In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with two seasoned HR professionals—Lucille Ward from Package Steel Systems and Terry Cook from AIM HR Solutions—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in human resources for the manufacturing industry.

As manufacturing faces a shortage of skilled workers, companies are struggling to find the right talent to fill positions like machinists, welders, electricians, and maintenance personnel. Lucille and Terry dive into the reasons behind this skills gap, including shifts in vocational education and societal pressures pushing students towards four-year degrees.

However, as college costs soar and the value of certain degrees comes into question, there may be a pendulum swing back towards vocational training. Lucille shares her company's innovative strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining employees, such as partnering with local organizations, offering on-the-job training, and investing in employee education.

The conversation also delves into the importance of workplace culture, particularly the differences between office and factory floor environments. Lucille candidly discusses the daily challenges of managing diverse teams, implementing HR systems, and keeping employees engaged and motivated.

Throughout the episode, Pete, Terry, and Lucille explore the evolving landscape of HR in manufacturing, offering insights, anecdotes, and practical advice for companies looking to attract and retain top talent in a competitive industry. Tune in to learn more about the creative solutions and strategies being employed by these HR leaders on the front lines of the manufacturing sector.

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Ready to unlock your team's full potential? AIM HR Solutions, rooted in the heart of Massachusetts, brings you tailored coaching and talent development services designed to elevate your business. With our personalized approach, you're not just investing in HR services – you're investing in the growth of yourself and your team. Discover the power of personalized coaching at AIM HR Solutions. Head to AIMHRSolutions.com to learn more and start your journey toward success today.

How much money do you make? If just hearing that question makes all the little hairs stand up on the back of your neck, you might be a Gen X HR manager. 

This week on the show we’re talking all about Pay Equity and and the proposed legislation on Pay Transparency that might just have an impact on the way we talk about pay at work. Joining us are our own industry experts Kyle Pardo and Sarah Piscatelli to help you plan for the coming changes — and challenges — in recruitment and beyond. 

Links & Notes

• Comprehensive Compensation Services
• S2 E5: Is Your Company Ready for Pay Transparency?
• Link to AIM HR’s Recruiting Services
• Link to AIM HR’s Audit Services

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In a world where businesses face constant change, there's one partner ready to tackle any HR challenge with you. AIM HR Solutions. We're not just any HR firm; we're your personalized problem-solving team, dedicated to customizing solutions just for you. From talent management to compliance, training to onsite services, our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs. With AIM HR Solutions, you're backed by a powerhouse of professionals, ready for proactive planning and immediate challenge. Learn more at AIMHRSolutions.com.

Are you making use of all the development resources available to your organization? Based on the questions we get from our members, the answer is probably “no.” Today, we’re going to give you a new direction for workforce training just for our local Massachusetts member companies.

Rob Duncan is the Director of the Workforce Training Fund Programs at Commonwealth Corporation, and Jen Moff is Vice President of Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions. They join Pete Wright this week to help us all understand how to take advantage of Massachusetts grants and how you can level up your corporate training initiatives as a result.

Links & Notes

• Commonwealth Corporation - Workforce Training Fund Program

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HR professionals, safeguard your business from compliance risks! AIM HR Solutions offers crucial compliance audit services tailored to your needs. Led by expert consultants, our audits ensure full compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. We provide a roadmap for your business's future, with detailed reports pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement. Save time, money, and mitigate risk with our expertise. Constantly evolving laws and limited HR staff can leave you vulnerable to fines and lawsuits. Protect your business - schedule your audit now at AIMHRSolutions.com!

This week, Pete Wright digs into the complex and sometimes contradictory world of workplace wellness programs with guest Jen Moff, VP of Learning Development at AIM HR Solutions.

Pete and Jen examine a controversial study from an Oxford researcher who found that, with the exception of volunteer work, most workplace wellness initiatives provide little to no benefit for employees' wellbeing. The study suggests companies should instead focus on core practices like schedules, pay, and performance reviews.

Who are these programs really serving? How can companies authentically embody the values behind their wellness offerings? And is it possible to build an impactful program that employees will actually engage with?

The study, and this episode, challenges assumptions about the role and efficacy of workplace wellness programs. It also offers more questions than answers, but a frank discussion is key for any HR professional grappling with these complex issues themselves.

