March 2024 Edition

RKL’s Workforce Strategies team is here to help you navigate the complexities of today's HR environment with the updates, reminders and insights you need to maximize your most important asset — your people. We value your feedback, so let us know what you think of this newsletter!

Here are the trends and hot topics we’re tracking this month.

Preparing for Unexpected Retirements
Bloomberg reports that the United States currently exceeds retirement predictions by approximately 2.7 million retirees. This represents an 80 percent increase from six months ago when the surplus was approximately 1.5 million retirees. This is a stark contrast from typically seeing fewer retirees than projected pre-COVID.

Employers should continue to expect tight labor markets and competitive recruiting landscapes and prioritize alternative staffing plans. Alternative strategies could include succession planning, knowledge management strategies, cross-training, reskilling and upskilling, as well as taking advantage of technology that can streamline processes.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
A federal district court in Texas has ruled that Congress violated the Constitution when it passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) without the required quorum. As such, the EEOC can no longer enforce the PWFA against the state of Texas; however, this ruling may open the door for other states or entities to use this decision to seek injunctions on the PWFA. Employers should continue to accommodate employees in accordance with the EEOC's regulations.

What is your organization’s current stance on employees returning to the office?

Changes to COVID Isolation Guidance

The CDC recently announced new guidance surrounding the isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19, matching the advice given for flu and other respiratory illnesses. Those who are sick should stay home and only return to work once they're feeling better and have been fever-free for 24 hours. HR professionals should continue promoting a culture that encourages employees to practice healthy hygiene habits, stay home when not feeling well and take advantage of any paid sick leave when possible.

NLRB’s Joint-Employer Rule Vacated by U.S. District Judge

The final rule that addressed the standard for determining joint-employer status has been blocked by a district judge in Texas. Currently, the NLRS is reviewing the decision and considering what steps to take next.

Gretchen Naso

President, RKL Virtual Management Solutions

Connect with Gretchen on LinkedIn

To celebrate Women's History Month, we want to highlight Gretchen Naso, President of RKL Virtual and a champion for women throughout her career.

How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?

I think it comes down to three “approaches.”

• Clear Vision — I am crystal clear on the vision for RKL Virtual. The opportunities I see ahead are a continual source of motivation!
• Positive Mindset — I see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. This helps me to stay motivated even amidst challenges!
• Continuous Learning — I love learning and improving, the pace of change in our industry has created enormous opportunities to learn new skills, gain new experiences and improve my capabilities. Learning provides a lot of energy for me! 

What goes through your mind when you think of women who joined the workforce before me?

The first thing that comes to mind is that many of these women wouldn’t believe the change that has occurred in the last 40 to 50 years! These women fought and won a lot of battles that eventually led to significant change. I am certainly grateful for these efforts, as I have had enormous opportunities during my career at RKL. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

I would pass along some of the areas I struggled with over my career.

• Cultivate your Confidence — believe in your abilities and strengths! Confidence is key to leadership.
• Find your Voice — ensure that your ideas and opinions are heard. Speak up in meetings and discussions. Believe in your perspective!
• Work on Resilience — the path forward can be tough. Every leader needs resilience to bounce back from setbacks and view failures as opportunities.
• Prioritize “self-care” — a well-balanced leader is much more effective and inspirational. Carve out an hour a day for activities that energize the body and the mind, establish a positive outlook and set clear priorities for the day.

What has you most excited about the future?

I am an efficiency junkie. As a person who is always thinking of easier, quicker, more streamlined ways of doing just about anything, the possibilities and advancements in technology are extremely exciting! AI and automation hold the promise of transforming everything we do on a daily basis. My hope is that technology improves the workplace by eliminating low-value, boring work and helps to create more meaningful roles that require critical and conceptual thinking!

What is the best thing you have read lately?

I just finished The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. McBride is one of my favorite authors, and this novel, set in Pottstown, PA, in 1972, is a must-read!