetings and a need to be constantly available for direct reports.

Juggling all these demands can be stressful and overwhelming for rising team leaders. To help, a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members explores some practical tips that can help team… Show more

Being promoted to a leadership role is a great accomplishment and recognition of one's skills and potential. However, with greater responsibilities and higher expectations come greater challenges, including a heavier workload, more meetings and a need to be constantly available for direct reports.

Juggling all these demands can be stressful and overwhelming for rising team leaders. To help, a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members explores some practical tips that can help team leaders keep up with their growing to-do list, manage their time more effectively and balance their leadership responsibilities without burning themselves out. Show less

If you want to increase your company's chances of attracting and hiring the right candidates to fulfill your current business needs, then you may want to evaluate your recruiting and hiring process to get a pulse on the candidate experience—what you’ve missed might surprise you.

To help, 14 Forbes Human Resources Council members share their tips to help leaders streamline their recruiting and hiring processes and get their top prospects onboarded without a hitch.

Life is a challenge. When employees are faced with hardships or tragedies—at home or sometimes even in the workplace—it can seem overwhelming, but leaders can help by giving them support and directing them to the right resources. No matter what type of circumstance they may be going through, outreach from management can ease the pressure and give them hope to keep going, especially once they realize there is alternative support in place and available at their fingertips.

When staff… Show more

Life is a challenge. When employees are faced with hardships or tragedies—at home or sometimes even in the workplace—it can seem overwhelming, but leaders can help by giving them support and directing them to the right resources. No matter what type of circumstance they may be going through, outreach from management can ease the pressure and give them hope to keep going, especially once they realize there is alternative support in place and available at their fingertips.

When staff members are feeling less anxious, it can help them refocus on the work projects they enjoy engaging in every day. Below, 13 HR experts from Forbes Human Resources Council provide information on tangible ways HR management can serve employees who may still be grappling with their grief over a loss on or off the job. Show less

Congrats communicators. You’ve made it through a heck of a week. From AI meltdowns to State of the Union meltdowns and the continual corporate labor meltdowns, there’s been a bit of bad behavior for PR professionals to deal with. Here is some worthwhile take-aways

In an uncertain economy, delivering employee paychecks on time without a hitch is more vital than ever.

To reduce or eliminate payroll errors, leaders must provide their staff members with clear, concise and complete direction to assist them in accessing their payroll information.

It's also essential that HR departments stay on top of government policies or leverage a global payroll provider that can centralize payroll information for employees living in different states or… Show more

In an uncertain economy, delivering employee paychecks on time without a hitch is more vital than ever.

To reduce or eliminate payroll errors, leaders must provide their staff members with clear, concise and complete direction to assist them in accessing their payroll information.

It's also essential that HR departments stay on top of government policies or leverage a global payroll provider that can centralize payroll information for employees living in different states or countries in this hybrid-remote work environment. Show less

Creating a psychologically safe platform that enables a diverse group of voices to be heard and respected should always be the norm, not the exception. When HR leaders and their colleagues are willing to consistently take a firm stand against microaggressive behaviors, it enables them to foster a desirable work culture of increased awareness, accountability and sensitivity among their staff.

If you're serious about changing old habits and amplifying the contributions of women of color at… Show more

Creating a psychologically safe platform that enables a diverse group of voices to be heard and respected should always be the norm, not the exception. When HR leaders and their colleagues are willing to consistently take a firm stand against microaggressive behaviors, it enables them to foster a desirable work culture of increased awareness, accountability and sensitivity among their staff.

If you're serious about changing old habits and amplifying the contributions of women of color at your particular establishment, then "walk your talk" by applying these 14 tips provided by Forbes Human Resources Council experts. Show less

The ability to humanize the role of a leader is essential to successfully drive team norms and business results. Below, 16 Forbes Human Resources Council members discuss how they've applied their favorite pastimes and personally invested in themselves to apply techniques from their learnings to remove barriers in business relationships and enhance the workplace to create stronger foundations for success.

