SHRM Blog

The Myth of Losing the Innovation Edge in Hybrid and Remote Work

Fear of losing their innovative edge pushes many leaders to reject hybrid and virtual work arrangements. Yet extensive research shows that hybrid and remote teams can gain an innovation advantage and outcompete in-person teams by adopting best practices for innovation, such as virtual brainstorming. What explains this discrepancy between leadership beliefs and scientific evidence?

Having consulted for over a dozen companies on a strategic return back to the office, I discovered the root of the problem. The vast majority of leaders tried to pursue innovation during the lockdowns by adapting their office-based...

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8 Background Check Trends Impacting HR

What is one trend you're seeing with background checks, and how is this impacting HR?

To help keep HR ahead of the trends, we asked industry leaders and practitioners this question for their insights. From the rise in continuous monitoring to Ban the Box and Fair Chance hiring laws, we’ve included some of the best answers in this article.

Here are the top background check trends impacting HR professionals:

  • A rise in continuous monitoring
  • Gauging What Matters -Work Experience
  • Careful Use Of Criminal Records
  • Candidate background checks lead to better
  • ...
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Does HR Need to Look in the Mirror? SHRM Ask An Advisor

I ask the question because HR professionals can typically see what’s not working within companies, but they can’t always see what’s wrong with HR itself. HR professionals can also be guilty of having the same outdated thoughts and behaviors that we accuse employees and managers of having. Do we empathize with employee situations? Are we truly open-minded and do we listen to everyone, not just the people we think need to be heard? When was the last time an employee came to HR and said, “I need to talk about an accommodation,”...

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Look at Failure as Your Friend

When you think about, imagine, or hear the word FAILURE, does your heart sink? Do you droop your head or get angry and frustrated? If you don’t, you’re in the minority of folks who can see and react to failure as a new opportunity to try again and again, thinking more like Thomas Edison when he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work." Ice hockey legend, Wayne Gretsky, reminded us that "We miss 100% of the shots we don't take." The truth is that most people, and certainly most leaders, don’t think about failure...

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Can We Ask Applicants if They Are Vaccinated Against COVID-19? | SHRM Ask an Advisor

As an HR Knowledge Advisor, I speak with many members who are preparing to hire for the upcoming holiday season. A popular question I am asked is whether an employer can ask applicants if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The answer is yes. However, hiring managers and HR professionals should instruct applicants not to offer any information about why they may not have received the vaccine.

Employers may also require COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. Employers that require vaccinations for their employees should be explicit about...

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Why Multilingual Human Resources Is Crucial

Globalization is a catalyst driving many things to change. From the way that business is conducted to workforce management, it is altering our world.

Business leaders are fast becoming aware of the advantages of having a global workforce. To manage that global workforce, it’s helpful to have multilingual human resources and to have the support of a proven translation company. I have seen the benefits of having multilingual human resources firsthand and I would like to share my insights.

A Diverse Workforce

Before we go through the reasons why you should hire...

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The Remote Work Gap: How to Add Flexibility in a Non-Flexible Industry or Job

This is one of the hottest conversations in the workplace, today, and no, I’m not talking about the most challenging hiring environment we’ve ever seen before. I’m talking about remote work.

If you work for a software company, chances are you’re one of many people who is working a remote or hybrid schedule these days. But if you’re in some other industries, you’re likely feeling some different emotions because you may not have the option of working virtually. While it’s easy to get caught up in the discussion of the companies in the...

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Delta Surge Reveals the Folly of Normal Office Return

With vaccine effectiveness against the Delta variant dropping to 39%, it is absurd to pursue a normal office return. Make no mistake about the danger: the Delta surge is forecast to grow much worse in the next few months. Indeed, the CDC is considering asking vaccinated people to wear masks and moving toward recommending booster shots.

Yet many large companies and mid-size firms, along with the federal government, are forcing employees who successfully worked from home during the height of the pandemic to return to the office. Over a third have already returned and most of the rest are slated...

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Navigating the Great Resignation

We've all been bombarded by the forthcoming Great Resignation since the COVID-19 shutdown. The sentiment is that companies need to adapt to the requirements of the evolving workforce to keep the lights on (in the office to which no one is going). A recent Harris poll determined that 66% of Americans are interested in switching jobs. Along with this rhetoric comes the call for organizations to allow flexible work, adapt a new tech stack, and change management styles. There's only one problem..... no one is quitting their corporate job....

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Harassment Prevention Training: The Hidden Costs of Inaction

Although companies have long used training to meet harassment prevention compliance requirements, now more than ever, it is critical for organizations to enact purposeful agendas around workplace harassment. When implemented thoughtfully and in a way that is nuanced and relatable, training can be a vital and cost-effective tool for improving workplace culture while mitigating significant risk.

Cost versus risk

That’s because there is more to the training cost story. The true cost of harassment prevention training can be deceptive: it’s easy to focus on the price, when in fact it is a...

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