Chris Englin

💭 Compensation alone isn’t enough to keep your people anymore… Are you ready for what today’s workforce really wants? In Part 2 of my conversation with Jeff Ilko, MA, SHRM-CP, PHR on my Evolving to Exceptional podcast, we unpack how the world of work is changing—and why organizations need to rethink more than just pay. We dive into: ✔️ Why outdated compensation models are pushing people toward gig work and flexibility ✔️ How culture, development, and well-being are becoming key retention tools ✔️ The growing expectation for autonomy and outcome-based work ✔️ What leaders can do to build workplaces people actually want to stay in This isn’t just an HR conversation—it’s a business performance conversation. 🎧 Catch Part 2 of "Rethinking Compensation: What Today’s Workforce Really Values " now on your favorite podcast streaming platform. Missed Part 1? Comment below and I'll send you the link! It’s time to move beyond the paycheck. Let’s talk about building workplaces where people—and performance—thrive. #Leadership #Compensation #Retention

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AI and automation are transforming recruiting, but candidates are wary of impersonal experiences. HR professionals need to balance efficiency with empathy, using technology to enhance, not replace, human interaction.

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New SHRM data shows 7 of the top 10 AI use cases in HR are recruiting-focused. That makes sense given the volume of applications, resumes, and candidate data involved. What's missing is everything that happens after someone gets hired. Benefits navigation and utilization is a massive AI opportunity HR teams are overlooking. Employees struggle to understand coverage, find providers, and access support. AI solves this at scale with instant answers, personalized guidance, 24/7 availability. Recruiting AI finds talent. Benefits AI keeps that talent healthy, supported, and engaged.

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Manager programs are one of those areas where intent is rarely the issue, execution usually is. I spent some time listening to Nicole Roberts, SHRM-CP, SHRL, CMHR from 3Sixty Insights join Karina Young on 15Five HR Superstars, and it reinforces a point I see often in conversations with HR and business leaders. We invest in manager enablement, but we do not always design it in a way that holds up in the real world. The gap tends to show up in consistency and accountability. Programs are introduced with strong energy, but without clear alignment to business outcomes and without ongoing reinforcement, they struggle to stick. https://lnkd.in/e_x_KgZY 3Sixty Insights' Podcast Network

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Are your HCM systems built for the workforce you have, or the one you need? The blended workforce isn’t coming, it’s already here. Nearly 36% of Americans now identify as independent workers, and that number is only rising. Legacy HR systems struggle to support contractors, freelancers, and gig workers. The result? Hidden inefficiencies, compliance headaches, and a workforce that feels disconnected. What does a modern HCM strategy look like? ✅ Integrated payroll for both W-2 and 1099 workers ✅ Onboarding tailored for every role, not just full-time staff ✅ Engagement tools that include everyone on your team ✅ Automated compliance checks to reduce risk We see organizations thrive when they unify all contributors under one platform. 👉 Learn more in the full blog: https://lnkd.in/exYU4cEW

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Speaking about pay transparency to Fortune, ADP Chief Talent Officer Jay Caldwell said: “This all of the sudden is becoming less of a hypothetical and very real for companies." We couldn't agree more as previously passed regulations go into effect this year and existing rules get sharper teeth. Read our updated round-up here: #paytransparency #equalpay #humanresources #compensation #totalrewards

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👌 COVER. LOCKED. 👌 After nearly 400+ votes and a whole lot of feedback, the Payroll Like a Boss book cover is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited! This moment represents more than a final design; it marks the shift from an idea to a guide that elevates payroll as a strategic business function. Written by John Bernatovicz and Tammy Gillenwater, CPP, the book is taking shape with intention, expertise, and a clear point of view. With Zaria Moore, SHRM-CP, leading the visual design and Bridgette Klein guiding the brand behind the scenes, the foundation is firmly in place. Strategic payroll starts here! 💰 #PayrollLikeABoss #PLAB #StrategicPayroll #PayrollLeadership #PayrollProfessionals

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A message from the HR Lady Building a Positive Work Culture: Small Steps, Big Impact "Creating a positive work culture is essential for fostering a productive and happy workplace environment. While it may seem like a daunting task, small steps can have a significant impact in shaping a positive work culture. Here are some simple yet powerful actions that can help transform your workplace." #HR #HumanResources #EmployeeDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #TalentManagement #LearningAndDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #WorkplaceTraining #EmployeeEngagement #OrganizationalDevelopment #HRStrategy #HRM #HRLeadership #PeopleDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #HRBestPractices #EmployeePerformance #HRConsulting #EmployeeRetention #SkillsDevelopment #Consulting #vickihollidayconsulting https://lnkd.in/gB-pSUyn

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The latest SHRM CHRO Benchmarking Report confirms what many of us in talent and leadership have been feeling: HR’s influence is growing. Budgets are up. Headcount is increasing. And HR leaders are getting a stronger seat at the table. For me, this reinforces a truth: when you invest in your people, you invest in the long-term health of your business. #CHROInsights #TalentStrategy #HRLeadership2025

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Fractional HR is the smart move for small to mid-sized businesses that need scalable HR solutions tailored to their stage of growth.

