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The Connector: Edition 101

Aug 14th, 2024 | The Connector


We made the LIST!

The O'Connor Group has made the Inc. 5000 List for the FIFTH year in a row! This year, we ranked No. 2904!

This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. We're proud to be part of this prestigious list and excited for the opportunities ahead as we continue to grow and innovate.

Thank you to our incredible clients, partners, and team members who have been instrumental in our journey. Here's to even greater achievements in the future! You can view the full list of winners here!

1. Future-proof your workforce

The evolving business landscape, shaped by globalization, technological advancements, and rising customer expectations, demands that leaders quickly adapt—or risk seeing their companies falter, even at their peak.

A recent McKinsey report highlights that 87% of executives either face or anticipate skill gaps within their workforce in the coming years. The pressure to innovate, combined with the need to secure top talent, can be overwhelming. Entrepreneur shares 5 Strategies for Leaders to Future-Proof Their Workforce. Read the full article here!

2. Skills gap can be costly for employers 

A recent report from Multiverse reveals that widespread data skills gaps are causing significant productivity losses in businesses, with employees losing an average of 25 working days per year on data-related tasks. Although data is crucial in most roles, nearly half of workers struggle with data analysis, automation, and forecasting.

According to the report, employees spend 36% of their workweek on data tasks, but 10% of that time is wasted due to inefficiencies, highlighting the urgent need for improved data skills in the workforce. HR Dive shares how the skills gap can cost employers a month of productivity each year. Read the full article here!

3. Would you quit over a bad boss...?

According to LinkedIn's latest Workforce Confidence survey, 70% of U.S. workers would consider leaving their job due to a bad manager, with younger employees being more likely than older ones to cite this as a reason to quit. However, this doesn’t mean they believe they could do the job better; only one-third of individual contributors express a desire to become people managers themselves. Among those aspiring to move into management roles, Millennials are the most likely to be seeking a promotion. Read the full article here!

4. Remote worker's well-being

The pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work, and while many aspects of life, such as business travel, have returned to normal, the workplace remains changed. According to Pew Research, 35% of workers with jobs that can be done remotely now work from home, and 28.7% are actively seeking jobs that offer remote work options. As the debate over remote versus in-office work continues, one thing is clear: employees increasingly value work-life integration.

This shift is driving more companies to adopt hybrid work models to attract and retain top talent. Whether fully remote or hybrid, it’s essential to prioritize employee well-being, especially for remote workers. While most organizations have wellness programs, few offer initiatives specifically designed for remote employees. Incorporating remote well-being into your workplace wellness strategy is crucial for staying competitive and maintaining a thriving workforce. Forbes shares three key factors to consider to keep remote workers' well-being at the forefront of their minds. Read the full article here!

5. HR After Dark Episode 5: The Interview Gap

On this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia Zaruba O'Connor and Meghan Popoleo (Sherry) welcome guest, Anna Papalia, CEO & Author of Interviewology.

Anna shares her passion for discovering interview styles and why she left her corporate job to teach and write her book Interviewology. Are you a Charmer, Challenger, Examiner, or Harmonizer? Whether you are a hiring manager or a job seeker, this episode will break down the importance of your interview style and profile. Watch the episode here!

6. Main Line Chamber 27th Annual Main Line Run/Walk 2024

Now more than ever, The Main Line Chamber Foundation needs your help as they seek to continue the Volunteer Emergency Responders Scholarship program. Thanks to past support, during their Hometown Heroes event in June, they were able to provide $50,000 in scholarships to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians. These outstanding volunteers risk their lives on every call.

Join the run on Sunday, September 8, 2024! Check out the registration details here!

7. Let's Get Local...

It's mid-August, we know it is hard to say. Labor Day is coming up and you can start planning out your last weekend of summer.

Check out this list from VisitPhilly and make it a great one!


This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. The O’Connor Group makes no representations as to the completeness, suitability, or validity of any information contained herein and will not be liable for any errors or omissions.

Let’s start with a conversation.