We have all seen numerous stories about employees "quiet quitting." In essence, after the pandemic and a reevaluation of the priorities around living to work and working to live, we have seen a record number of disengaged employees. According to findings from Gallup, "51% of workers are 'not engaged'—they are psychologically unattached to their work and company," while 13% are actively disengaged.

Quiet quitting is doing the minimum, not dispensing any discretionary effort and… Show more

We have all seen numerous stories about employees "quiet quitting." In essence, after the pandemic and a reevaluation of the priorities around living to work and working to live, we have seen a record number of disengaged employees. According to findings from Gallup, "51% of workers are 'not engaged'—they are psychologically unattached to their work and company," while 13% are actively disengaged.

Quiet quitting is doing the minimum, not dispensing any discretionary effort and rationalizing this practice as a way of standing up to cultures that no longer prioritize the employee experience. Take a look around your office and notice who is engaged and who isn't. Chances are you have quiet quitters in your organization.

You can take the stance many leaders have already taken and provide pathways to exit these quiet quitters, or you can try and retain and reengage these employees. Employers know it is typically more expensive to replace talent than it is to retain talent and that trust is usually at the root of disengaged employees. As a leader, whether or not you want to exit your disengaged employees or reinvigorate your team's commitment to your brand, you need to focus on trust. But how do you do that? Show less

It takes a pretty big event to close a national institution like Waffle House. Especially when it has its own disaster meter. Coined the “Waffle House Index,” it is not an official metric, yet government agencies such as FEMA use it.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian challenged the index this week, causing the breakfast chain to announce a shutdown of 21 restaurants in the storm’s path.

However surprising to many who hold Waffle House in great esteem for its 24/7 hour service, instead… Show more

It takes a pretty big event to close a national institution like Waffle House. Especially when it has its own disaster meter. Coined the “Waffle House Index,” it is not an official metric, yet government agencies such as FEMA use it.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian challenged the index this week, causing the breakfast chain to announce a shutdown of 21 restaurants in the storm’s path.

However surprising to many who hold Waffle House in great esteem for its 24/7 hour service, instead of anger, many followers expressed awe and respect for the dire circumstances. Show less

Expanding on one’s knowledge indicates a serious commitment to the role, positioning HR representatives to be better equipped to provide the right guidance and essential support for employees throughout their personal career trajectory at the company.

To create a user-friendly brand experience for individual visitors, consider the ADA regulations that are in place to enhance each consumer's ability to be educated about your company's mission, products and services.

Here, Colella-Graham discusses the future of work, the concept of leadership and the challenges facing women as leaders.

Going green starts from within. So, if you're looking to boost your company's engagement in environmental sustainability, you must first lead by example in order to serve the brand and customers most effectively.

It will be challenging in the beginning because you won't change the attitudes or behaviors of consumers or your staff overnight, but you can begin by tracking your company's own carbon footprint missteps and engaging with like-minded community members to set your path straight.

Feedback is integral to an employee's growth. For an employee to improve, they need to know what’s working and what’s not. However, when an employee doesn’t get feedback healthily or constructively, they may be left feeling deflated and unmotivated.

To help, a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members offers tips and tricks for setting up a healthy feedback process. They explain how HR professionals can strategically and efficiently give feedback to employees in a positive way, so… Show more

Feedback is integral to an employee's growth. For an employee to improve, they need to know what’s working and what’s not. However, when an employee doesn’t get feedback healthily or constructively, they may be left feeling deflated and unmotivated.

To help, a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members offers tips and tricks for setting up a healthy feedback process. They explain how HR professionals can strategically and efficiently give feedback to employees in a positive way, so they can grow and improve within their positions. Show less

If you’re a solo business owner on a limited budget, you most likely have shouldered the burden of most, if not all, the responsibilities within your business. It can be challenging to do it all yourself, but you may not have the funds or business volume to justify hiring staff or contractors to help you.