Links & Notes

• Workplace Wellness Programs Have Little Benefit, Study Finds • New York Times

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Step into HR success with AIM HR Solutions! As your trusted partner, we're here to empower you on your HR journey – whether your team is small, in transition, or simply seeking extra support. Introducing our dynamic contract HR services, designed to bring ease and efficiency to your operations. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you have a dedicated partner handling compliance, employee relations, and more. Let AIM HR Solutions be your guiding light toward HR success. Visit AIMHRSolutions.com for more information.

What do you know about coaching? If you’ve never taken part in a coaching relationship, you just might be carrying around some assumptions based more on myth than reality, and today, we’re going to help you see the light. It’s an often-misunderstood practice that can help high-potential employees mature in your organization and seasoned pros through big career transitions.

To help us better understand the real power of coaching, Pete Wright is sitting down with Jen Moff VP, Learning and Development at AIM HR Solutions, and Scott Loomer, Director of HR Services at AIM. So lace up — and let’s get in the game.

Links & Notes

• Resources from AIM HR Solutions

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Revolutionize your recruitment strategy with AIM HR Solutions! Headquartered in the heart of Massachusetts, our dynamic team offers cutting-edge recruiting services tailored to meet the needs of HR professionals anywhere. Say goodbye to the endless cycle of candidate searches – let our seasoned experts streamline the process for you. With a deep understanding of industry trends and a vast network, we're here to connect you with top-tier talent. Explore the possibilities of our recruitment services at AIMHRSolutions.com.

Ever wonder what the most common questions HR professionals grapple with are? In this episode Pete sits down with AIM HR Solutions team members, Tom Jones and Terry Cook, who bring their expertise to the forefront on pressing HR issues. The discussion is centered around the popular topics we often hear about on our helpline. 

We navigate topics like understanding Massachusetts's PFMLA and its implications for employers, including how to handle leave requests and navigate adverse actions. Discover effective strategies for managing layoffs while exploring alternatives like the Work Share program. Plus, unravel the complexities of drug testing in the workplace, especially in the era of legalized marijuana.  

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Ready to unlock your team's full potential? AIM HR Solutions, rooted in the heart of Massachusetts, brings you tailored coaching and talent development services designed to elevate your business. With our personalized approach, you're not just investing in HR services – you're investing in the growth of yourself and your team. Discover the power of personalized coaching at AIM HR Solutions. Head to AIMHRSolutions.com to learn more and start your journey toward success today.

In the rich tapestry of today's workforce, the threads of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just woven in; they're becoming the very fabric of organizational culture. It's a bold experiment that promises to reshape the corporate landscape, but what does it really take to dye these threads into the cloth of our companies? 

Imagine a workplace where the mosaic of its people's backgrounds isn't just celebrated on special occasions but is the cornerstone of every policy, every team, every decision. We're venturing beyond the buzzwords and diving into the marrow of what DEI truly means for the heartbeat of a company. 

In the wake of seismic shifts such as the latest Supreme Court decisions, we'll probe into the tectonic impacts on recruitment, internships, and mentorships—confront the myths and misconceptions that cloud the DEI landscape—as we bring the truth into sharp relief.

And who better to guide us on this exploration than Karen Wallace, Executive Vice President of Economic Inclusion at AIM? Karen stands at the vanguard of championing inclusive growth and understanding the economic imperatives of DEI and she sits down to share her perspectives with Pete Wright this week.

Links & Notes

• AIM Business Connect
• Connect with Karen on LinkedIn
• Email Karen

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In a world where businesses face constant change, there's one partner ready to tackle any HR challenge with you. AIM HR Solutions. We're not just any HR firm; we're your personalized problem-solving team, dedicated to customizing solutions just for you. From talent management to compliance, training to onsite services, our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs. With AIM HR Solutions, you're backed by a powerhouse of professionals, ready for proactive planning and immediate challenge. Learn more at AIMHRSolutions.com.

What should HR professionals be thinking about from a compliance/best practice standpoint for 2024? 

In the fast-paced world of HR, juggling today's challenges while anticipating tomorrow's trends is crucial. 

