Business Environment

EY survey reveals artificial intelligence is creating new hiring needs, while also making it more challenging to source the right talent

Ernst & Young LLP announced the release of its latest Technology Pulse Poll, which examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of work — from integration to talent and culture. The poll, which was conducted in March 2024 and surveyed more than 250 leaders in the technology industry, highlights the ongoing push and pull around AI in the workplace. The poll finds that 50% of business leaders anticipate a combination of both layoffs and hiring over the next six months as a direct result of AI adoption. Yet, even with hiring plans in place, three out of five technology leaders (61%) say that emerging technology has made it more challenging for their company to source top technology talent. "One thing is certain: Companies are reshaping their workforce to be more AI savvy. With this transition, we can anticipate a continuous cycle of strategic workforce realignment, characterized by simultaneous layoffs and hiring, and not necessarily in equal volumes," says Vamsi Duvvuri, EY Technology, Media and Telecommunications AI Leader. "But it's not all doom and gloom. Employees and companies alike continue to show enthusiasm around AI, specifically when it comes to opportunities to scale and compete more effectively in the marketplace." According to the poll, 72% of respondents say their employees are using AI at least daily in the workplace, with top use cases being coding and software development (51%), data analysis (51%), and internal and external communication (47%). Though many leaders report concerns about AI and believe that more regulation is needed around this technology, most technology business leaders (85%) believe that emerging technology has had a positive impact on their workplace culture. "AI is transforming the way we work, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth, while simultaneously posing unprecedented challenges, especially when it comes to talent," says Ken Englund, EY Americas Technology, Media and Telecommunications Leader. "Our recent pulse poll demonstrates that technology companies generally have a positive sentiment toward the next productivity wave. There's a lot of excitement at these companies in terms of how they will successfully apply their own industry tools to themselves." The EY survey also found that: Red flags around AI remain top of mind, especially when it comes to regulation. When thinking about AI concerns, technology business leaders say that upskilling employees (33%), copyright infringement and theft of intellectual property (IP) (33%), and a lack of transparency around decision-making (37%) are at the top of the list. Further, nearly half of technology business leaders agree that more AI regulation is needed, specifically when it comes to minimizing AI-generated bias (48%), protecting user privacy (48%) and safeguarding IP (47%). Despite ongoing challenges, AI investment continues to rise. Though many leaders still report concerns about AI, 82% of tech business leaders plan to increase their AI investment in the next year. From a hiring standpoint, tech leaders are focused on investing in specific roles, such as cybersecurity analysts (69%), data scientists (68%) and AI engineers (68%). Leaders know that AI upskilling is critical to success. Nearly two-thirds of technology business leaders (64%) say their company has put internal development programs in place to help employees keep pace with rapidly changing generative AI (GenAI). Three out of four technology business leaders (76%) say they have implemented internal technical certifications to help employees keep pace with GenAI.

Alera Health Named a Great Employer in North Carolina

Alera Health, a leader in population health management integrating behavioral healthcare, is proud to announce its recognition as one of the Great Employers to Work for in North Carolina by Best Companies Group. The 2024 Great Employers to Work for in North Carolina list, curated by Best Companies Group, showcases companies that excel in cultivating positive corporate cultures, offering extensive training and development opportunities, providing competitive salary and benefits packages, and ensuring overall employee satisfaction. Jaime Raul Zepeda, Executive Vice President of Best Companies Group, praised Alera Health and fellow honorees for their dedication to creating outstanding work environments. He emphasized, "Each winner on this list has created an extraordinary work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates top talent. The quality of the companies in the 2024 Great Employers to Work for in North Carolina list is truly commendable, as they have shown a clear commitment to their employees' satisfaction and development." Alera Health extends its heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated employees. Executive Director of Corporate Operations & Development, Kye Gardner shared, "We could not do what we do without our people. It has been an honor to build this team over the last few years and maintain Alera's core values such as promoting professional development, fostering open communication, encouraging a passion for work, and enabling employees to make a meaningful impact. Our people believe in the work they do, and THAT is the true recognition of a Great Employer."

