In 2026, “culture” is everywhere — plastered on office walls, woven into job postings, and highlighted in annual reports. Yet too many organizations invest in polished slogans and generic mission statements while missing the deeper reality: authentic culture is the invisible force that drives performance, retention, and resilience. At McPherson|Berry, we partner with leaders to Build Culture that is lived every day, not just declared. Real culture emerges from consistent beha

The AI revolution in hiring is a double-edged sword. While it empowers candidates, it’s overwhelming recruiters and HR professionals with volume and noise. In the Middle East, 70% of employers have seen a surge in job applications driven by AI tools, according to a recent Robert Walters survey. Globally, the pattern is similar — and it’s only accelerating. Why the flood? Around 65% of professionals now use AI chatbots, CV builders, and generators to craft applications, enabli

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, leadership isn’t just for the C-suite. Every organization needs capable leaders at every level to navigate change, drive performance, and build resilient cultures. At McPherson|Berry, our mission is clear: Grow Leaders | Build Culture | Align People & Processes. Developing talent internally through targeted training and coaching isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a strategic imperative. Why Leadership Development Matters More Than Ever Th

July 1, 2026, brought another wave of minimum wage adjustments across the United States. With inflation indexing and scheduled hikes in multiple states and localities, HR and payroll teams are working quickly to ensure compliance, update systems, and communicate changes effectively. Even small increases can have ripple effects on budgets, pay equity, and employee morale — particularly for midsize organizations operating across jurisdictions. Key Minimum Wage Increases Effecti

2026 marks the shift from basic generative AI to agentic AI — systems that don’t just respond but proactively take actions toward defined goals. For HR, this means moving beyond chatbots to agents that handle end-to-end processes like interview scheduling, personalized learning path creation, or even initial candidate outreach. Practical Applications for HR Teams Talent Acquisition: Autonomous agents screen, engage, and qualify candidates 24/7. Learning & Development: AI co

As we approach the halfway point of 2026, it’s the perfect time for a talent health check. With ongoing AI disruption, economic pressures, and shifting employee expectations, proactive mid-year reviews prevent end-of-year surprises. Focus Areas for June Retention Risk Assessment: Identify flight risks through stay interviews or engagement data. Well-being Integration: Address men’s health, burnout, and work-life balance (June observances like Men’s Health Month and Professio

In an era of rapid technological change, resumes often fail to tell the full story of a candidate’s capabilities. Forward-thinking organizations are turning to AI-powered skills assessments to gain deeper, more objective insights — especially for hard skills that drive immediate performance. Why AI Skills Assessment Matters Now Traditional hiring relies heavily on self-reported experience and credentials. AI changes this by analyzing portfolios, code samples, simulations, and

In our last post , we shared how AI is transforming the search for hard skills talent. To maximize value while minimizing risks, follow these best practices: Start with Clear Skills Definitions Update job descriptions to prioritize must-have hard skills (with measurable examples) over vague requirements or degree proxies. AI performs best when it has precise criteria to match against. Layer AI into a Multi-Stage Process Use AI for initial high-volume screening and sourcing.

In our last post , we explored the growing emphasis on hard skills — those specific, measurable technical abilities that enable candidates to hit the ground running. As organizations shift toward skills-based hiring amid rapid technological change and talent shortages, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful ally in identifying and assessing these competencies. At McPherson|Berry, we help clients build high-performing teams through smarter recruiting and organi

In the first article , we talked about the difference between hard skills and soft skills and the shift in hiring for hard skills. In part 2 , we shared the why. In the final post of our series, we tell you what this means. What This Means for Employers and Job Seekers For Organizations (HR Leaders & Hiring Managers): Audit your job descriptions: Prioritize must-have hard skills upfront while listing desired soft skills. Use skills assessments early to create a more object

Last week we talked about the difference between hard skills and soft skills and the shift in hiring for hard skills. In part 2, we share the why. Here's why this shift is accelerating: Skills-Based Hiring is Rising More companies are moving away from degree requirements toward verifiable competencies. Skills-based approaches are reported to be far more predictive of job performance than traditional credentials alone. This allows organizations to broaden talent pools, reduce

In today's fast-evolving workplace, the conversation around talent acquisition has never been more critical. As HR consultants who help organizations build capacity and recruit effectively, we at McPherson|Berry often hear the question: What really makes a candidate successful — hard skills or soft skills? The answer isn't one or the other. Both matter. But the balance is shifting. Employers are placing greater emphasis on verifiable hard skills (technical, measurable abiliti

Equal Pay Day 2026 arrives on March 26 — a symbolic reminder that, on average, women in the U.S. must work over three extra months into the year to match what men earned in the prior year. This date reflects a stubborn gender pay gap: women earn 81 cents for every dollar men earn among full-time, year-round workers, dropping to 76 cents when factoring in all workers (including part-time and seasonal). For women of color and other marginalized groups, the disparities are even

Employee happiness — often intertwined with engagement, well-being, and a sense of belonging — remains a top priority for organizations in March 2026. Recent data paints a challenging picture: U.S. employee engagement held steady at 31% in 2025 (down from a 36% peak in 2020), while global engagement dipped to 21% in 2024, with manager engagement falling notably. SHRM's State of the Workplace 2026 report emphasizes that success now hinges on prioritizing employee well-being, s

In today's rapidly evolving workplace — especially as we hit March 2026 — artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it's reshaping how work gets done across every industry. From automating routine tasks to enabling smarter decision-making and driving innovation, AI is transforming roles, workflows, and entire business models. Teaching employees AI skills (often called AI literacy or foundational AI proficiency) isn't optional — it's essential for staying

Women's History Month (March) is a powerful opportunity for workplaces to honor women's contributions, foster inclusion, and drive meaningful conversations around equity and empowerment. This year's official theme from the National Women's History Alliance is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” It celebrates women leading efforts in environmental, economic, educational, and social justice sustainability — addressing challenges like climate change, inequa

Employee Appreciation Day falls on Friday, March 6, 2026 — the first Friday in March each year. This dedicated observance is a perfect reminder for organizations to pause, reflect, and genuinely thank employees for their hard work, dedication, and contributions throughout the year. While appreciation should be ongoing, this day offers a focused opportunity to boost morale, strengthen culture, and reinforce belonging — especially amid ongoing challenges like hybrid work, burno

As we mark Black History Month in February 2026, organizations have a powerful opportunity to deepen DEI efforts and foster genuine learning. This year’s official theme from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) — A Century of Black History Commemorations — celebrates 100 years since Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in 1926, which evolved into the month-long observance we know today. It invites reflection on how commemorations

With Super Bowl LX happening on February 8, 2026, many employees prefer to keep their evenings free for family, rest, or personal plans. The good news? You can still harness the excitement of the event for employee engagement without requiring anyone to watch the game. A short Lunch & Learn, afternoon break session, or themed potluck offers the perfect low-pressure way to build team spirit, encourage inclusion, and tie in professional development. These formats respect divers

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace, the spotlight is shifting from routine tasks to uniquely human capabilities. At McPherson Berry, we recognize that what were once called "soft skills" are now rebranded as "power skills" — essential competencies like emotional intelligence and creativity that AI can't replicate. These skills empower HR professionals to lead strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and build resilient teams. As we navigate 20