Employers are adjusting their workplaces to accommodate evolving expectations of the workforce and regulatory requirements. How have human resources leaders aligned benefit and HR programs to support new or changing business needs? How are employers addressing the return to the office? With an increasingly competitive landscape for recruiting talented employees, how are organizations attracting and retaining talent? And how are employers pivoting to advance diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives?

The recent virtual conference, Elevate, presented by Out Front Ideas with Kimberly and Mark, hosted a panel of human resources leaders to answer these questions and more. Guests included:

• Paul Garrier — Vice President Global Total Rewards Operations, PepsiCo
• Misty Hambright — Senior Manager, Benefits Strategy, American Airlines
• Michelle Hay — Global Chief People Officer, Sedgwick

Adapting to the vaccine mandate requirements

As employers await the vaccine mandate's fate by the ruling of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, many have already invested significant time and energy to encourage workers to get vaccinated. PepsiCo has provided incentives for those choosing to get vaccinated and has made it easier for employees to receive a vaccine. Yet, there is hesitation to require vaccination within an ever-tightening labor market since it could alienate some groups. Employers are focused on keeping workers safe but are also trying to balance their messaging on requirements effectively.