Philadelphia leaders embracing a transformative workforce paradigm
Writer: Andrea Teran
May 2024 — The rapidly evolving business environment requires dynamic adaptations, particularly in workforce management. This was the central theme discussed during the final panel of the Invest: Philadelphia 2023-2024 Launch Conference, titled “Worker Mindset: A Transformative Workforce Paradigm and the Strategies to Capture Success in the Current Landscape.”
The panel, moderated by Ryan Gandolfo, senior editor at Capital Analytics, featured insights from industry leaders Michael Bettinger, director of government and external relations at Montgomery County Community College; Paul Sharkey, executive director at UnitedHealthcare; and Christopher Hegarty, outsourcing director at CliftonLarsonAllen.
Hegarty opened the discussion with a poignant observation: “In our quest for technical excellence, we overlooked the human element for far too long. Now, our focus has pivoted to creating an inclusive culture where every employee feels they belong.” He detailed CliftonLarsonAllen’s initiatives, including a robust diversity, equity, and inclusion program, designed to enhance employee engagement and retention.
Bettinger highlighted the importance of listening to employees to enhance workplace dynamics. “We recently extended our spring break to a full week, based on staff feedback, which was an overwhelmingly popular decision,” he explained, showcasing how simple changes can significantly boost employee satisfaction and morale.
Sharkey emphasized the role of employee voice in resilience building: “Giving employees a platform to share their thoughts and concerns safely is essential. At UnitedHealthcare, we’ve seen how powerful it can be to act on this feedback to foster a supportive and innovative environment.”
On legislative trends impacting the educational sector, Bettinger remarked, “There’s a strong shift towards valuing short-term credentials and apprenticeships, reflecting our adaptive approaches to meet rapid market changes.” He also highlighted Montgomery County Community College’s role in aligning educational offerings with these evolving needs.
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The conversation turned towards managing talent in a hybrid work environment. “Hybrid work models require us to rethink how we engage and train our workforce, especially the younger generation who value in-person interactions for their development,” said Hegarty, stressing the need for a balanced approach to virtual and physical workspaces.
Sharkey concluded with a special note on the importance of mental health support, a crucial component of employee well-being, especially post-pandemic. “Our recent initiatives at UnitedHealthcare demonstrate our commitment to integrating mental health support into our health services, ensuring our workforce remains robust and healthy.”
For more information, please visit:
https://www.claconnect.com/en/
To watch the whole panel discussion, click here.