CVS Health opens new workforce development and community resource center

CVS Health announced the opening of a new workforce development and community resource center designed to help the Baton Rouge community overcome employment barriers and increase access to local health care services. Located at 5353 Essen Lane, the facility includes a Workforce Innovation & Talent Center (WITC), which offers comprehensive career skills training and job placement that includes a CVS Pharmacy® mock store, simulated pharmacy environment and authentic, hands-on externships at local CVS Pharmacy locations. It also includes a new Community Resource Center (CRC) supported by Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, a CVS Health company. The CRC provides the public, Aetna Medicaid members and workforce program participants onsite health needs assessments and education, help with navigating their health benefits, access to computers and state-of-the-art teleconferencing, CPR and first aid training and connections to a local network of care providers. Staffed with a dedicated team of career skills trainers and care navigators from CVS Health, Aetna and workforce community organizations, the combination WITC/CRC marks the first time the company has co-located these critical community resources, bridging the gap between career training and health services that help overcome impediments to stable employment. "As a leading health solutions company, we know that there is a strong connection between sustainable employment and health and wellness," said Jess Hall, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, a CVS Health company. "With the combined resources of CVS Health and Aetna and our network of community partners, we are uniquely positioned to help the people of Baton Rouge access the career skills training and the health and wellness services they need to overcome barriers to employment, stay healthy and motivated and ultimately succeed in their careers." According to a Louisiana Department of Health report1, increased access to employment and career training programs are among the efforts that are significant in improving health outcomes. "I firmly believe in the power of public-private partnerships to drive positive change and create opportunities for our community. The collaboration between Big Buddy Baton Rouge and CVS Health through the Mayor's Youth Workforce Experience (MYWE) exemplifies this commitment, as it provides invaluable workforce development environments and hands-on job training to our future workforce," said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. "By working together, we can ensure that our residents have the skills and resources they need to thrive in today's competitive job market. This partnership not only benefits the individuals involved but also strengthens our local economy and fosters a brighter future for Baton Rouge." This summer will mark three years that CVS Pharmacy locations throughout Baton Rouge will serve as host sites for summer externs enrolled in the MYWE program. In collaboration with Big Buddy to source MYWE talent, CVS Health has made it possible for more than 50 Baton Rouge high school students to receive quality afterschool and summer workforce experiences. "Working at CVS has really helped to strengthen my communication skills, because prior to my externship I was shy, but I've since realized I'm an extrovert," said 16-year-old A'amya Johnson, a MYWE scholar who now works part-time as a CVS Pharmacy retail associate following the successful completion of a 2023 summer externship. "I love everything about my job especially talking to the customers. This opportunity has helped me decide that I want to pursue a health care career." At the intersection of health care, workforce and education, CVS Health's workforce programming has created pathways to employment in more than 1,150 communities across the U.S. over the past decades. In 2023, in collaboration with federal, state and local agencies, nonprofit, faith-based and career development organizations, the company streamlined access to meaningful employment for more than 1,400 individuals.

TimelyCare Earns Recognition as One of the World's Best Digital Health Companies, Earns Five Top Workplace Awards

