20 Takeaways from '24
If we had to sum up 2024 in one word, it would be “insightful.” From fantastic conversations with HR superstars to sharing our industry findings, we spent the entire year growing and learning with our clients and colleagues. If you missed any of the action from last year, here are our top 20 takeaways from ‘24!
1. Never Stop Learning - By fostering a culture of continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling, organizations can build employee confidence, bridge skills gaps, and thrive in the evolving workplace through strategic communication and training initiatives. Read more about upskilling employees in the age of AI.
2. Making a Big Hire - We sat down with Sarah Le Roy and she gave important advice about how organizations can confidently make big hires.
3. Dream Big, Search Small - We revisited the benefits of deep market knowledge, and commitment to long-term client success when it comes to boutique search.
4. Successful CEO and CHRO Relationships - Regular communication and collaboration between a CEO and CHRO can lead to enhanced employee engagement and overall better aligned business and HR strategies Read more about the critical relationship between CEO and CHRO.
5. Engendering Support for Total Rewards - We chatted with Jennifer Conn to hear more about how she focuses on providing benefits that focus on employees and their well being.
6. Future of the Workplace - Jill Larsen shared some perspectives on the future of the workplace and how automations and AI can augment the way we look at job descriptions. Watch her explain her vision of AI’s future and the way it can increase the value we place on employees’ skills.
7. Celebrating 7 Years of Benson Executive Search - It was amazing to celebrate Benson Executive Search’s seventh anniversary in 2024! Read our reflection on past accomplishments and our hopes as we look towards the future.
8. Executive Level HR Positions and Their Many Titles - We examined/researched the Fortune 50 companies to see what they’re doing and do the different titles make a difference. What about a VP of Human Resources vs. a CHRO? These nuances in title can and do influence how both candidates and employers view the role. Read our findings about the prevalence of different titles for executive level HR positions.
9. Building the CEO-CHRO Relationship - One of our highlights of 2024 was our own CEO & founder Alice Benson speaking to members of the Human Resources Leadership Forum about her perspectives on what CEOs are looking for from CHROs and CPOs. Watch her share insights about current workforce dynamics, and the importance of proper alignment between C-suite.
10. Quick Growth Pitfalls to Avoid - We recently chatted with Sarah Le Roy, who has worked within an array of industries, and especially for mid-sized businesses in phases of growth. Watch Sarah Le Roy explain how to avoid making mistakes when growing too quickly, and the importance of looking within for growth.
11. Lessons in People Changes - We sat down with leadership consultant Chris Severson, the Operating Managing Director for Terra Firma, a London-based private equity firm. Learn more about his views on the importance of authenticity when an organization is dealing with people changes.
12. Burnout and Mental Health - Hear from Dr. Jarik Conrad talk about the impact that burnout can have on a workforce, and how more work needs to be done to address mental health by HR professionals.
13. Clarity Around, and Benefits of, In Person - Julie Carretero, Chief Human Resources Officer at Tango Therapeutics, joined us for a quick conversation where she shared her perspectives on hybrid work, its impact on creating and upholding company culture, and professional development. Read more about her views on the benefits of in-person workplace culture.
14. Mentorship and Clairvoyance - With nearly three decades in HR leadership, Jill Larsen has seen how the CHRO and CPO role has expanded over the years. Learn more about her perspectives on the value of mentorship in the HR profession.
15. Using DEI as a Retention Tool - Hear Meg Langan discuss structured approaches to improving Diversion, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within an organization and the retention benefits of customizing professional development.
16. Investing Within - Learn more from Jennifer Conn about how her company imbeds employee development in regular conversation, provide workshops for employees to explore growth, and overall promote a positive environment to foster this development.
17. When Change Comes - Relationships are the Rock - Sue Quackenbush shares how whether your company is large or small, your relationships within and beyond an HR department will be your rock when change comes-a-'knockin. Watch her provide advice on how to best manage changes within a company, how this management can vary from company to company based upon numerous factors, and some of her recent successes at Dynatrace.
18. Helping Humans Flourish in a Sea of Tech - Last summer, our Senior Recruiters Laura Gruber and Suzanne Solleder traveled to New Jersey to attend BioNJ’s 11th Annual HR Conference. Read some of their takeaways they learned about the future of AI in HR, DEI, employment law, and compensation and workforce trends.
19. C-Suite Magic - Watch Alex Glazier and Ali Erickson of NEDS discuss how starting with a clear vision and strategy allow for smooth operation and alignment of resources.
20. Data-Driven Talent Acquisition - Read about how Vertex employs a strategic, data-driven approach to talent acquisition, emphasizing long-term planning and market intelligence from Grace Niwa.
Though we had a blast in 2024, we know that things in 2025 will be even better. Stay tuned for updates about future placements and opportunities, networking events, and more insights from HR leaders!