This week, we cut through the noise, offering a blend of expert predictions and actionable insights. Kyle Pardo and Tom Jones join Pete Wright to tackle everything from the intricacies of current compliance issues, such as FLSA and leave laws, to the emerging trends of AI, skills-based hiring, and the transformative power of mindful leadership. 

What should HR pros be thinking about for 2024? It's all about getting equipped with the foresight to navigate the complexities of the HR landscape. Stay informed, stay prepared, and shape the future of your HR practice with us. 

Links & Notes

• Report: Employers don’t practice what they preach on skills-based hiring

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HR professionals, safeguard your business from compliance risks! AIM HR Solutions offers crucial compliance audit services tailored to your needs. Led by expert consultants, our audits ensure full compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. We provide a roadmap for your business's future, with detailed reports pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement. Save time, money, and mitigate risk with our expertise. Constantly evolving laws and limited HR staff can leave you vulnerable to fines and lawsuits. Protect your business - schedule your audit now at AIMHRSolutions.com!

Turn on those podcast notifications beacuse Human Solutions is about ready to launch Season 5!

This week, we aim to explore the legal implications of AI in human resources. Our guest is employment lawyer Bryn Goodman, partner at Fox Rothschild, and she brings our focus to recent regulations and what HR teams need to know as our industries enter the AI era.

Pete and Bryn dive into the key laws and guidance around AI that HR teams need to follow. The EEOC, FTC, and other federal agencies released a joint statement putting companies on notice about their AI use. States like New York, California, and Illinois have also passed laws regulating the use of automated decision-making tools in hiring and employment. 

Questions we answer in this episode:

• Who bears responsibility if an AI tool violates employment laws?
• What disclosures and audits are required for AI hiring tools?
• How can HR teams use AI responsibly despite limited transparency? 

Key Takeaways:

• Federal agencies are holding employers responsible for discriminatory outcomes from AI systems.
• HR teams should demand transparency from AI vendors and scrutinize the systems they use.
• Notice, consent, and responsible oversight are crucial when adopting AI tools.

This episode provides a look at the emerging legal landscape for AI in HR. Pete and Bryn outline the compliance steps HR teams should take today to integrate AI ethically and minimize risks. Their discussion makes it clear that while AI tools offer opportunities, they require diligent governance within HR.

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Step into HR success with AIM HR Solutions! As your trusted partner, we're here to empower you on your HR journey – whether your team is small, in transition, or simply seeking extra support. Introducing our dynamic contract HR services, designed to bring ease and efficiency to your operations. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you have a dedicated partner handling compliance, employee relations, and more. Let AIM HR Solutions be your guiding light toward HR success. Visit AIMHRSolutions.com for more information.

One year ago, as we recorded this conversation, a chatbot named ChatGPT debuted and shook our technological assumptions. Developed by OpenAI, the artificial intelligence tool ignited debate on the future of work, creativity, and what it means to be human. But the story of AI stretches far beyond any single innovation.

As companies race to harness AI, what legal realities must they confront? How do these powerful tools reshape the employer-employee relationship? And in automating tasks once reserved for humans, what deeper human values are at stake?

Today, we explore this unfolding narrative, guided by employment lawyer Bryn Goodman, partner at Fox Rothschild, and our own Terry Cook. Together, they’re going to help us separate AI fact from fiction with insights gleaned from businesses on the frontlines of adoption. Make no mistake: there are human impacts—both promising and perilous—of entrusting technology with more of our working lives. However uncertain the path ahead, one thing is clear: the tools changing work are here. How leaders engage them now will shape the future. So let's rethink some assumptions assumptions, weigh risks, and see if we can move thoughtfully into the AI era.

Links & Notes

• EEOC: Assessing Adverse Impact in Software, Algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence Used in Employment Selection Procedures Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

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Revolutionize your recruitment strategy with AIM HR Solutions! Headquartered in the heart of Massachusetts, our dynamic team offers cutting-edge recruiting services tailored to meet the needs of HR professionals anywhere. Say goodbye to the endless cycle of candidate searches – let our seasoned experts streamline the process for you. With a deep understanding of industry trends and a vast network, we're here to connect you with top-tier talent. Explore the possibilities of our recruitment services at AIMHRSolutions.com.