TimelyCare, higher education's most trusted virtual health and well-being provider, has earned recognition as one of the World's Best Digital Health Companies by Newsweek, and has been awarded five Top Workplaces Awards for culture excellence. These achievements highlight TimelyCare's ongoing commitment to putting people first – both within the organization and in the communities it serves. TimelyCare is listed in the Telehealth category on Newsweek's "The World's Best Digital Health Companies 2024" list, which includes 400 companies from over 35 countries. Winners were chosen by Newsweek and Statista based on financial performance, impact and online engagement. "To be recognized globally and among so many other elite digital health companies is an honor," said Luke Hejl, TimelyCare CEO and co-founder. "We will continue to innovate to foster student success and improve the health and well-being of campus communities. This promise starts at home, through a workplace environment and company culture that allows our team to be well and thrive as we help others do the same." The national Top Workplaces awards are based solely on employee feedback. TimelyCare earned the coveted gold badge as a Top Workplace for Purpose & Values, Work-Life Flexibility, Innovation, Compensation & Benefits, and Leadership. Purpose & Values: TimelyCare's dedication to its core values and overarching purpose resonates deeply with its employees, fostering a culture of integrity, compassion and excellence. Work-Life Flexibility: Valuing the well-being and work-life balance of its employees, TimelyCare's remote-first workplace empowers employees with the flexibility to thrive both personally and professionally. Innovation: At the forefront of healthcare innovation, TimelyCare encourages a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, fostering new ideas and driving transformative solutions in healthcare delivery to its campus communities. Compensation & Benefits: TimelyCare's commitment to recognizing and rewarding employee contributions is reflected in its competitive compensation packages and comprehensive benefits offerings, ensuring the overall well-being and satisfaction of its employees. Leadership: Guided by visionary leadership, TimelyCare cultivates an environment of trust, transparency, and empowerment, enabling employees at all levels to excel and contribute to the company's success. "To be nationally recognized for our employees feeling valued and empowered to thrive is incredibly important and validating," said Jacki Craft, Chief People Officer at TimelyCare. "Our goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace environment where every single team member feels like they are contributing to our shared mission and the company's overall success." The Top Workplaces 2024 list is based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC, an employee engagement technology partner. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees' feelings of respect and support, enablement to grow, and empowerment to execute. "Earning a Top Workplaces Award is a badge of honor for companies, especially when it comes authentically from their employees. That's something to be proud of," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount."

Global workforce report reveals employee's perceptions amid evolving job market

LHH, a leading integrated talent solutions provider and global business unit of the Adecco Group, unveiled its findings from the fourth edition of the annual global study: Global Workforce of the Future Report 2024. The report examines the world of work through the lens of 30,000 workers from 23 countries and 25 industries, spanning entry-level workers to senior executives. This year's survey sought to identify global workforce readiness for digitalization and worker sentiments around job security and expectations for the future, offering recommendations to future-proof the workforce and spur the passive talent pool into action. Gaëlle de la Fosse, President of LHH, said: "With the profound shifts reshaping the global workforce, the importance of leadership, skills training, and opportunities for internal mobility cannot be overstated. Our latest Global Workforce of the Future Report shows that employee satisfaction and retention is closely related to how a company builds a culture that fosters career growth and invests in skills development." Key Global Workforce of the Future Report findings: Workers are eager for new skillsGlobal uncertainty is causing workers to stay put in their current roles for longer, but this should not be mistaken for complete satisfaction. Workers feel a lot less control over their careers than they did at the height of the Great Resignation, with 52% of workers pointing to external factors and 51% citing a "fear of the unknown" as holding back their professional growth. They also cite barriers such as economic climate (23%), age (22%), and limited opportunities within their own industries (20%). Due to these conditions, nearly three in four workers (73%) plan to stay in their jobs in 2024. Investing in the workforce is key now more than everTop talent remains a flight risk despite the ups and downs of the economic climate and other external factors. In fact, a majority of workers (86%) are confident that they could find a new job within 6 months up from 61% in 2022, whether it's through their own networks (74%), independent job search (71%), or a staffing agency (68%). They're especially optimistic about a tech-enabled future and their outlook on digitalization, with 65% of workers feeling that it will have a positive impact on their jobs, up from 37% in 2022. The passive talent pool and the Great Potential: Upskilling and internal mobility firstWorker uneasiness has created a significant pool of "passive talent" that is eager for new skills and opportunities, but is fearful to make a move. To take advantage of passive talent and spur movement, companies must understand that employees increasingly want guidance and purpose in their careers, with nearly half (46%) of workers saying they want to change careers but don't know which path to take. With that expectation comes the necessity for companies to display that they prioritize learning and development opportunities, including equal access to training and development for multigenerational workforces. Employees agree – 64% say businesses should upskill and train employees for roles across the company before hiring externally, and half of workers globally (50%) see their employers as owning the obligation to ready them for new workplace realities. With workforces and workplaces changing amidst shifts in AI and digitalization, businesses must recruit, retain, and nurture talent that will change with them.

