In uncertain times, experience and flexibility offer both reassurance and effectiveness. This may explain the continued rise of fractional hiring. A June 2023 article from Catalant, a platform that connects companies with vetted independent consultants, highlighted the rise of fractional executives. Citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it noted that temporary business management roles increased by 18% from 2021 to 2022—and by 57% since 2020. Catalant’s own analysis also showed an increased demand for [...]

Why was I running around a manufacturing plant with a giant inflatable chicken, talking to employees in three languages about the importance of quality? Because fractional communications work takes you places — from the C-suite to the coop. Fractional roles are gaining traction in tech and consulting. But for the past six months, I found myself deep in America’s food supply chain — helping transform employee communications for 21,000 associates at an iconic U.S. agribusiness. [...]

Imagine an AI system sifting through your employees’ weekly emails to pinpoint who’s pulling their weight and where there’s slack. That’s the bold idea reportedly brewing at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), using AI to analyze federal workers’ activity updates to shake up roles and resources. Let’s unpack what to watch for: training, defiance, sensitive info, and lack of understanding about each role. What to Watch For Purpose and Clarity If it’s about fingering [...]

The 24-hour news cycle. Rising grocery prices. The never-ending stream of emails. Stress is inescapable. This includes the workplace. Employees don’t live in a vacuum. They bring their stress to work, carrying the weight of societal crises, financial uncertainty, personal adversities, and physical and mental health challenges. These compounding pressures contribute to burnout, reduced engagement, and a workforce that’s struggling to keep up with demands. And yet, stress is rarely treated as the organizational challenge [...]

In his latest book, Rethinking Work, Rishad Tobaccowala acknowledges that the rapid transformation of how we work will affect “every individual whether one is a CEO, a team leader, a middle manager, or a new employee of any type and size of company in any country or industry.” No exceptions. He attributes this to five interrelated forces: Generational Shifts — Soon there could be four or five generations working simultaneously with vastly different “mindsets, expectations and worldviews” impacting how, [...]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming workplaces, promising enhanced productivity and innovation. Despite widespread investment, however, only 1% of organizations consider themselves mature in AI adoption, according to a recent McKinsey report. Employees are ready, but are their leaders? AI Adoption: The Employee vs. Leadership Gap The McKinsey report highlights a surprising reality: employees are more prepared for AI adoption than leaders assume. Many workers already leverage AI tools and believe that AI could automate up [...]