HR Insights

As we head into the holidays, these are the trends we are seeing in the HR space:

As we continue to keep a close eye on the macroeconomic backdrop, these are the trends we are seeing in the HR space:

The macroeconomic environment continues to exert a significant influence on the HR space. A positive jobs report in the US and strong retail sales figures suggest that interest rates may rise in the future. Meanwhile, in Canada, the January jobs report surpassed the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey by tenfold, with the unemployment rate hovering near an all-time low of 5 percent. As we advance further into 2023, these are the trends we are seeing in the HR space:

In our May 18, 2023 Senior HR Peer-to-Peer sessions, we asked Senior HR leaders across the Greater Toronto Area questions about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in HR. Here are the results:

The macroeconomic environment continues to exert a significant influence on the HR space. A positive jobs report in the US and strong retail sales figures suggest that interest rates may rise in the future. Meanwhile, in Canada, the January jobs report surpassed the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey by tenfold, with the unemployment rate hovering near an all-time low of 5 percent. As we advance further into 2023, these are the trends we are seeing in the HR space:

In our February 9, 2023 Senior HR Peer-to-Peer sessions, we asked Senior HR leaders across the Greater Toronto Area questions about Employee Mental Health and Wellness. Here are the results:

Kicking off 2023, macroeconomic forces still loom large as year-over-year inflation remains high although possibly reaching its peak. Unemployment rates continue to trend near record lows even as tech companies in particular continue to downsize.

The economy was the main story for this year, with the triple effect of record inflation, record interest rate hikes yet at the same time, record low unemployment rates. These macroeconomic forces resulted in knock-on effects in the HR space, with some sectors like tech coping with high-profile layoffs, usually with quality Career Transition and Outplacement programs included as part of the package, while other sectors struggle to find good people.

…not even a mouse.

The uncertain economy continues to be uncertain. The unemployment rate remains near historical lows at 5.2% and it appears that we are starting to see inflation numbers beginning to cool. In the meantime, the Tech industry is seeing hiring freezes and layoffs. Amazon, Apple, Lyft, Meta, Microsoft, Snap, Twitter, Stripe and many more tech stalwarts have announced layoffs or hiring freezes to prepare for a coming recession. Here in Canada, Hootsuite, Dapper Labs and Dye and Durham have cut staff.

It was a dark and stormy night when suddenly…

Winter is coming, and it may not just be the change of season. With persistent inflation, continued central bank tightening of interest rates, currency fluctuations and slowing growth and turmoil in other parts of the world, our economy continues to be uncertain as businesses are planning for the year ahead. These are some of the major trends we are seeing this month:

In our September 22, 2022 Senior HR Peer-to-Peer sessions, we asked Senior HR leaders across the Greater Toronto Area questions about Quiet Quitting. Here are the results:

Uncertainty is in the air. Whether it’s in the economy, employment or the future of work as we collectively define and re-define a post-pandemic world. An uncertain economy is resulting in uncertainty in the HR space. These are some of the major trends we are seeing this month:

In our August 25, 2022 Senior HR Peer-to-Peer sessions, we asked Senior HR leaders across the Greater Toronto Area questions about how HR is perceived by their organization and how HR contributes in a non-administrative capacity. Here are the results:

In our August 11, 2022 Senior HR Peer-to-Peer session, we asked Senior HR leaders across the Greater Toronto Area questions about the strengths and weaknesses of the front-line managers in their organizations. Here are the results:

Macroeconomic forces continued to take centre stage in C-Suites and HR leaders across the country. In speaking with HR leaders across the GTA, these are the major themes we are seeing this month:

To paraphrase a classic novel, it’s the best of times, it’s the worst of times, and everything in between. Find out how HR leaders are navigating the current economic environment.

Macroeconomic trends continue to take center stage, as employers continued hiring at a strong pace last month in an increasingly tight labour market. So what does this mean for HR professionals and the HR marketplace?

Major shifts are happening in the HR marketplace. Through our contacts and engagements with HR leaders, we are seeing a number of themes emerging. Find out what HR leaders are seeing on the horizon.