The Connector Ed. 88
Feb 14th, 2024 | The Connector
At The O'Connor Group, we understand the power of a united team and the impact it has on our success. Team engagement is more than just a buzzword for us; it's a core value that we actively foster within our workplace.
One of our favorite traditions is our regular Crock Pot Lunches - a time for our team to come together, share delicious meals, and build connections beyond our work responsibilities. These lunches aren't just about food; they're about building a strong sense of camaraderie that fuels collaboration and creativity.
We believe in acknowledging and celebrating our victories, big and small. Recently, we were thrilled to launch our groundbreaking Recruitment-as-a-Service (RaaS) initiative. This success is not just a company achievement; it's a win for each team member who contributed their talent, dedication, and innovation.
Learn more about RaaS here!
1. The Rise of the “New Collar” Workforce
In the final months of 2016, a fascinating term began to reverberate throughout the tech industry, signaling a momentous change in the job market. Coined by Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM at the time, the phrase "new collar" swiftly entered the vocabulary, encapsulating an emerging trend that aimed to redefine what it meant to achieve professional success. Rometty's advocacy shed light on the transformative nature of the labor market, drawing attention to a fresh wave of occupations that valued skills and capabilities over the traditional college education pedigree.
Read the full article here!
2. The U.S. economy added 353,000 jobs, unemployment rate stays at 3.7%
The U.S. job market continues to defy expectations of a slowdown by adding 353,000 jobs, nearly double what was expected. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised December’s payroll gains up from 216,000 to 333,000. The unemployment rate held steady at 3.7% vs the expected jump to 3.8%. Stronger-than-expected wage growth was also newsworthy with hourly wages growing by 0.6% with year-over-year growth up to 4.5%. One last piece of good news: in stark contrast to 2023 jobs gains which centered around government, healthcare, and restaurants/hotels, January’s jobs gains were more spread out with nearly two-thirds of private sector industries adding jobs.
Read the full article here!
3. February Signature Events
TOC HR Office Hours
Thursday, February 29th🔷 3:00 - 4:00 PM EST
Join us for TOC HR Office Hours where our dedicated HR experts address some of the critical issues we are all facing in the workplace. We are an SHRM Recertification Provider and an HRCI Provider.
HRCI 1.0 Credit
The use of this official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.
Register for HR Office Hours here!
4. January hiring was the lowest for the month on record as layoffs surged
According to the job outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, U.S. companies laid off 82,307 employees last month but still down 20% compared to this time last year. Technology firms felt the biggest pain with Microsoft, Alphabet (parent company of Google), and PayPal announcing layoffs totaling 15,806. Financial giants like Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and BlackRock have already cut jobs or plan to in 2024. Overall, financial sector layoffs totaled 23,238 in January. There are signs that 2024 could be a bit bumpy with other firms like UPS, Amazon, Nike, and Intel all announcing planned layoffs this year.
Read the full article here!
5. Thought Leadership - The Latest Trends!
Each month our Human Resources and Talent Acquisition team members deliver this valuable resource to keep you in the know of the latest topics and trends impacting the people part of your business.
Check out our latest HireWire Blog, "What the heck is RaaS" by VP of Growth, Meghan Popoleo. Meghan breaks down our new RaaS model from a non-recruiter perspective. Thinking about outsourcing your talent function, or maybe you just need help sourcing candidates for a hard-to-fill role? Let's find out how RaaS can help your team thrive.
6. Corporate Transparency Act- What you need to know
The Corporate Transparency Act (effective January 1, 2024) may impact millions of small businesses across the United States.
Understanding the nuances of this legislation and its potential ramifications is crucial for small enterprises. Otherwise, they risk facing legal consequences, either through criminal prosecution or civil penalties, for failing to file or update the required report.
Read the full article here!
7. Attention Business Owners: Join us for How to Attract and Retain Top Talent in 2024 for EOS Companies
The O’Connor Group is excited to invite you to our upcoming event, where we will explore effective strategies for attracting and retaining top-tier talent in 2024, particularly for companies leveraging EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). Join us as we delve into the key insights and practices tailored to organizations utilizing EOS to enhance their employee recruitment and retention efforts. EOS has been a tremendous asset to our growth, and we're excited to share how it can help you elevate your business.
