JANUARY 2026 HR TECH OUTLOOK8In My OpinionSusan Eckert, VP Group Human Resources, parx casinoUNLOCKING ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS WITH STRATEGIC HR-EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHR professionals are more than just administrators in today's fast-paced business environment. They are strategic partners essential to driving organizational success. As companies face growing competition, technological advancements, and shifting workforce expectations, the role of HR has expanded far beyond traditional functions like hiring and benefits management. HR leaders today are tasked with enhancing team member engagement, fostering inclusiveness, and ensuring the organization remains agile in an ever-changing landscape. In this context, HR needs to stay ahead of business trends, shaping the future of work and building a workforce that's the best in the business.Organizations must create an engaged, skilled, and motivated workforce to remain competitive and retain top talent. One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is focusing on talent management and employee relations. These two critical areas are essential for cultivating a positive work culture, enhancing productivity, and driving long-term growth within the organization.Talent Management: Attracting, Developing, and Retaining the BestTalent management goes beyond recruitment; it's about optimizing an employee's entire lifecycle. This includes attracting, developing, retaining, and aligning team members' skills with the organization's strategic goals. The process begins with recruitment but extends throughout an employee's career, encompassing hiring, career development, skill building, and ultimately, succession planning.Attracting top talent starts with establishing a strong brand to appeal to both external candidates and internal team members. A key element in building a diverse and successful team is ensuring that your HR function reaches a broad audience for open positions. Diversity, whether in age, gender, culture, or religious background, brings unique perspectives and fresh ideas that benefit both the employees and the organization.Once top talent is identified, integrating them into the company culture and providing them with the tools and training for success is critical. Onboarding isn't just a formality as it sets the stage for retention and performance expectations. Employee development is just as crucial; people thrive when challenged and given opportunities to Susan N. Eckert is a seasoned HR professional with over 18 years of experience in the gaming industry. She holds a Master's Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources. She currently serves as the Vice President of Group Human Resources at parx casino, playing a key role in its growth and expansion.Susan EckertBy
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