We want to extend a huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for our HR Matters Luncheon! We dove deep into The Talent Acquisition Revolution: What’s Next for Hiring and left with brains brimming with ideas (and maybe a bit of dessert!).
Here’s the scoop (and a few laughs) from the conversation:
1. Tech Stack Check
Recruitment tools are multiplying like gremlins in the rain, but before adding another shiny new app, let’s take a sec to see if our current tech stack is actually working. Weekly “Show & Tell” of the AI tools we’re using? Yes, please! SHRM CEO Johnny Taylor Jr. nailed it: “AI won’t replace humans, but humans with AI knowledge will replace those without it.” Translation? The robots aren’t coming for us…yet.
2. Boost That Engagement
Apparently, employee engagement is at an 11-year low. (Yikes!) We tossed around ideas like professional development, career pathing, and even tuition reimbursement to help employees feel engaged enough to stay. Who wouldn’t want to keep training up to boss-level while someone else foots the bill? Let’s keep our people happy before they start perfecting their LinkedIn profiles.
3. Flexibility: It’s More than Yoga Pants
Workplace flexibility is as valuable as gold these days! But hey, let’s not play favorites with the in-office crew while the remote folks miss out. We learned that recognizing everyone—whether they’re WFH in PJs or wearing “real” clothes at a desk—can make a big difference in loyalty.
4. Make Recognition a Habit, Not a Hassle
Forget about elaborate recognition ceremonies. Turns out, even small shout-outs go a long way! So add some weekly kudos, throw in a WOW Award for those who “wow” us, and keep that Employee of the Quarter going strong. Recognition doesn’t have to cost a fortune or become a TikTok-worthy spectacle. Just say thanks, mean it, and carry on!
5. Leaders as Change Wizards
Leadership is all about guiding teams through the maze of change like Gandalf in the Mines of Moria. (Because who hasn’t felt like shouting, “You shall not pass!” at some new trend?) As rapid shifts hit us in 2025, leaders who can lead through change will be worth their weight in gold… or at least in patience.
6. RTO: Approach with Caution
RTO (Return to Office) mandates could be a recruiting goldmine—or a talent disaster if handled wrong. Top talent loves flexibility, especially women, Millennials, and anyone who’s discovered the joys of a morning commute from the bedroom to the living room. We left with one clear takeaway: flexibility is key, and if you can’t offer it, prepare to watch the talent shuffle to a more flexible ship.
Thanks again to everyone who joined our HR Matters Luncheon! Let’s keep the laughs, the learning, and the great discussions going as we tackle the future of hiring one trend at a time.
If you missed out on this event, then be sure to click here to be in the know for the next one. We will be sharing our 2025 HR Matters Event series dates soon!