Thankfully, there are ways to balance your workload and maintain a handle on your various tasks. Below, 15 members of Forbes Human Resources Council explain how to juggle multiple… Show more

If you’re a solo business owner on a limited budget, you most likely have shouldered the burden of most, if not all, the responsibilities within your business. It can be challenging to do it all yourself, but you may not have the funds or business volume to justify hiring staff or contractors to help you.

Thankfully, there are ways to balance your workload and maintain a handle on your various tasks. Below, 15 members of Forbes Human Resources Council explain how to juggle multiple responsibilities as a sole proprietor until you're able to hire help. Show less

The future of work is on everyone’s mind. Will all workers have to go into the office? Will they remain remote? What does “flexible” mean? How can we enable and engage employees in the experiment that is the new ways we work?

There is a lot of anxiety around these questions, and with employee advocacy at an all-time high, organizations are trying to balance how to bring people back to the office while retaining and engaging talent.

That’s where communicators come in. Ultimately… Show more

The future of work is on everyone’s mind. Will all workers have to go into the office? Will they remain remote? What does “flexible” mean? How can we enable and engage employees in the experiment that is the new ways we work?

There is a lot of anxiety around these questions, and with employee advocacy at an all-time high, organizations are trying to balance how to bring people back to the office while retaining and engaging talent.

That’s where communicators come in. Ultimately how we feel about work is driven by communication. Here are just a few ways that comms pros will be involved in setting the future of work Show less

The results of a survey earlier this month memorialize what many long suspected: the pandemic gave Americans a lot of time to re-think their professional goals. For example, a majority of Generation Z and Millennials now prioritize personal happiness over swift corporate success, The Harris Poll's “The Future of Ambition” found.

Yet the survey goes beyond Gen Z and Millennials. Libby Rodney, chief strategy officer, and Abbey Lunney, managing director, thought leadership at The Harris… Show more

The results of a survey earlier this month memorialize what many long suspected: the pandemic gave Americans a lot of time to re-think their professional goals. For example, a majority of Generation Z and Millennials now prioritize personal happiness over swift corporate success, The Harris Poll's “The Future of Ambition” found.

Yet the survey goes beyond Gen Z and Millennials. Libby Rodney, chief strategy officer, and Abbey Lunney, managing director, thought leadership at The Harris Poll, describe a wider "shifting away from the hamster wheel of burnout culture." This "societal upheaval" has people looking for a "vision of the type of life that they believe will lead them down a more meaningful, joyful, and sustainable path.” Show less

The opposite of trusting someone or something is not only distrust, but deeming something unsafe. When we trust our leaders, whether at work, in the community or in our government, we feel safe. When we don’t we feel unsafe. We are generally weary of trusting, and are more skeptical than ever before, and yet we all have a deep longing to trust, to believe and to feel safe. How do we engender trust during one of the most uncertain times in history?

You can’t tell an authentic story of DE&I progress until the work is started. It’s a delicate process, though—one that should begin without placing a burden on employees from diverse backgrounds to provide all the answers.

To get started, gathering some data is essential.

Numbers that chart your organization’s DE&I progress can serve as a grounded starting place for difficult but necessary conversations. They can also help you create a snapshot of the work that lies ahead.

Other companies should follow suit and “adopt the inclusive practice of calling the holiday Indigenous People’s Day, and encourage employees to join in on the journey of learning more by learning about the Native American history and contributions in their own communities,” says Cat Colella-Graham, founder and president of Cheer Partners and an internal communication expert.

One way communicators can start their exploring Indigenous history is by determining and sharing with employees… Show more

Other companies should follow suit and “adopt the inclusive practice of calling the holiday Indigenous People’s Day, and encourage employees to join in on the journey of learning more by learning about the Native American history and contributions in their own communities,” says Cat Colella-Graham, founder and president of Cheer Partners and an internal communication expert.

One way communicators can start their exploring Indigenous history is by determining and sharing with employees what Indigenous lands they (or their offices) occupy, Colella-Graham says.

