The Connector: Edition 119
Jun 4th, 2025 | The Connector
Our team came together at the Union League Liberty Hill for a morning full of connections and laughter.
We kicked off the day with a delicious brunch, enjoyed a fun icebreaker from our Culture Club, and had an exciting raffle featuring summer-themed baskets. Our team members shared business updates, upcoming goals, and, of course, their summer plans, because work-life balance is key!
It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of building a strong, engaged team and fostering a positive company culture.
1. A Critical Turning Point for HR: Navigating Budget Constraints and Hiring Challenges
As economic challenges continue, business leaders are reassessing their strategies, and talent acquisition is no exception. According to the 2025 Identity of HR survey, HR professionals have cited budget constraints and hiring difficulties as major concerns for 2024.
- 37% of HR professionals identified budget limitations—such as salary cuts, headcount reductions, and hiring freezes—as a top challenge.
- 36% pointed to hiring-related obstacles, including issues with I-9 documentation, onboarding, and recruitment.
These challenges reflect a significant year-over-year increase. Last year, only 21% of professionals mentioned budgetary concerns, and 22% flagged hiring as a major issue.
Experts attribute these trends to macroeconomic volatility, which has forced companies to re-evaluate spending on headcount. Read the full article here!
2. Nuclear Energy to Power AI
Meta has signed a 20-year agreement to purchase power from the Clinton nuclear plant in Illinois, responding to the growing energy needs of its AI operations.
The deal, set to begin in 2027, comes as Constellation Energy, which owns the plant, has received federal approval to build a second reactor. Meanwhile, Constellation is also working to restart the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania and plans to sell the energy to Microsoft. This shift highlights the increasing reliance of AI companies on clean nuclear energy. Read the full article here!
3. Navigating the Labor Shortage: 6 Strategies to Attract Top Talent
The U.S. labor shortage is driven by several factors, including Baby Boomers retiring, lower birth rates, and a decline in workforce participation. As businesses compete for qualified candidates, it may seem like talent is scarce. However, the right strategies can help attract the skilled individuals your company needs.
Here are six proven strategies that can help make your organization a desirable place to work. These insights can help your company become a top workplace and attract the best candidates. Let’s explore these approaches. Read the full article here!
4. Entry-Level Jobs Are Here to Stay
While some entry-level programs were cut during the last economic slowdown, most companies don’t hire young workers just to "do the work." They hire them to build a future talent pipeline, complement senior staff, and sometimes outperform their more experienced counterparts. That’s why these programs are here to stay.
The importance of young talent was underscored at a recent research conference, where HR leaders reported that they are actively rebuilding their entry-level development programs to strengthen their talent pipelines, following budget cuts and slower entry-level hiring. Read the full article here!
5. HR After Dark Episode 17: Outsourcing Your HR Functions
In this episode of HR After Dark, Marcia O'Connor and Meghan Popoleo dive into the ins and outs of TOC's outsourced HR model and why it might be the missing piece for your business. Whether you're scaling quickly, navigating a merger, or operating without a formal HR team, they explain how a comprehensive HR assessment can pinpoint exactly what you need to support your people and protect your business.
Tune in as they share real-world insights, examples of successful HR partnerships, and the top areas companies often overlook when managing people operations. If HR is on your radar, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss. Watch here!
6. Let's Get Local...
Celebrate Independence Day in Philadelphia!
As the 4th of July weekend approaches, Philadelphia is buzzing with excitement. Discover a plethora of festive attractions and events curated by Visit Philadelphia, offering unforgettable experiences for the entire family.
7. Wednesday Wellness Tips...
Experience a revitalizing break with a brief stretch session that can alleviate stress and anxiety, elevate your mood, promote relaxation, sharpen focus, and invigorate your energy levels!
Consider incorporating these mental health-boosting stretches into your routine:
- Child’s Pose
- Forward Bend
- Chest Stretch
- Neck Stretches
- Seated Spinal Twist
(Hold each stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute)
Feeling overwhelmed at your desk? Try one of these stretches and discover the difference it makes! Learn more here!