Medicus IT Named One of Atlanta's Best and Brightest Companies to Work

Medicus IT, the leading Healthcare Solutions Provider (HSP) which delivers healthcare specific technology solutions and managed services on a national scale, proudly announces its latest honor of being named a 2024 winner for The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®. Only companies that distinguish themselves as having the most innovative business acuteness and human resource practices can be bestowed this honor. Considering the ten to one ratio of this program, these winning companies are truly innovative in their employee engagement execution. The winning companies were assessed by an independent research firm, which reviewed several key measures relative to other nationally recognized winners. "We are tremendously honored to receive this recognition, as it underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace where our employees thrive. At Medicus IT, we firmly believe that the cornerstone of client satisfaction lies in the fulfillment and satisfaction of our team members. This award not only celebrates our dedication to our staff but also affirms our relentless pursuit of excellence in creating an environment where every individual can flourish and reach their fullest potential," shared Chris Jann, the visionary founder and CEO of Medicus IT, in response to this momentous achievement. The categories applicants were scored on include: Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Creative Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions, Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment and Selection; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy and Company Performance. With over 25 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards. Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of NABR and the Best & Brightest Programs, highlighted that, "These companies have prioritized making a significant impact on their culture. With a focus on their employees as the top priority, this powerful community of the nation's elite leaders have gained a competitive edge."

Novo Nordisk CEM earns the Best Place to Work certification for 2024

Novo Nordisk CEM proudly announces its achievement of the prestigious Best Places to Work certification for 2024. This recognition underscores Novo Nordisk's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth.Based out of Almaty (Kazakhstan), Novo Nordisk CIS Emerging Markets is a highly diverse organization consisting of nine countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. The Best Place to Work certification, a prestigious accolade in the realm of workplace culture and employee satisfaction, is a testament to Novo Nordisk's ongoing dedication to cultivating a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.In a statement from Rana Azfar Zafar, Vice President & General Manager, expressed “We are deeply grateful to be recognized as a Best Place to Work! This achievement is a testament to our commitment, alongside our incredible team, to fostering a positive and rewarding work environment. We're incredibly proud that our employees consistently experience positive interactions with colleagues and leaders, and find personal fulfilment in their roles. Thank you to our entire team for your dedication and contributions – you are what makes this company truly special. Together, we will continue to build an exceptional workplace culture and a bright future for all”.Akmaral Sagitova, P&O Head CEM, commented “We are honoured to be Best Place to Work Certified, this achievement substantiates our commitment to building an amazing workplace culture and future together with our employees. We are proud that our employees have a consistently positive experience with their co-workers and leaders and find personal satisfaction in their jobs”.Novo Nordisk places significant emphasis on employee well-being through various initiatives, including comprehensive health and wellness programs, professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and a supportive organizational culture that encourages open communication and feedback.Every year, the program partners with many organizations, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, improve their HR practices and have access to the tools and expertise they need to deliver effective and sustainable change in their organizations.