“For example, where I live we have Shinnecock Nation, the oldest self-governing Native American nation,” she says. She also notes companies can celebrate and learn about the first U.S. Native American Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland. Show less

United was the first U.S. airline to issue a mandate. Employees still have the chance to get vaccinated before their formal firing meetings, according to the company. Unvaccinated employees make up nearly one percent of United's 67,000 employees.

Colella-Graham shares these best practices for internal communication, well-suited to vaccine communication:

Communicate live, whether on video or in person wherever possible, to all employees.
Emphasize the why behind the decision… Show more

United was the first U.S. airline to issue a mandate. Employees still have the chance to get vaccinated before their formal firing meetings, according to the company. Unvaccinated employees make up nearly one percent of United's 67,000 employees.

Colella-Graham shares these best practices for internal communication, well-suited to vaccine communication:

Communicate live, whether on video or in person wherever possible, to all employees.
Emphasize the why behind the decision, and make it clear you don't want to see anyone leave.
Prepare and share guidance with line managers as they hold the most direct line of communication with employees.
Check in with team members. One-on-one check-ins are critical.
All leaders should put empathy and accessibility at the forefront. Show less

Forbes EQ on BrandVoice is a space for businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations from and serving underrepresented groups to share stories with the Forbes.com audience at no cost through the BrandVoice marketing platform. The new platform launches with five partners – including two nonprofits and three for-profits.

Forbes EQ on BrandVoice offers contributing partners – both nonprofits and for-profits – the opportunity to share storytelling, expertise and thought leadership… Show more

Forbes EQ on BrandVoice is a space for businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations from and serving underrepresented groups to share stories with the Forbes.com audience at no cost through the BrandVoice marketing platform. The new platform launches with five partners – including two nonprofits and three for-profits.

Forbes EQ on BrandVoice offers contributing partners – both nonprofits and for-profits – the opportunity to share storytelling, expertise and thought leadership with the Forbes audience.

Forbes says it evaluates participants on brand content and mission, which align both with the ethos of Forbes’ Representation and Inclusion practice and with one of the four pillars of Forbes EQ on BrandVoice: Inclusive Capitalism; Education, Access and Leadership; Justice and Reform; and Health and Wellness.

The platform launches with two nonprofit participants, Management Leadership for Tomorrow and the National Diversity Council, as well as three for-profit participants selected by the Diversity Marketing Consortium: Malomo, Lumin and Cashdrop, for a period of six months. During this time partners will publish up to three posts per month via the BrandVoice platform and receive one Tweet and one LinkedIn post per month via Forbes’ social channels. Show less

This year has highlighted the importance of creating a team that’s diverse and inclusive.  Learn how small businesses can build inclusive environments, and lean into the benefits of employing diverse voices. 

Panel:
• Mikal Quarles, National Field Manager, Business Banking, Chase
o Rick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Cat Colella-Graham, Founder, Cheer Partners

Host/Moderator:
Lawrence Bowdish, Senior… Show more

This year has highlighted the importance of creating a team that’s diverse and inclusive.  Learn how small businesses can build inclusive environments, and lean into the benefits of employing diverse voices. 

Panel:
• Mikal Quarles, National Field Manager, Business Banking, Chase
o Rick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Cat Colella-Graham, Founder, Cheer Partners

Host/Moderator:
Lawrence Bowdish, Senior Director, Research and Food Security Issues, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center Show less

The right approach to bringing more diversity, equity, and inclusion to your company is to be thoughtful and create a plan that gets training right but also goes beyond training. Here’s where to start.

Human resources has an incredible opportunity to embrace last year's lessons and carry them forward in 2021 with a renewed commitment and the power of communication. HR is now at the center of the employee experience, and employees want to hear from you.

Q is important in family and personal relationships too. These intimate relationships are different from work relationships, because there is a personal stake in the game. That said, the same self-awareness, empathy, and ability to self-regulate apply. Think of the times you have argued with your partner or friend, how could you have enabled a better outcome? That perspective is essential to building strong, trustworthy relationships.

Our front-line heroes, often deskless and isolated, were among the lowest-paid workers and were from diverse communities. These workers need to feel supported, included and cared for by their employers and are vital to an organization's success.

