Easing back into work after a summer vacation? SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, appeared on the TODAY show on Sept 10. to chat about the annual return to work as summer vacations wind down—and the “re-entry shock” that often accompanies it. To top it off, many employees are adjusting to this return alongside their children, who are dealing with going back to school.
To support employees who are going back to work this fall, businesses should offer access to resources, including:
- Developmental opportunities.
- Leadership training.
- Wellness training.
- Mental health resources.
When businesses demonstrate this level of care, employee engagement and retention will increase as a result.
Watch the Full Discussion
Taylor also shared his thoughts on the future of work, including the rise of artificial intelligence and the growing age diversity in the workforce. “We have, for the first time in our nation’s history, six generations in the workplace,” Taylor said.
To ensure that all employees feel a sense of belonging and purpose, Taylor said employers should recognize generational work preferences:
- Generation Z and Millennials tend to prefer technology-centered roles and collaboration, so companies should organize team-building activities where these employees can connect across generations on common goals.
- Generation X and Baby Boomers tend to value strategic thinking and structured programs, so companies should start mentorship programs to give these employees a chance to share their industry knowledge with their younger peers.
One thing every generation of the workforce shares is the struggle to learn how to work alongside AI. When it comes to AI adoption, we’re all still learning—the public version of ChatGPT is less than 2 years old. Taylor said AI is redesigning, not replacing, HR jobs.
“AI is not here to replace you; it’s to complement you,” Taylor noted. “As we make it clear to employees that this requires human intelligence, it’s not to replace you, then you’ve got to teach people to give us feedback on the challenges of AI.”
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
Related Content
HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.