Amy Schabacker Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE’s Post

Considering the diverse skill sets and contributions of all workers, it's time to re-evaluate and retire the term 'unskilled labor' to promote greater inclusion and respect in the workforce. Creating a civil workplace starts with fostering a culture of respect and recognition for all employees, no matter their job titles. Supporting essential workers involves recognizing the complexity of their roles and appreciating their dedication, which enhances our daily lives. Let's honor the often-overlooked heroes behind these essential tasks. Their skills and sacrifices remind us to see the artistry in every profession. #TrionStaffingSolutions

We know that a significant way to reduce the #DisabilityEmploymentGap is to provide a workplace and culture that supports disabled employers to remain in work. Business Disability Forum are hosting a #free webinar on retaining disabled employees. They will discuss the top key things you can do to make sure employees have a great start in your organisation – and how to help make them want to stay. When: Wed 10 July, 10am-11am Where: Zoom This session will be particularly useful for business leaders, HR professionals, and D&I professionals. Find out more and register here: https://ow.ly/GEfT50SgIk7

Lessons from the Gilded Age on Building Inclusive Cultures On a long flight, I decided to give the Gilded Age a watch, initially drawn in by the allure of its era and fashion. However, what kept me captivated was how its stark realities resonated with the present day, echoing into today's world. The series depicted a pivotal moment during the Gilded Age when railroad workers rallied around the demand: "8, 8, 8" — signifying eight hours of work, rest, and personal time. Yet, beyond the initial plea for fairness, the narrative quickly evolved into a struggle encompassing ego, pride, and a broader quest for power, mirroring contemporary societal tensions. The Gilded Age starkly illuminated the deep-seated divisions between capital owners and laborers, divisions perpetuated by the currents of capitalism. The workers' call for basic rights became entangled in a contest of winners and losers. Reflecting on this history prompts us to acknowledge how these past inequities continue to shape our reality today. True inclusivity demands more than superficial gestures; it necessitates a genuine commitment to bridging divides and fostering environments where every individual feels valued. Embracing diversity of thought and experience isn't merely about enhancing organizational success; it's about advancing a more just society. By drawing lessons from our past, we can create workplaces where the dignity and contributions of every individual are universally respected, ensuring opportunities for all to thrive. Let's draw inspiration from history to forge a future where inclusivity isn't just a goal, but a fundamental pillar of our collective ethos. #InclusiveCulture #DiversityandInclusion #GildedAgeLessons #WorkplaceEquity More on this episode here https://lnkd.in/gWd_-Sui

While much of my work focuses on supporting employers in their ability to secure and retain older workers, I chose to become more knowledgeable about People with Disabilities. About 70% of people over 65 have one or more disabilities. And when it comes to the current and future workforce needs, all populations, especially underutilized and overlooked populations, will need to be integrated into the workforce and a part of the employer talent pipeline solution.

I recently shared some thoughts in the SHRM Executive Network (EN) Brief about rethinking the term 'unskilled labor.' It's been eye-opening to delve into the skills and dedication behind roles often taken for granted, like strawberry pickers, grocery store workers, and custodians. These jobs involve much more than meets the eye and are crucial to our daily lives. This conversation is more than just about words; it's about changing our perspective to build a workplace that values everyone. It's important to recognize the hard work and expertise in all roles, even those we might not think about often. I'd love to hear your views on this. How do you think we can better appreciate and value all types of work in our communities and workplaces? #inclusiveworkplace #hrinsights #workplaceculture #shrm

Labor Day is a day dedicated to honoring American workers and their contributions to the country. While the holiday is often associated with picnics, barbecues, and the unofficial end of summer, its deeper meaning lies in recognizing the hard work and dedication of the American workforce. In essence, Labor Day is a celebration of the American worker, a recognition of their achievements, and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices. It's a day to honor the past, appreciate the present, and look forward to a future where workers' rights and contributions are valued and respected. How will you be celebrating today? #YoubelongInSTEM #WomenSTEMTogether #STEM #WomenInSTEM #WomenInScience #WomenInTechnology #WomenInEngineering #WomenInMath #Steminist #StemCareers #StemLife #EmpowerHer #StemWomen #GirlsInStem #WomenInTech #StemAdvocate #WomenEmpowerWomen #WomenWhoWork #WomensEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen

I'm proud to share I received my Employing Abilities at Work Certificate from SHRM! A vital and wonderful course to help all understand: Disability is Diversity - It has been proven again and again that disability inclusion is a business benefit. More and more companies are recognizing that employing people with disabilities and focusing on people with disabilities as a customer base is a critical success factor. Disability Inclusion is a Workplace Inclusion Plan - HR professionals play an important role in helping the organization understand how to integrate employees with disabilities and demonstrate to leaders that disability is good for business. Disability is Good for Business - Ensuring a disability inclusive workplace opens up the organization to a larger talent pool, and ensures existing employees who become disabled have support, and customers have products and services that will be accessible to their needs. A taste of the course: "Do the math. People with disabilities stay on the job an average of 48% longer than other employees. What if 10 – 20% of an organization’s employees were people with disabilities? What is the dollar value your company would save?" I recommend you take this free course, funded by The Kessler Institute. #HR #SHRM #disabilityisdiversity

Most people today work a traditional schedule of eight hours a day, five days a week. However, hourly workers prefer a wider set of schedules than what is being offered to them. Nearly 25% of hourly workers would prefer four 10-hour shifts per week, but only 10% are currently working that schedule. While day shifts are still the most popular, they are less popular than they were in 2023; 66% of respondents said they prefer to work first shift, which is down from 70% the year before. More workers this year also showed an interest in working weekends, the least popular shift Learn more from "The American Workforce Survey" by @employbridge here: https://loom.ly/qlRKwN0 #recruiting #staffing #recruitement

With the new Labour government in place, the question is now: how can they transform their promises for change into tangible actions that improve the lives of those in work, seeking work, and unable to work? In the latest edition of Futures of Work, with editorial from our academics Professor Vanessa Beck and Dr Christopher Pesterfield, contributors explore Labour's employment policies, offering valuable insights on topics including: ➡ The role of mental health in retaining employment ➡ Policy recommendations to help achieve a living wage ➡ Issues with the existing 'any jobs' approach to welfare. Discover more in the new issue 👉 https://lnkd.in/dxd-trZe

🛠️ Honoring the Backbone of Progress: Happy Labor Day! 🌟 Today, as we celebrate Labor Day, let's take a moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of the workforce worldwide. From the builders of infrastructure to the innovators driving technological advancements, every individual plays a crucial role in shaping our society and economy. Labor Day not only marks a well-deserved break but also serves as a reminder of the resilience, dedication, and determination exhibited by workers across industries. It's a tribute to their hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to progress. As we commemorate this day, let's also acknowledge the ongoing efforts towards creating inclusive workplaces, ensuring fair labor practices, and promoting equal opportunities for all. Together, let's strive to build a future where every worker is empowered, respected, and rewarded for their contributions. Wishing everyone a happy and fulfilling Labor Day! Let's continue to work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all. 💼🌍 #LaborDay #Workforce #Progress #Equality