Inclusive businesses are innovative, profitable and safer for employees. Here’s how to build inclusivity into your culture and customer service.

By: Emily Heaslip , Contributor

As leaders, managers and employees adjust to a new normal, here are six ways you can accelerate the adoption of working from home while personalizing the experience to avoid the loneliness that can accompany being remote.

The best employee experiences prioritize connection, which is a top driver of engagement. Here are five strategies you can employ today.

The role of gratitude in the employee experience is not complex. It is how you align the employee's role in achieving results and sharing successes as a team. Gratitude also impacts the customer experience, and by driving gratitude as a living value, leaders can create a lasting and differentiated experience for employees and customers alike.

Your employee experience is your employment brand. Employees who have a differentiated and impactful experience will be your brand ambassadors. It drives engagement, recruiting, retention, discretionary effort and, yes, profitability. Leaders and managers, you need to take things into your own hands, because frankly, you are on the front lines. Here are five ways to do that.

Today more than ever, every stakeholder looks to the leader as an extension of the brand and the human element of the organization. You are the trust barometer for the company, and what you say matters. So where do you begin? Consider following these steps.

Crowdsourcing, in short, is maximizing the power of many. The idea behind crowdsourcing is that instead of having one resource, you can have many resources to solve your problem. An article in the Harvard Business Review explains, "There is a need for us to have multiple mentors with expertise in various domains." So, think like a tech startup and crowdsource your mentorship.

Your organization is only as valuable as the talent it retains and attracts. Hiring for Diversity is a good start; creating a culture of inclusion is becoming a boardroom priority. Here are five ways you can do just that.

In the human resources sphere, there has recently been a lot of talk about employee experience — but what do we mean by that? Similar to customer experience, employee experience is more than simply what it's like to work at a company. It's how they experience their work; how they feel about working at the company.

It takes more than Bagel Tuesdays and a foosball table. Companies that have a dedicated focus on employee experience have a strong culture, heightened employee engagement… Show more

In the human resources sphere, there has recently been a lot of talk about employee experience — but what do we mean by that? Similar to customer experience, employee experience is more than simply what it's like to work at a company. It's how they experience their work; how they feel about working at the company.

It takes more than Bagel Tuesdays and a foosball table. Companies that have a dedicated focus on employee experience have a strong culture, heightened employee engagement, employees who feel proactively supported, a diverse and inclusive environment and high levels of touch throughout the employee life cycle. Here are five things you can do right now to improve your employee experience. Show less

The latest hacking of HBO was much worse than what happened to Sony because hackers are getting more sophisticated, according to a report on CBS today. It is confirmed that over 1.5 terabytes of data was lifted in this attack, and through multiple “doors”. Included in this online heist was an upcoming script of Game of Thrones, unaired episodes from other popular shows, and most concerning of all, thousands of internal documents; the hackers have since shared personal information about a… Show more

The latest hacking of HBO was much worse than what happened to Sony because hackers are getting more sophisticated, according to a report on CBS today. It is confirmed that over 1.5 terabytes of data was lifted in this attack, and through multiple “doors”. Included in this online heist was an upcoming script of Game of Thrones, unaired episodes from other popular shows, and most concerning of all, thousands of internal documents; the hackers have since shared personal information about a senior HBO executive. While sophisticated hackers look at the big companies with big prizes such as HBO and Sony where their expert hacking will be recognized by their dark web peers, this should ring alarm bells for all companies. Some simple tips might mitigate the damage. Show less

Human Resources professionals designing compensation plans have many resources, including peer HR pros. Variable compensation when done right provides more equitable bonus award based on their direct efforts and performance. It can foster an open collaborative and high-performance environment, and improve business results. This article can help you refine how you structure your variable compensation plan to fit your company's compensation philosophy and culture.

There has been much discussion about employee branding, recruitment and retention, and connecting culture with organizational values. But what is the role of culture in engagement? How can your organizational culture, when aligned with the business goals, support the achievement of the articulated and unarticulated goals of the company?