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5 Reasons Your Hybrid Policy Isn’t Working & What Will Work Instead

This article written by Alliance President & CEO, Manar Morales was published by Chief Executive on February 9, 2024.

Hybrid work is here to stay. According to the 2024 CEO Survey from The Conference Board, only 4% of US CEOs will prioritize a full-time return to the office this year, while retaining talent will remain a critical area of focus. Employees highly value flexibility, so it makes sense that CEOs plan to give it to them in this historically tight labor market.

For almost two decades, I’ve advised organizations on flexible work and culture change.  When organizations effectively implement flexible work policies, I’ve seen that they boost metrics across the board—engagement, talent retention, innovation, productivity and profit. When they don’t implement effectively, they struggle, often citing flexible work policies as the problem.  The truth is that failures of flexible work usually stem from the following five pitfalls of ineffective implementation. The good news is, for every pitfall, there’s a fix.

Read the full article here.

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Embracing Generational Diversity – May 7, 2024

2024 Signature Seminar

Embracing Generational Diversity: A Fireside Chat

Featuring Chris DeSantis, Author of Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work & Manar Morales, President & CEO, Diversity & Flexibility Alliance

May 7, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET

The workforce has evolved to include four distinct generational groups. Therein lies the challenge and the opportunity. Each generational cohort comes of age during distinct environmental circumstances which shape motivations, expectations, and workplace behaviors. Join Chris DeSantis in conversation with DFA President and CEO, Manar Morales, discussing the framework outlined in his book for understanding generational perspectives, clarifying the distinctions between actual and perceptual differences, when it makes sense to talk about these differences, and when it doesn’t. Additionally, learn what organizations need to do to embrace a new generation of workers, Gen Z, and how they can best be engaged and retained in a hybrid workplace.

This event is open to all individuals at member organizations.

Learn more about the Signature Seminar Series here.

REGISTER FOR THE MAY SIGNATURE SEMINAR
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Diversity & Talent Leader Innovation Circle – April 8, 2024

Members – please join us an upcoming Innovation Circle for Diversity & Talent Leaders:

April 8, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm EST

We invite individuals at member organizations who hold the following roles (or the equivalent thereof in your organization) to register:

  • Chief Diversity Officer or DE&I Director
  • Chief People Officer or Director
  • Chief Talent Officer or Talent Director
  • Chief HR Officer or HR Director
MEMBERS: REGISTER HERE
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5 ways great managers make their teams happier—without sacrificing productivity

This article written by Alliance President & CEO, Manar Morales was published by Fast Company on February 2, 2024.

The workplace is changing. Technological innovations in fields like artificial intelligence are transforming organizations at a breakneck pace. Ongoing economic uncertainty is leading to layoffs and higher workloads. It’s difficult for many workers to keep up.

Given increased pressures, it’s not surprising that workplace stress and burnout is on the rise.  According to The Economist, 68% of managers and 60% of non-managers reported being burned out in the past 12 months. One-third of U.S. workers say their mental health is getting worse due to long hours, excessive workloads, and other factors, according to a survey from the Conference Board.

The potential cost of unwell workers is significant. Burnout drives absenteeism, job dissatisfaction, depression, and more, according to the American Psychological Association.  Most workers who report decreased mental health also report lower levels of engagement…

Read the full article here.

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Action Step – Maintaining & Fostering Gender Diversity Through Difficult Times

The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.

Our 2023 New Partner Report and 2024 New Partner Summit highlighted positive data and trends in the advancement of women in law firms last year. Significant metrics were robust; notably, the share of women among U.S.-based new partners increased substantially by 3.5%, and the nation’s top grossing AmLaw 50, AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 firms demonstrated similar increases in the shares of women new partners. We should celebrate these bright spots and wins. However, we should also proceed with caution, as the results of our 2022 report were quite concerning; specifically, there was a decrease in the share of women new partners from the 2021 figure, and a significant year-over-year dip in the share of women new partners at the nation’s top grossing AmLaw 50 firms.1 We must ponder whether this year’s strong data demonstrates true upward momentum in gender parity, or whether it is simply adjusting for last year’s troubling results. Further, we are concerned with current market responses, including layoffs, deferral of incoming attorneys, and tightening of hybrid work environments, and how these responses will impact women in leadership in future years.

1 The share of women among new partners was 40.2%, demonstrating a 0.7% decrease from the previous year’s figure. There was a significant year-over-year dip of 4.2% at the nation’s top grossing AmLaw 50 firms. The average new partner class increased substantially – 14.1 attorneys in 2022 vs. 11.7 attorneys in 2021.

Members: continue reading this Action Step in the Member Resource Center

To read this entire Action Step become a member of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. To learn more contact Manar Morales.

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Culture Catalyst Boot Camp: Leading Through Change – March 14, 2024

2024 Culture Catalyst Boot Camp

Leading Through Change: A Deep Dive Into Change Management

March 14 | 10:00am – 4:00pm | Crowell’s Washington, DC Office

Are you looking to become the change catalyst in your organization?

Our one-day, in-person Culture Catalyst Boot Camp, “Leading Through Change: A Deep Dive Into Change Management, is specially designed for talent, diversity, human resources and organizational leaders who face the unique challenge of managing change while keeping the workforce engaged, motivated, and productive.

Whether you’re dealing with organizational restructuring, adjustments to workplace flexibility, cultural shifts, leadership changes, or technological advancements, the skills and insights gained in this Boot Camp will empower you to lead with confidence and effectiveness.

Be the leader who not only anticipates change but uses it as a catalyst for growth and development in your organization!

Key learning objectives include:

  • Talent-Centric Change Management: Master strategies to manage change with a focus on talent development and engagement.
  • Leadership Self-Assessment: Reflect on your leadership style and its impact on your team’s adaptability and creativity.
  • Cultivating Adaptive Leadership: Transition from traditional leadership methods to adaptive styles that prioritize inspiration, influence, and employee empowerment.
  • Appreciative Inquiry in Talent Management: Learn to apply Appreciative Inquiry specifically to talent management, emphasizing strengths and potential of your workforce.
  • Implementing Sustainable Change: Follow a structured four-step framework (Inspire, Innovate, Implement, Iterate) for implementing change initiatives that align with talent development goals.

This event is ideal for anyone responsible for shaping your organization’s culture, and maximizing employee engagement, productivity and wellbeing.

Please contact Emma Simpkins if you have any questions or need assistance.

REGISTER FOR THE 2024 BOOT CAMP

The 2024 Boot Camp has been approved for 5 SHRM Professional Development Credits. The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.