Each month, the HR Exchange Network editorial team takes a look at some of the best performing pieces on HR topics.  This month was no exception.  Topics include diversity, talent management, ghosting, learning and development and the work-life balance.  The list of the top 10 articles from September is below.

NOTE:  The articles are in no particular order.

Best Articles of September

1. Diversity at the Core of the Network

Diversity is critical to the development of resilience in organizations and bottom-line results across time.  In his latest piece for the HR Exchange Network, Amazon Web Services VP of Talent and Development Michael Arena uses data science to prove his case, specifically pointing to a real-life example.  He mapped out a network of nearly 500 individuals within a large service-based organization that needed to be highly adaptive. What he found will surprise you.  Click the title to read more about the case and his findings.

2. 5 Ways Talent management Can Support Working Parents

The first week of September always brings some exciting changes.  Many of us stand around and lament the passing of another summer, prepare for the coming fall/holiday season and yes, begin the journey of another school year.  In his latest piece, columnist Eric Torigian notes that back to school brings many challenges for both parents and employers.  In fact, a 2015 survey by the Care@Work team found 51 percent of working parents report some level of back-to-school work interference.  Click the title to read five ways HR can help parents during back-to-school time.

Want to know more about Talent Management?  Register for our free-to-attend online event:  Talent Exchange Live

3. HR – Make Some Noise!

HR Curator Dave Millner was talking to a CHRO recently and the HR professional was talking about the perception that people in their organization had about HR.  He went on to say "if you want to be thanked for what you do at work, don't go into HR!" He said people in HR need to "get over the fact that they won’t get a lot of recognition” and that if they think that they are going to be thrown flowers and gifts for their work in HR then they should get out of the function now. Millner argues HR people should take more ownership of their work and really put it out there on display.  Click the title to read exactly what he says and how it will impact the department.

4. Ghosting Prevention Tips

As an HR professional, you can tell when an interview goes really well.  So well, in fact, that you believe you may be able to convert that person into a new hire.  And when you try, the person disappears.  You’ve emailed, called, and even sent a text but have heard nothing back.  This is “ghosting” it is the absolute worst when it comes to workforce planning.  In her most recent piece, DigiMe’s Chief Client Officer Lindsay Stanton gives actionable advice on ways to prevent ghosting from candidates.

For more ghosting prevention tips, download:  How Video Helps Prevent Ghosting for Recruitment Professionals

5. 12 Work-Life Balance Tips

Achieving the work-life balance is a constant work in progress and it’s a very difficult one at that.  Work doesn’t simply stop when an employee “clocks out” for the day.  With the a person’s ability to be wired in at all hours of the day through smartphones, tablets and laptop computers, one might surmise the concept of the work-life balance is obsolete; that it’s just plain life at this point.  So, how does HR help support employees and teams who need to practice a well-balanced lifestyle that includes both a well-rounded work life and personal life?  In this article, HR Exchange Network editor Mason Stevenson offers 12 tips HR can use to help employees.  Click on the title for more.

6. How To Improve Your Employee Experience with Employee Personas

With HR teams looking to create more personalized, tailored experiences for the workforce, employee personas are becoming a popular tool.  To equip you with the capabilities needed to leverage employee personas in your workplace - and drive business growth through improved productivity, retention, and engagement – Qualtrics’ Steve Bennetts outlines everything you need to know about employee personas in this article. Click the title for more.

7. Is L&D Obsolete?

Learning and development is changing.  Much of the change can be sourced back to the evolving demands of consumers and its impact on companies.  In fact, according to LinkedIn, 91% of learning and development leaders say the skills needed to be a successful employee in that ever-changing environment are not what they once were. Generation Z professionals, the group behind Millennials, largely agree.  76% say the skills needed today are different than the skills past generations have needed.That leads some to believe traditional learning and development strategies may be obsolete.  The reality is they’re not, but they are in terrible need of updating.  So how to accomplish that goal?  The HR Exchange Network team provides eight ways HR professionals can update their learning and development content and strategy.

8. HR’s Role in Terminations

The decision to terminate is never easy, nor should it be.  If you’ve arrived at the point where the immediate supervisor, management and Human Resources all agree to separate someone, the decision is straight.  Unfortunately, what we observe in many situations is that companies may be waiting too long to terminate.  HR Exchange Network columnist Dr. Jeanette Winters provides valuable information the termination process.  Click the title to read the full text.

9. AI in HR

Artificial intelligence is pushing humans and machines closer together.  It’s exciting!  AI’s influences are being felt across the HR space… being used to automate business processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce bias among other things.  In fact, McKinsey’s latest forecast of AI’s impact on the global economy is that it will generate $13 trillion in economic activity across the globe by 2030. But there is room for improvement.  Read how by clicking the title.

10. Attitude is Everything

When thinking about your team, can you easily describe the attitude of its members?  If so, can you describe the impact each of those attitudes have on the team as a whole?  Attitude is a significant piece of the puzzle when it comes to teams.  In his latest column entry, John Whitaker recounts a recent encounter with someone who embodies everything it means to have the right attitude at work.  Click the title to read it.

Image courtesy:  Pexels

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