🔷 Wednesday, March 13, 2024 🔷
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Founding Farmers
Register via the QR on the invitation or via the link below through TicketLeap!
8. Local Happenings!
Although February may be the shortest month of the year, Philadelphia is bursting with exciting events and activities. And with an extra day of fun thanks to Leap Day, there's even more to look forward to!
If you prefer to stay warm indoors, indulge your passion for fashion during Philly Fashion Week, satisfy your inner foodie at Center City District Restaurant Week, or start planning your spring projects at the Philly Home + Garden Show. Looking for some quality family time? Gather your loved ones for a night of thrilling entertainment with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey at the Wells Fargo Center or catch the Harlem Globetrotters at The Liacouras Center.
But that's not all! February also brings two major winter celebrations, and Philadelphia has a plethora of options for both. Join in the festivities of the Lunar New Year at various sites including Franklin Square, Dilworth Park, and Main Line Art Center. In honor of Black History Month, indulge in enlightening events at attractions like the Please Touch Museum and the Parkway Central Library.
And where better to celebrate the month of love than in the City of Brotherly Love itself? Philadelphia has some fantastic Valentine's date-night ideas, such as enjoying a round of Philly Mini Golf with Love at Franklin Square or attending Boyz II Men's annual Valentine's Weekend show at The Met. There's so much more to explore and discover, so make sure to check out the full list of events here!
9. Good News Corner: Keep Music Alive! 🎶
The Many Magical Powers of Music
Keep Music Alive is a national non-profit on a mission to help more kids (and adults) reap the educational, therapeutic, and social benefits of playing music. Each year, Keep Music Alive partners with over 1,200 music schools, stores & organizations for Teach Music Week & Kids Music Day to offer free lessons to new students and hold special events that benefit kids playing music. Their year-round Musical Instrument Petting Zoo visits schools, libraries, and community festivals with over 50 different instruments including acoustic/electric guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, and dozens of different types of percussion instruments for kids of all ages to interact with.
Research has long proven the academic benefits for kids playing music. In addition, children playing instruments learn a multitude of soft skills including patience, perseverance, and discipline. These skills along with increased self-confidence carry over to every aspect of their life. And for us adults, learning to play music and even just listening to music intentionally offers many benefits to every generation. For more information on Keep Music Alive and the many benefits of music, please visit www.KeepMusicAlive.org
10. Montgomery County SPCA Needs Our Help!
The Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a nonprofit organization passionately devoted to the welfare of animals, promoting humane education, and providing care for unwanted, lost, and mistreated domestic animals. With a rich history dating back to 1909, the Montgomery County SPCA proudly operates three distinct locations in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The bustling Conshohocken facility serves as the organization's headquarters and boasts the largest animal shelter among the three. Meanwhile, the Perkiomenville facility is nestled on a charming farm, complete with a picturesque barn that shelters retired livestock and small animals in need. In 1997, the Montgomery County SPCA expanded its reach by constructing a state-of-the-art facility in Abington Township, extending its exceptional services to the eastern region of Montgomery County.
Montgomery County SPCA is funded by donations and gifts from their supporters and friends. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Supporters receive a quarterly newsletter that contains information about the MCSPCA's operations, animal legislation, and upcoming events. Consider donating today at the link below.
11. Wellness Wednesday...
Let's talk annual physicals!
Taking the time to prioritize your physical and mental well-being is an investment in yourself that pays off in numerous ways. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by scheduling an annual physical examination, which provides a comprehensive update on your overall health. By undergoing this important check-up, you not only gain valuable insights into your physical fitness but also receive an opportunity to evaluate and enhance your mental well-being. This holistic approach ensures that you are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your health. Don't miss out on the chance to take control of your well-being and enjoy the benefits of a healthier and happier life.
Benefits:
- Assessing overall health
- Updating any vaccinations
- Screening for cancer
- Checking on mental health
- Potential insurance reimbursement
It never hurts to get a quick update on your physical and mental health!