The Connector: Edition 148
Aug 12th, 2026 | The Connector
At TOC, we’re soaking up the final weeks of summer before school, sports, and the bustle of fall begin. We also celebrated National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day last week with a sweet surprise delivery from Insomnia Cookies!
This edition of The Connector serves up plenty of food for thought, no cookies required. We’re exploring why the labor market is hitting the brakes, how AI skills are reshaping the value of talent, and why seasonal hiring starts earlier than you might think. Let’s dig in!
The Labor Market Hits the Brakes
The latest U.S. jobs report points to a notably softer hiring environment. Employers shed 23,000 jobs in July, while unemployment held near 4.1% and wage growth slowed to 3.2%. Healthcare remained a bright spot, but declines across education, retail and financial services reinforce the sense that employers are becoming more selective.
Read the July 2026 Employment Situation — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
AI Skills Are Reshaping the Value of Talent
PwC’s latest analysis of more than one billion job postings finds that roles requiring AI skills are growing nearly eight times faster than the broader job market—and carry an average wage premium of 62%. The findings suggest AI is not simply eliminating work; it is increasing the value of judgment, creativity and leadership, even in entry-level roles.
Explore the 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer — PwC
Seasonal Hiring Starts Earlier Than You Think
Seasonal demand may be predictable, but the labor market is not. Waiting until demand peaks to begin hiring can leave organizations competing for limited talent while rushing interviews, onboarding, training, and workforce scheduling.
Effective seasonal staffing starts with capacity planning. By working backward from the date employees need to be fully productive, leaders can identify the right mix of hiring, cross-training, temporary support, schedule adjustments, and process improvements. Planning should also account for employee safety, particularly in roles involving indoor or outdoor heat exposure.
The goal is more than filling open positions. It is protecting productivity, service quality, employee well-being, and the customer experience during the busiest periods of the year.
Read the latest TOC Insights to learn how proactive seasonal workforce planning can help your organization prepare.
TOC's 2026 Executive Summit Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you want to put your brand in front of CEOs, founders, executives, and business leaders from across the region?
Join our growing list of sponsors for The O'Connor Group's Executive Summit: What's Keeping CEOs Up at Night on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
We're proud to be partnering with our Happy Hour Sponsor, Birch Benefits, Platinum Sponsors, Conner Strong & Buckelew, Duane Morris LLP, EOS Worldwide, and ProCFO Partners, as well as our Silver Sponsor, ProLiant.
Interested in sponsoring? We'd love to discuss available opportunities.
📥 tocevents@tocgrp.com
Planning to attend? Take advantage of our Early Bird registration rate:
🎟️ Early Bird Registration:
$175 each with promo code: EARLYBIRD before 08.31.2026
$295 each starting 09.01.2026
Let's Get Local
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Wellness Wednesday
As families gear up for back-to-school season, it’s a timely reminder that a steady routine isn’t just beneficial for students, it can help all of us feel more focused, energized, and balanced.
As calendars start filling up, remember to make room for the essentials:
- Get enough sleep
- Stay hydrated
- Plan balanced meals
- Find ways to move throughout the day
Small, consistent choices can make a meaningful difference in your overall well-being.