Lilly Acquires New Injectable Medicine Manufacturing Facility from Nexus Pharmaceuticals

Eli Lilly and Company and Nexus Pharmaceuticals, LLC announced a definitive agreement for Lilly to acquire a manufacturing facility from Nexus, a leading sterile manufacturer in the pharmaceutical industry. The acquisition of this FDA-approved facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin will further expand Lilly's global parenteral (injectable) product manufacturing network and support increased demand for the company's medicines. Lilly estimates that production at this facility could begin at the end of 2025. “The acquisition of this state-of-the-art facility underscores our unwavering commitment to growth and innovation, and we look forward to welcoming talented new Nexus colleagues to Lilly from the Pleasant Prairie facility,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president, Lilly manufacturing. “We are investing boldly to serve our patients, to meet product demand and to build capabilities for our robust pipeline of the future.” Usman Ahmed, president and chief executive officer of Nexus, added: “We are excited Lilly is continuing our family’s mission of providing lifesaving medications to those who need them most. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our Nexus employees in building a best-in-class injectable manufacturing facility. The combination of our teams and infrastructure with Lilly’s global platform will benefit patients all over the world.” The Pleasant Prairie facility does not provide contract manufacturing services, allowing the facility to be solely dedicated to Lilly’s manufacturing mission to deliver medicines to patients with safety first and quality always. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is acting as legal advisor to Lilly. Centerview Partners LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP as legal counsel to Nexus.

ShiftMed Acquires CareerStaff Unlimited MSP to Expand Leading Digital On-Demand Nursing Platform

ShiftMed, a leader in On-Demand workforce technology, announced its acquisition of CareerStaff Unlimited from Genesis HealthCare (Genesis), a national post-acute care provider. CareerStaff is one of the healthcare industry's leading per diem and contract managed service providers (MSP). ShiftMed, in combination with CareerStaff, will provide services to Genesis at over 200 skilled nursing and 1,200 Powerback Rehabilitation locations, under a seven-year exclusive agreement. ShiftMed is the first platform to support Health Systems across all settings, including acute, post-acute, and in-home settings. CareerStaff's industry leading MSP will be an integral addition to ShiftMed's value proposition to healthcare clients. "The integration of CareerStaff with ShiftMed allows us to fulfill 100% of our clients' On Demand needs through one workforce platform. By merging ShiftMed's acclaimed mobile-first suite of products with CareerStaff's top-tier MSP solution, we're establishing the industry's first end-to-end digital MSP," said Todd Walrath, CEO of ShiftMed. CareerStaff simplifies staffing management for healthcare providers by offering access to a network of over 1,000 staffing companies nationwide. This enables clients to control postings through a single VMS, consolidate contracts, and lower agency spend. The platform includes scheduling, shift confirmation, credentialing, invoice reconciliation, and fraud control. Clients can easily post shifts through a single interface, eliminating the need for multiple point solutions. ShiftMed adds "intelligent routing" to reduce agency costs by efficiently distributing orders among the internal workforce and the most cost-effective external agencies. "CareerStaff has been integral to Genesis affiliated locations over the past decade, and we are thrilled to leverage ShiftMed's On-Demand technology and internal staffing platform to enhance patient outcomes and achieve optimal staffing levels," said David Harrington, Chief Executive Officer of Genesis.

MasterControl wins 2024 Imapac Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Award

MasterControl, a leading provider of quality management and manufacturing execution software for life sciences, announced it has been recognized by the Imapac 2024 Asia-Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards in the "Best Bioprocessing Supplier: Software" category. This award underscores MasterControl's industry and innovation leadership in the field of Manufacturing Excellence Software (MES) for GMP-regulated manufacturing environments. It also reflects the company's ongoing commitment to delivering superior manufacturing execution and quality solutions that enhance operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. The award was presented at the annual Imapac "Meet the Industry" gala, attended by leaders and innovators from across the biotechnology sector. "This accolade is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence for Manufacturing Excellence Software," said Jon Beckstrand, CEO of MasterControl. "It reaffirms our commitment to empowering the life sciences biologics industry with advanced solutions that ensure quality and compliance, and accelerate time to market." MasterControl's state-of-the-art software solution continues to set new standards for the industry - the company's latest innovation, Advanced Quality Event Management (AQEM), which was officially launched earlier this year, provides a no-code solution to help streamline workflows and regulation policies.

Health & Biotech