Navigating the landscape of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) today demands a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics. Recent shifts in policies and organizational priorities have cast a shadow over DEIB initiatives. From legal rulings challenging affirmative action to budget cuts targeting DEI programs, the hurdles seem daunting.  The dwindling numbers of Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and the accelerated decline of DE&I roles amidst layoffs reflect a concerning trend. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s a clear call for perseverance and commitment from emp ..read more

Are you ready to transform your organization’s culture and employer brand into a magnetic force that attracts the best talent? In the latest episode of Blu Thread Conversations, we delve deep with Jackie Whitson and Tess MacLeod from ATB Financial, a company that has mastered the art of employer branding. Listen to S01E04 – Culture by Design: Building a Magnetic Employer Brand with ATB ATB Financial, a leading financial institution in Alberta, Canada, has been recognized as a Great Place to Work for eight consecutive years. But what’s their secret? It’s all about intentional culture by design ..read more

Our workforce is changing, demographics are shifting, and we are seeing a surge in talent recruitment needs in our manufacturing and skilled labour industries. We’ve been reading the headlines and economic reports over the last few years and now is the time for organizations to refresh, relook, and invest in their employer brand strategy and recruitment marketing strategies. From the headlines: Over 700,000 skilled tradespeople are expected to retire by 2028. This will lead to over 1 million vacancies in Canada with fewer young people entering the market to fill these positions. – RBC Capital ..read more

In our latest episode of Blu Thread Conversations, we had the privilege of hearing from Mark Edgar, the Chief People Officer at Wajax. With over 25 years of experience in HR, Mark is a seasoned veteran in the field, and his insights into creating a people-first culture are nothing short of revolutionary. Listen to S01E03 – People First Cultures Wajax, an iconic Canadian company with a history spanning over 165 years, is at the forefront of an organizational transformation. Under Mark’s leadership, the company is not just selling industrial products and services; it’s also selling a vision of ..read more

Welcome back to our exploration into the transformative realm of employer branding analytics. In our last blog, we explored the challenges faced by CHROs in HR analytics, the importance of real-time metrics, and the evolving landscape of employee expectations. We’ve been in the trenches and over the past 18-months where we’ve worked with some of the brightest minds in analytics, development, and employer brand insights. Today I’m excited to introduce Blu Ivy’s Employer Brand & Culture Index (EBCI), a solution that redefines how we measure employer brand strength. What is the EBCI: The Empl ..read more

In the ever-evolving world of HR, the role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is comparable to navigating a constantly changing landscape. One thing remains constant, though—competition for great talent remains high, retention is an ongoing priority with shifting employee expectations, and there is continuous pressure to show the connection between investment in your people and the bottom line. I know this all too well; after all, I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve grappled with the intricacies of analytics, juggling multiple tools, and facing the perpetual challenge of showcasing the valu ..read more

The war for talent in recent years has led to an increased focus on Employer Branding and the Employee Value Proposition as companies bid to compete with the very best to attract high performing candidates. But how often and effectively are these initiatives communicated outside of the organization? Many businesses put most, if not all, of their recruitment marketing budget towards current hiring needs. This is done primarily via job ads, or other ‘lower funnel’ marketing efforts such as programmatic and paid search advertising. This approach presents a few significant challenges: Businesses ..read more

Note: the following blog is an adaptation from Blu Thread Conversation podcast where we weave a powerful narrative at the intersection of people, culture and performance. To listen to this conversation as podcast please visit us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music / Audible, or Google Podcasts. James: Welcome to today’s episode of Blu Thread Conversations. My name is James Powell and I have the pleasure of being your host for today’s episode. Today I’m joined with Stacy Parker and Leandra Harris, the managing directors and co-founders of Blu Ivy Group, one of the world’s leading employer ..read more

As we embark on 2024, envision your HR journey ahead with the same enthusiasm of stepping into a gym looking to tackle your New Year’s resolution. Your eyes are set on your goal – a healthier, stronger, and happier version of yourself. In the realm of HR, navigating the year’s priorities shares a similar sentiment. The end goal is clear: a workplace that thrives, a workforce that creates measurable impact, and a culture that radiates success. Just as you approach the gym with determination, stepping into the world of HR priorities requires a strategic mindset. It’s not just about lifting weigh ..read more

Every company, regardless of sector, has a unique and inspiring story. An Employee Value proposition helps tell that story to talent and potential candidates. An EVP is instrumental in helping organizations rally their teams and inspire people to join, stay, and give their best. A truly Human-Centred EVP is more than a strategy or words on a page – it is a strategic, comprehensive, and a deep-seated part of the organization’s culture. As we dive into 2024, designing, articulating, and implementing an effective Human-Centred EVP is more important than ever for attracting and retaining top talen ..read more