#HRchat: Putting Your Vacation Time to Work

Talent Acquisition, HR Strategy

Article | August 24, 2022

Explore the top books for workplace engagement with this insightful guide. Discover essential books for HR professionals designed specifically to enhance employee satisfaction and industry culture. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Top Constructive Books for Workplace Engagement 2.1 Employalty 2.2 Enhancing Employee Engagement and Productivity in the Post-Pandemic Multigenerational Workforce 2.3 Cultivating Culture 2.4 Beyond Human Resources Management Within Organizations 2.5 Excellence in People Analytics 2.6 People Strategy 2.7 People Operations 2.8 Employee Engagement: A Human Resource Management Perspective 2.9 Engaging Virtual Meetings 2.10 Ways to Build Employee Engagement 3. Key Takeaways 1. Introduction In today's changing work environment, fostering a culture of engagement and productivity is more critical than ever. With the challenges posed by remote work, multigenerational teams, and the constant quest for talent retention, leaders and HR professionals are on the lookout for strategies and insights that can drive commitment and excellence within their organizations. This article delves into top books for workplace engagement that offer innovative, practical, and research-backed approaches to enhancing workplace engagement. From igniting commitment among top talent to leveraging workforce data for strategic advantage, these reads provide a comprehensive toolkit for anyone looking to turn organizational culture into a strategic asset. Explore these talent management books to elevate organization's performance and employee satisfaction to new heights. 2. Top Constructive Books for Workplace Engagement Exploring effective strategies for boosting employee engagement is crucial for any organization aiming to enhance productivity and retain top talent. This section features the top books for workplace engagement that offer innovative insights and practical approaches to cultivating a motivated and committed workforce. Each selection provides leaders and HR professionals with the latest strategy and trends needed to foster an environment where engagement thrives. 2.1 Employalty Author: Joe Mull 'Employalty: How to Ignite Commitment and Keep Top Talent in the New Age of Work' is an exploration into the dynamics of the modern workforce. The book is an essential asset for companies trying to hold on to their best employees and maintain a culture of dedication in the face of rapid shifts in standards and expectations at work. These books serve as one of the most vital employee engagement books for recruiters and hirers, providing insightful guides for developing employee skills and abilities and thus empowering organizations to thrive amidst evolving workforce dynamics. Introduces the innovative concept of 'employalty' to describe the crucial intersection of employment and loyalty in the modern workplace. Offers actionable strategies to foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment, enhancing employee engagement and loyalty. Highlights the importance of flexible work arrangements and inclusive leadership in adapting to contemporary workplace expectations. Provides insights into boosting productivity, fostering innovation, and improving retention rates in a competitive business environment. 2.2 Enhancing Employee Engagement and Productivity in the Post-Pandemic Multigenerational Workforce Authors: Bryan Christiansen, Angela M. Even The book 'Enhancing Employee Engagement and Productivity in the Post Pandemic Multigenerational Workforce' provides an insightful look at the complex opportunities and challenges that firms are facing post COVID-19. This book explores in depth the dynamics of a multigenerational workforce, exposing the unique work styles, attitudes, and preferences that each generation brings to the workplace. Provides an in-depth look at the multigenerational mix of today's workforce. Utilizes case studies and research findings to explore effective strategies for enhancing engagement and productivity. Provides practical examples and actionable strategies focused on addressing contemporary challenges such as remote work adaptation, flexible scheduling, mental health support, and career development opportunities. Emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture that leverages generational differences as a strength. 2.3 Cultivating Culture Author: Brad Federman 'Cultivating Culture: 101 Ways to Foster Engagement in 15 Minutes or Less' is an essential, practical book for HR professionals who are committed to developing a lively and interesting workplace culture. This book is notable for its practicality; it provides a wide range of quick and easy to implement strategies for enhancing employee engagement that busy professionals may include in their everyday routines. Provides 101 quick, practical, and effective ways to improve workplace culture that can all be implemented in 15 minutes or less. Covers a wide range of activities, from setting up brief brainstorming sessions and mutual recognition programs to adding mindfulness exercises, thereby guaranteeing a fit for various organizational goals and preferences. Backs each strategy with research and real world examples, showcasing the tangible benefits of nurturing a positive workplace culture on employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. Utilizes a user friendly format, making the advice accessible and implementable for a wide audience, including HR professionals, managers, and team leaders across all industries. 2.4 Beyond Human Resources Authors: Fernando Martín Alcázar, Natalia GarcíaCarbonell, Gonzalo Sánchez Gardey 'Beyond Human Resources: Research Paths Towards a New Understanding of Workforce Management Within Organizations' is creative work that explores opportunities in workforce management by going beyond conventional human resources concepts. By conducting multidisciplinary studies, the writers reveal the complex interactions that exist between people, groups, and the organizational ecosystem. This book advocates for a more complicated and comprehensive strategy, serving as a clear appeal to reconsider how employee behavior and performance are perceived in the corporate world. Questions the efficacy of conventional human resources methodologies, suggesting that they may not fully capture the complex realities of workforce dynamics. Utilizes interdisciplinary research from psychology, sociology, and organizational behavior to analyze the complex interactions that influence workplace culture and employee motivation. Introduces innovative research paths, including the exploration of social networks within organizations, the impact of organizational culture, and the role of individual motivations in shaping employee performance. Offers theoretical insights and empirical evidence to support the need for new frameworks in understanding workforce management. Discusses the potential transformative effects of technology on workplace relationships and the importance of emotions in organizational decision-making processes. 2.5 Excellence in People Analytics Authors: David Green, Jonathan Ferrar 'Excellence in People Analytics: How to Use Workforce Data to Create Business Value' demonstrates the revolutionary potential of people analytics in the commercial world. Renowned HR and people analytics professionals, the authors lay out a plan for incorporating data-driven insights into the foundation of HR procedures. They clarify how efficiently mined and processed workforce data can transform hiring, talent management, employee engagement, and performance assessment procedures from the perspective of real-world applications, eventually fostering organizational growth and innovation. Underscores the critical role of a data-driven approach in modern HR management, highlighting how analytics can inform strategic decisions and enhance organizational effectiveness. Presents practical strategies and best practices for leveraging workforce data, guiding readers through the intricacies of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Features compelling case studies and examples from various organizations that have successfully implemented people analytics to optimize HR processes and drive significant business value. Explores the application of advanced analytics techniques, including predictive modeling and machine learning, to gain deep insights into employee behavior and forecast future workforce trends. 