This week, we hosted an exclusive webinar featuring Leilani Han, Executive Director of Commerce at Wirecutter, The New York Times’ trusted source for product recommendations. We got a behind-the-scenes look at how Wirecutter evaluates products, builds partnerships, and leverages affiliate marketing to shape its editorial content. Attendees also gained actionable tips on pitching brands, optimizing affiliate strategies, and navigating trends in performance marketing.
The takeaways:
As we head into 2025, staying ahead of HR trends is more important than ever for CEOs and business leaders. Brenda Quach of HR Transformed breaks down the key shifts in talent acquisition and employee engagement that will define the workplace in the year ahead.
As we look ahead to 2025, understanding the latest HR trends is essential for CEOs and business leaders. These trends impact talent acquisition and play a crucial role in fostering a productive and engaged workforce. Here are the top HR trends you should keep on your radar.
Back in 2020, the global pandemic reshaped the workplace, driving a massive shift to remote work. Now, as we approach 2025, the return to the office is a major trend—but it’s not about going back to the way things were. Instead, it’s about embracing a hybrid approach, blending the flexibility of remote work with the value of face-to-face collaboration. Here is how to implement effectively:
Flexible Scheduling: Offer a mix of remote and in-office days to accommodate employee preferences maintaining productivity.
Office Design: Create inviting office workspaces that encourage collaboration, featuring open areas and technology that supports both virtual and in-person meetings.
Virtual Collaboration Tools: For fully remote teams, consider platforms like Gather to replicate the office atmosphere and promote spontaneous teamwork.
The traditional focus on degrees and job titles in hiring is shifting to a more skill-based approach. This change is a win for small businesses, giving them a better shot at attracting talent without competing for top-tier degrees. Here’s how to adapt:
Focus on Competencies: Prioritize candidates’ practical skills over formal credentials to tap into a broader talent pool.
Leverage Technology: Utilize assessment tools like Criteria to objectively evaluate candidates’ skills through simulations and project-based interviews.
With technology and market demands always evolving, upskilling and reskilling are more important than ever. Investing in continuous learning helps keep teams competitive and ready to adapt. Here is how to foster growth within your team:
Diverse Training Opportunities: Offer workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative learning sessions. For remote teams, consider virtual breakouts and live webinars.
Tailored Development Programs: Align training initiatives with both organizational goals and individual career aspirations to maximize impact.
Making a positive impact is a team effort, even if your staff isn’t in the same location. Involve your team in meaningful activities that reflect your company’s values:
Virtual Volunteering: Organize online events or fundraising challenges that resonate with your team’s interests.
Encourage Ideas: Invite employees to share their own CSR initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in giving back.
AI and automation are transforming the HR processes, offering efficiency gains while allowing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Here’s how to integrate these tools responsibly:
Streamline Operations: Use AI for tasks like complicated payroll calculations, benefits administration, and onboarding to reduce errors and save time.
Data-driven Insights: Leverage AI analytics for informed decision-making regarding talent management, performance tracking, and employee engagement.
Prioritize Fairness: Ensure that AI tools are used ethically, addressing biases while prioritizing employee well-being.
