Skip to Content
Top 101 Women-owned businesses in greater Philadelphia award badge America's fastest growing private companies Inc. 500 award badge Certified WBENC Women's Business Enterprise award badge

The Connector: Edition 109

Dec 4th, 2024 | The Connector


Elevating Our Leaders at The O'Connor Group's Lead On!

We recently hosted our manager team at our own Lead On Conference, designed to inspire, connect, and equip our managers for success in a rapidly evolving workplace.

The day was filled with impactful sessions, including AI and the Future of Work with Chris Carr, President and CEO of Farotech, Effective Feedback Conversations with Jen Dulin, Founder of Jen Dulin Consulting, Operational Excellence, and Executive Presence.

We’re proud of our managers for their dedication to continuous learning and growth. We’re building stronger teams, driving innovation, and preparing for the future.

1. Effective AI to Reduce the Chaos for HR

Kroger Chief People Officer Timothy Massa oversees a workforce of over 400,000 employees serving 12 million daily customers, a number that could grow to 700,000 with a potential merger with Albertsons, though the deal faces uncertainty after an FTC challenge.

Massa, recently named a 2024 Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, highlights the growing chaos in workplaces across industries. He emphasizes that HR should focus on simplifying work environments, leveraging tools like AI to reduce complexity and improve employee experiences. Read the full article here

2. Overtime Rule Vacated: What Employers Need to Know

The Biden administration's two-prong overtime rule, which raised the salary threshold to $43,888 in July and planned for $58,656 in January, has been vacated by a federal judge. The threshold reverts to $35,568, set during the Trump administration.

Experts believe the rule is effectively "dead," as an appeal would face an uphill battle in the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Additionally, a new Trump administration is unlikely to pursue the case further.

What should employers do?

  • July Adjustments: Employers that raised salaries or reclassified employees to comply with the July threshold should avoid reversing those changes to maintain employee morale and avoid potential legal risks.
  • January Plans: Employers can confidently pause any plans to reclassify employees or adjust salaries further, as the vacated rule no longer applies.

The early ruling provides clarity, allowing organizations to plan without last-minute disruptions. Connect with our expert team at TOC today to seamlessly navigate the complexities of the overtime rule and ensure your business stays ahead. Read the full article here

3. Survey Finds Employees Trust AI More Than HR

 A recent survey of 851 business professionals revealed a surprising finding: 54% trust AI more than HR professionals, while only 27% favor HR. While this may seem alarming, the data sheds light on shifting perspectives about trust, bias, and the role of AI in the workplace.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Trust in Data-Driven Decisions: Employees believe AI is less biased than managers, especially when it comes to performance reviews, pay increases, and feedback. AI's reliance on data and its ability to provide clear reasoning makes it a trusted tool for fairness and transparency.
  2. AI in Performance and Pay Evaluations: 39% of respondents see AI-based performance evaluations as fair, and 33% believe AI can make unbiased pay decisions, reflecting a growing confidence in AI's capabilities.
  3. Demand for AI Coaching Tools: 64% expressed interest in AI tools to guide them on professional goals, highlighting a gap in the feedback and coaching many employees currently receive from managers.

What This Means for HR:
This isn’t an indictment of HR but a call to action. Employees’ trust in AI underscores the need for HR teams to embrace these tools to enhance decision-making and fairness. By adopting and managing AI systems, HR can meet employee expectations, foster trust, and stay at the forefront of workplace innovation.

AI is here to transform people management—HR’s role is to lead that transformation. Read the full article here

4. HR After Dark Episode 10: Redefining Work-Life Balance and Well-being

In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia O'Connor and Meghan Popoleo dive into the evolving concepts of work-life balance and employee well-being. Work-life balance isn’t just a trendy phrase—it’s about building a sustainable work environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

Well-being goes beyond physical health to mental, emotional, and financial wellness. A holistic approach to employee well-being leads to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Marcia and Meghan explore actionable strategies for creating workplace cultures that prioritize balance and well-being, benefiting both employees and organizations. Tune in for practical tips and fresh perspectives on making employee wellness more than just a check-the-box initiative. Watch the full episode here

5. TOC Client Opportunities

We know that finding a meaningful and rewarding job can be a long journey. Our goal is to make that process as easy as possible for you and to create a satisfying work environment - one that you'll look forward to coming to every day.  Check out the full list of client opportunities here

Take a look at a few of our opportunities: 

1. Global HR Director

2. Live Event Content Producer

3. Sales Manager- Settlement Administration 

6. Let's Get Local...

December has arrived, and we hope you're feeling the holiday cheer! Take a look at all the exciting events happening around Philadelphia this month that are perfect for gathering with family and friends. Learn more here

7. Wednesday Wellness Tips...

Are you getting the restful sleep you deserve? As the holiday hustle and bustle ramps up, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being. Restore Hyper Wellness offers 18 transformative tips to enhance your sleep quality, ensuring you carve out time for rejuvenation and wake up refreshed. Read the full article here


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.