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2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for HR compliance, especially in Washington State. From evolving wage/hour rules to paid leave updates, pay transparency, and worker protections, employers are working through a new level of complexity. As a fractional HR partner, our role at FIT HR is to help leaders stay ahead of these changes without letting compliance distract from growth. Proactive planning, clear documentation, and the right systems make all the difference. Compliance is about building a workplace that’s fair, competitive, and sustainable. If HR regulations feel overwhelming right now, you don’t have to tackle them alone. Reach out to our team for a complimentary consultation to discuss your options: https://lnkd.in/ge5bugx #HRCompliance #HRPolicies #PaidLeave

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In our last webinar, Nance L. Schick and I discussed wages and the wage gap. One point of discussion was whether or not to make pay ranges visible to all, and whether to have a fixed pay for job entry rather than a range. The reason for fixed pay is that women tend to ask for the middle or the bottom of the range, and men tend to ask for the top of the range. As careers progress, the disparity widens. Transparency changes things and change is not always welcomed! #wagegap #fairpay #DEI #equity #transparency This article discusses that topic: https://lnkd.in/gqcZcyN2

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🚨 Workforce reductions are never easy — and staying compliant during the process is critical. Our friends at Fisher Phillips continue to be a trusted resource in this space, and we want to give a special shoutout to Jason Geller, who consistently publishes insightful, practical guidance for California Employers. Jason’s content helps employers navigate the complexities of layoffs, Cal-WARN Act obligations, and best practices to minimize risk while treating employees with dignity and respect. If your organization is considering or planning a reduction in force, I highly recommend following Fisher Phillips and Jason for timely updates and expert perspective. 👉 link to article in comments #WorkforceStrategy #Compliance #EmploymentLaw #FisherPhillips #HRLeadership

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Outplacement services have become a key part of responsible workforce planning, especially during restructuring. By providing career support and transition resources, companies show long-term care for both brand and people. Take a look at the article to understand how outplacement fits into modern HR strategy. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gWSYtB6C #OutplacementSupport #HRLeadership #CareerTransition

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Your former employees might just be your organization’s secret weapon. In today’s tight labor market, companies are facing mounting pressure to replace experienced talent. But what if the solution isn’t finding someone new—it’s bringing back someone who’s already been there? This article dives into how retirees can play a powerful role in training and mentoring your current workforce. From passing down hard-earned skills to preserving company culture, retirees offer real-world insights that elevate learning far beyond the textbook. 💡https://hubs.ly/Q03spxj50 Workforce wisdom isn’t lost; it just needs to be invited back in. #RetireeEngagement #TrainingStrategy #Mentorship #TalentDevelopment

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HR leaders: are you following Mobley v. Workday? If not, you should. It’s a case working its way through the discovery phase in Northern California. At a high level, the lawsuit alleges that AI-driven hiring technology may have systematically screened out certain applicants. The legal theory? That automated decision tools can create disparate impact - even if no human intended to discriminate. For years, we’ve been told AI would make hiring more efficient. Now the courts are asking the hardest question: Who is accountable when the algorithm makes the call? If you’re a CHRO, can you answer that? And at your company, who “owns” the decision logic in your recruiting process: you, the vendor, or a black box? Fascinating times to be in HR. Follow HR Search Co. for access to confidentail HR jobs. #CHRO #SHRM #HRAI

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The HRCI team is excited to be exhibiting at the California HR Conference this week and connecting with HR professionals from across the region! Events like this create valuable opportunities for practitioners to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges, and explore how the HR profession continues to evolve. Visit our booth to learn more about our certification programs, professional development opportunities, and learning resources designed to help HR professionals grow the skills they need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing workplace. Our amazing booth team will also be available to answer questions about recertification, career advancement, AI learning resources, and how organizations are using certification and continuous learning to strengthen leadership and workforce readiness. Whether you’re early in your HR career or leading transformation at the enterprise level, we hope you’ll stop by and say hello.

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