2.6 People Strategy Author: Jack Altman 'People Strategy: How to Invest in People and Make Culture Your Competitive Advantage' explores the critical role that culture and people play in ensuring organizational success. Using his extensive experience as an entrepreneur and business leader, the author offers a thorough framework for investing strategically in people and utilizing culture as a special competitive advantage. This book emphasizes how important it is for people's strategies to be in line with an organization's larger goals and core values. It also shows how this alignment may increase engagement, spark creativity, and improve overall performance. Advocates for the central positioning of people and culture within the strategic planning of an organization, highlighting their influence on long term success. Stresses the importance of integrating the hiring process, development, and retention practices with the aim of fostering a vibrant and productive workplace culture. Covers a wide range of people management aspects, from recruitment and performance management to learning, development, and employee wellness, offering a toolkit for creating a high performing team. Provides guidance on developing a culture that not only attracts but also retains top talent by promoting a sense of belonging and purpose. 2.7 People Operations Authors: Kevin Marasco, Tracy Cote, Jay Fulcher The book 'People Operations: Automate HR, design a Great Employee Experience, and Unleash Your Workforce' sets a new standard for the development of HRM. This study presents 'People Operations,' a cutting-edge approach that leverages technology, data analytics, and design thinking to completely transform conventional HR procedures. The authors present a strong argument for the transformation of HR into a key driver of corporate success, contending that adopting a more flexible, technologically advanced strategy may greatly improve productivity and the employee experience. Critiques conventional HR methodologies for being outdated and proposes a shift toward an agile, technology-enabled approach to HR management. Advocates for the central role of data-driven insights and automation tools in modernizing HR processes and improving employee engagement. Provides a wealth of practical examples and case studies demonstrating how companies can implement ‘People Operations’ to streamline HR functions and improve workforce management. Outlines actionable strategies for leveraging technology and data analytics across various HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and talent development. Emphasizes the importance of design thinking in creating a seamless and empowering employee experience, aimed at boosting engagement, productivity, and innovation. 2.8 Employee Engagement: A Human Resource Management Perspective Authors: Cam Caldwell, Verl Anderson An in-depth analysis of the fundamentals of employee engagement within the context of human resource management can be found in 'Employee Engagement: A Human Resource Management Perspective’. The book makes a strong case for how important engagement is to obtaining increased output, higher retention rates, and better organizational performance. With a background in psychology, management, and HR, the authors have used their knowledge to analyze the intricate factors that affect employee engagement and the critical role HR specialists play in developing an atmosphere where engagement succeeds. Investigates the comprehensive impact of employee engagement on key organizational outcomes, including productivity, retention, and overall performance. Provides an extensive analysis of the drivers of employee engagement, incorporating research and theories from psychology, management, and human resources. Covers a broad spectrum of HR practices and initiatives, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and career development, emphasizing their significance in fostering engagement throughout the employee lifecycle. Offers practical examples, case studies, and actionable insights, equipping HR professionals with the tools and techniques necessary for measuring and enhancing levels of employee engagement. 2.9 Engaging Virtual Meetings Author: John Chen 'Engaging Virtual Meetings: Openers, Games, and Activities for Communication, Morale, and Trust' is a pivotal guide tailored for the new norms of remote work and virtual collaboration. This book emerges as an essential resource for leaders, facilitators, and anyone involved in orchestrating virtual meetings, offering a rich compilation of creative and practical activities designed to make online gatherings more dynamic, interactive, and successful. Provides a diverse toolkit of openers, games, and activities specifically crafted for enhancing engagement in virtual meetings. Offers detailed instructions and adaptable ideas for a wide range of exercises aimed at improving communication, boosting morale, and fostering trust among participants. Empowers facilitators to conduct virtual meetings that are not only productive but also enjoyable and motivating for all participants. Shares insights on how to kick start meetings with energizing activities, promote collaboration through interactive games, and strengthen team relationships with trust building exercises. 2.10 180 Ways to Build Employee Engagement Authors: Brian Gareau, Al Lucia 180 Ways to Build Employee Engagement: How to Maximize Your Team's Commitment, Effort, and Loyalty is a detailed compilation of strategies aimed at bolstering employee engagement within any organization. Drawing from their vast expertise in organizational development and human resources, the authors have curated a list of 180 actionable tips and practices to enhance the workplace atmosphere, ensuring employees feel valued, motivated, and loyal. Presents a comprehensive suite of strategies designed to foster a positive work culture, elevate recognition, streamline communication, and support employee growth and development. Each of the 180 ways is articulated with clarity, providing leaders and managers with tangible actions to improve employee engagement effectively. Emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where employees are encouraged to commit fully, exert their best effort, and remain loyal to the organization. The book is formatted for ease of use, allowing readers to quickly identify and implement strategies that align with their specific organizational objectives and challenges. 3. Key Takeaways Featuring a carefully curated selection of top books for workplace engagement, this article serves as a valuable resource for HR professionals, recruiters, and team leaders seeking to enhance employee engagement and foster stronger team dynamics. Looking ahead, embracing innovative approaches to engagement will be crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. By investing in continuous learning and leveraging the wisdom shared in these inspiring employee engagement books, HR professionals can stay ahead of the curve and cultivate environments where employees thrive, fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and growth. Hiring managers and recruiters may effectively manage the changing world of employee engagement and team development with the help of these workplace engagement solution books.

