by CHRC | Jul 15, 2020 | Competencies, Executive Compensation, Human Capital
“If you do not change, you can become extinct!” – Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese?
Twenty years ago, I had a manager who said that my job in Human Resources would be replaced by a machine one day, but that would be a good thing. I failed to see how that was encouraging.
Over those twenty years, however, I have seen the benefits of technology in my line of work, in affording me the time to think more strategically by spending less time on tactical work. Technological innovation has brought immeasurable societal gain but has often been faced with the fear of self-preservation. If a machine can do my job faster, cheaper, AND better, what will become of ME?
We have all been asked to pivot in nearly all aspects of life lately by moving to online platforms. For example, I love my virtual workout classes that don’t involve a commute or listening to people grunt. COVID-19 has made it obvious that we rely on technology more than we ever have. The New York Times has reported that most middle-class jobs demand some technological proficiency. As of May, half of US workers were working remotely (previously 15%) and automation in many fields has steadily been on the rise.
Workers now need more advanced skills to survive, particularly in a time when unemployment numbers are steadily increasing. Even Congress has recognized how important this is and worked in a bipartisan fashion to draft the Skills Renewal Act, which would provide up to $4K in tax credits to newly unemployed workers seeking training in high-demand areas. Managerial and other strategic roles are always far harder to replace with technology. It’s a perfect time to “upskill” and get around to the training you have neglected, instead of binging the next Netflix series.
The best part about upskilling is that usually many of these skills, if not most, are portable—you can take them from job to job. Just like I take my free weights from my living room to the patio sometimes…sans grunting.
by CHRC | Jul 8, 2020 | Competencies, Human Capital, Skilled Labor
So last weekend, I was probably the only person I know who wasn’t ready with popcorn and our newly purchased Disney+ waiting anxiously for Hamilton to premiere. I don’t have every word memorized. Much to the dismay of my husband and daughter, I did at one point put on headphones to watch a Tik Tok during the viewing party (do I at least get points for knowing what Tik Tok is?). But for all of you Hamilton fans out there, I want you to know a few themes and a few lines have finally sunk in!
That’s why when I came across this article yesterday, I thought, how timely. As we struggle as a country with rising COVID-19 numbers, and some are quick to blame other countries, it’s important to be reminded of the hard work immigrants have put in during these trying times. Much like in Hamilton, Peter Tsai, the man who invented the N95 mask, is “Non-Stop” finding ways to use, and RE-use, them to their full potential and continue to work for the safety of others in his adopted land.
As we continue to find new ways to run businesses, care for our employees, and see our families during this pandemic, we can look to Peter as an example of how to take something we’ve already succeeded at—and know that we can always be improving it. When in doubt, remember, “Immigrants, we get the job done.” Read More Here
by CHRC | Jul 1, 2020 | Work From Home
At the outset of the quarantine, or work from home, or life via Zoom, it seemed that we were all learning, or relearning statistics—R0 and R1. Now a whole new vocabulary has emerged to describe our current life. Here are a few chuckles for this short week:
Covidiots
Sanny
Coronacranky
Quarantini
Read More Here
by CHRC | Jun 24, 2020 | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Wage Increases
By Margaret Jungels
If we’ve learned anything the past few months, it’s that many of our lowest-paid workers are essential to keeping not only the overall economy, but also our individual households running. We rely on grocery store clerks, delivery drivers, caregivers, and cleaners in stores, hospitals, and nursing homes to keep our families fed and safe. And yet, in many states, these essential workers are paid at rates so low they could work full-time and still qualify for SNAP benefits. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour and hasn’t increased since 2009. In our gut, most of us understand that the minimum wage should be increased for reasons of fairness.
But there are reasons beyond fairness to increase the pay of these essential workers. A review of nursing home data shows that higher minimum wages lead to better quality of care, and even reduced mortality rates. “It appears that with better pay, jobs in nursing homes became more attractive, so employee turnover decreased. Patients benefited from more continuity in their care.” Studies also indicate that, across industries, employee performance improves as wages rise. Increased quality, reduced turnover, and better performance? So, it seems that not only is increasing low wages the fair thing to do, it’s the right business decision as well. Read More Here
by CHRC | Jun 18, 2020 | Leadership
Sixty years ago this fall, two television shows premiered on American screens that featured single fathers. In 1960, of course both fathers were created as widowers.
After you wrap your mind around the fact that Opie is now a senior citizen, it is interesting that American popular culture has had two lasting images of single dads who had to do the mothering and the fathering. Aunt Bee and Uncle Charlie were around for a lot of the after school snack banter, but whether you watched in prime time or reruns, the lingering memories are the heart-to-hearts that these dads had with their sons about life, death, girls, and becoming men.
It’s probably not surprising that one of those TV sons went on to be a pretty good father himself, as well as a prominent director. In turn, he produced another director who has a brand new film debuting: Dads.
This heartwarming interview from last Sunday seems to be a nice way to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all those folks out there who father in oh-so-many-ways. Watch it here
