In today’s digital age, safeguarding data and privacy is critical. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA, sets national standards for protecting sensitive patient information. For healthcare industry professionals, understanding and adhering to HIPAA training requirements is both a legal obligation and a fundamental aspect of patient trust.   The rise of digital information sharing, coupled with the threat of cybercriminals, can potentially put personal health information (PHI) at risk. According to the HIPAA Journal, 2023 was the w ..read more

In today’s diverse and dynamic workplaces, unconscious bias subtly influences our actions and decisions, often leading to inaccurate conclusions and judgments. These hidden biases shape our choices in various ways, affecting hiring practices, team dynamics, project assignments, performance evaluations, promotion decisions, and everyday interactions among colleagues. Despite being invisible, unconscious biases significantly impact the workplace, creating barriers to fairness and inclusivity.  To mitigate these effects, it is crucial for employees and managers to be aware of the many types ..read more

Federal law requires organizations to provide employees with a safe workplace environment to practice their religion. Additionally, an inclusive workplace where employees can express their religion, spirituality and beliefs creates a more fulfilling work experience and improves job satisfaction, morale and engagement.  Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers must reasonably accommodate employees sincerely held religious, ethical and moral beliefs or practices, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer.   There can be many types of requests ..read more

Have you ever experienced or witnessed someone say or do something that made you or others feel judged, unwelcome or undervalued at work? These are known as microaggressions, and they can have a big impact, even though they might seem small at first.  Microaggressions are comments, jokes or behaviors that subtly put down or stereotype people based on things like their race, gender or abilities. While often unintentional, microaggressions can make you feel excluded and less productive, and contribute to poor mental health and increase turnover.  Research reveals that 62% of Americans ..read more

Many organizations are taking measures to prevent harassment, but did you know that there are some specific challenges that are unique to the hospitality industry, which includes bars, hotels, and other businesses providing lodging and food services? It has to do with a blurring of boundaries between work and social activities that can create a situation where workplace harassment may go unchecked.   Let’s look at the realities of harassment in the hospitality industry, why there is a prevalence of this kind of behavior—and the concrete steps that HR professionals like you and other ..read more

In today’s dynamic work landscape, the role of a manager goes beyond just overseeing tasks and deadlines. It’s about fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. Being an inclusive manager not only acknowledges the diversity within teams but also leverages it as a strength.  Why is inclusive management important? Well, imagine a team where every voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every individual feels a sense of belonging. Such an environment promotes creativity, innovation, and high morale, leading to ..read more

Training Industry Magazine ─ Michael Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer at Traliant, addresses the challenges organizations face in meeting new ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements and employee expectations, and emphasizes the role of Learning and Development (L&D) leaders in driving compliance and cultural change. “To address this, organizations should foster a culture of openness and communication, providing clear explanations of how ESG practices contribute to business results.”  ─ Michael Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer at Traliant Johnson’s insights underscore t ..read more

Have you ever considered how diverse today’s workplaces are? Workplaces are a melting pot of unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. People from all walks of life bring a variety of ideas, beliefs and values to the table, creating a unique tapestry that enriches and strengthens company culture.   Being culturally aware allows us to leverage multifaceted cultures to our advantage. By embracing everyone’s cultural identity, we can help to make them feel valued and respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to the table.  Why does cultural sensitivity matte ..read more

Everybody has biases that can influence decisions and interactions in subtle yet impactful ways. Often, we don’t recognize our own unconscious biases, but it’s likely we have personally experienced bias at work.  Do these scenarios sound familiar?  “The Invisible Voice”  In team meetings, you share innovative ideas and insights, only to have them brushed aside or attributed to someone else moments later. It’s frustrating to witness your contributions being overlooked while similar suggestions from colleagues are embraced. Despite having the same qualifications and experience, it ..read more

Imagine a meeting room filled with diverse voices, each one eager to contribute to the collective goals of the company. But beneath the surface, there are subtle obstacles ─ unconscious biases and microaggressions ─ that hinder progress without individuals even realizing it.   At companies today, where every decision counts and the competition for talent is fierce, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are recognized as cornerstones for success. Embracing differences and ensuring everyone is respected, appreciated and treated fairly benefits employees and companies through greater co ..read more