Workforce Management, HR Strategy

Article | December 7, 2022

As the science behind employee engagement evolves, it’s become clear just how much businesses can gain from a happy and involved workforce. From improved performance, to reduced attrition, increased revenue and even a better customer experience, employee engagement is at the heart of business growth. Given these benefits, it’s no surprise that the role of HR departments is moving beyond just managing people and towards managing experiences.

Talent Acquisition, Recruitment & Retention

Article | September 22, 2022

Employees are companies most valuable asset – Without the talent, knowledge and expertise those employed bring to an organisation, it’s safe to say that the business world would be a very different landscape. Human Resources is often held responsible for owning the employee value strategy, where we’re now embracing tremendous improvements in how the value that employees bring, can be achieved. Here we’ll explore how data analysis, learning & development, employee engagement, 360 feedback and flexibility all offer a significant opportunity to improve employee output within every organisation in 2020.

Article | February 10, 2020

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This holds particularly true when it comes to employee onboarding. It's a new hire's introduction to the organization and the experience has a significant impact on employee retention. Unfortunately, that's why it's rare to see many employees with years of tenure. Research by Future Workplace found that 91% of Millennials expect to stay in a job for less than 3 years. Companies lose 25% of all new employees within the first year, according to SHRM, but almost 70% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for 3 years if they experienced great onboarding.