In celebration of Customer Service Week, October 3–7, we share the following post highlighting the importance of collaboration—a cornerstone component of Ultimate Software’s commitment to service and to ensuring our customers’ continued success. In our more than 25 years as a “People First” company, we’ve created a culture of collaboration throughout Ultimate Software. It’s an atmosphere that thrives on the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and experience among our employees—harnessed together through teamwork to spark innovation. Teresa Hennessy, Pro Mach, Inc. Andrew Skolnick, March of Dimes.

With every October comes the annual HR Technology Conference & Expo, held this year October 4–7 in Chicago. It’s a pivotal time across the HR tech space, and there’s no shortage of innovative and exciting developments ahead. Several of my colleagues and I will be at this year’s HR Tech conference, participating in many panels and sessions, discussing hot topics and trends, sharing current best practices, and previewing what’s in store when it comes to tech advances for HR professionals and organizations. Wednesday, October 5. Then, join Cecile for Payroll 2.0: Thursday, October 6.

The latest #UltimateTeamMoment comes from the Paralympic Games in Rio. Discover how the U.S. men’s wheelchair basketball team looked past a 28-year medal drought and pressed on to win the gold. It’s a story of commitment, perseverance, and, ultimately, great teamwork. Teamwork, Unity Drove Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team To Long-Sought Gold. The team won its first Paralympic gold medal in 28 years last weekend in Rio de Janeiro. By Scott McDonald. They didn’t talk about London and they didn’t speak about the drought. The U.S. The coach harped on winning one possession at a time.

Only “13% of workers are engaged in their work,” says Sarah Brennan, former founder and principle analyst at Accelir. Why?” HR professionals regularly ask. One often-overlooked reason is a bad candidate experience, says Sarah, who believes the candidate experience is just one piece of a larger talent experience. She also notes that, “organizations are spending $1 billion on turnover costs.” That’s why positive candidate experiences and honest employer brands are essential to organizations, and why non-HR senior executives should care about the candidate experience.  .

We all wear a dizzying array of “hats” these days, both within and outside of our work lives, and I believe that this complexity, along with significant major sociocultural shifts, are pushing us toward increasingly blurring the lines defining what we do, how we work, and even who we are. Workforce fluidity is a term I’ve proposed to describe the convergence of several workplace phenomena that will have a dramatic impact on the future of work. It’s the idea that organizations, people’s identities, and job responsibilities are all becoming increasingly fluid. Such individuals (don’t we all?)

With this being National Payroll Week, we wanted to take a closer look at a hot-button issue for payroll professionals across America. In this post, we’ll focus on one state in particular: Pennsylvania. If you’re a payroll professional, you probably know Pennsylvania has one of the most complex local tax structures throughout the country—as in, one simple employee change, such as a new address, will likely require some manual effort. Queue up several address changes for multiple employees, and you’re spending your morning submerged in local taxes and PSD codes. How , you ask? You are amazing!

Happy National Payroll Week! National Payroll Week celebrates America’s 150 million wage earners and the payroll professionals who pay them. Through the payroll withholding system, we contribute, collect, report and deposit approximately $2.2 trillion – that’s 67% of the U.S. Treasury’s annual revenue. To recognize National Payroll Week, a few of our favorite industry thought leaders shared why they feel payroll is so important. What do you think? Please leave a comment below. Payroll’s ability to get the numbers right is key in building credibility and trust with employees.”

The U.S. women’s water polo team earned its second straight gold medal after defeating Italy 12-5 in Rio. But it’s what the players did after their victory that’s truly inspirational. Find out in the latest #UltimateTeamMoment story below, brought to you by Team USA and Ultimate Software, and stay tuned for more great moments from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Spurred By a Coach’s Hardship, U.S. Women’s Water Polo Team Earns Second Olympic Gold. By Nick McCarvel. Gold medals secured, the U.S. There’s no medal that’s going to prove that to me. What the U.S. The U.S. Laughter ensued.

Whether preparing for upcoming Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) changes or planning for the next Affordable Care Act (ACA) deadline, compliance issues can make or break an organization. At SHRM 2016, we launched our #PeopleFirstPodcast in an effort to help HR professionals thrive in their careers and in the HCM cloud. We know that one important aspect of HR is keeping organizations compliant with increasingly changing regulations locally, nationally, and globally. To that end, Episode 4 discusses The Impact of Compliance on the Business. Listen here: [link]. Our 20 Favorite Compliance Resources.

When great teams work together, achieving greatness takes many forms. For the USA Softball women’s national team, it means capturing its 10th world championship title. Discover the team’s inspirational story below, and follow #UltimateTeamMoment all summer from Rio for more great stories of teamwork and triumph, brought to you by Team USA and Ultimate Software. Culture of Success Breeds U.S. Softball Team’s 10th World Title. Team USA beat rival Japan last week to win its first world title since 2010. By Karen Price. Red Line Editorial. 2-ranked U.S. women hadn’t tasted victory since 2010.

In the booming postwar Mad Men era, the predominant work structure in American companies was hierarchical. For returning soldiers, this “command-and-control structure” was something they were used to in their military service. Since the workforce was almost exclusively male, particularly in management roles, this structure conformed closely to their notions of social groupings, which also tend to be hierarchical. Everyone had a specific place in the hierarchy, and implicit rules existed to guide communications and collaborations with others. If you don’t hire them, the competition will.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced changes to overtime rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These changes stand to impact millions of employees across the country, and it’s important for organizations to understand the rules, as well as the proactive measures they can take today to remain competitive and compliant. Let’s take a closer look at these updates and their potential impact. What’s Changing and When. Generally, there are three requirements that must be met for an employee to be exempt from overtime and minimum wage. Other classes of employees (e.g.

Bonus giveaway: If you love this podcast episode and would like to join our VIP Podcast  Community, tweet us at #PeopleFirstPodcast or leave a comment below. One lucky responder will receive one of our brand-new podcast shirts! Thank you for listening. Sharlyn Lauby, the HR Bartender and #PeopleFirstPodcast Moderator, sits with podcast guest and UX Manager, Matt Cowley, to discuss the importance of creating HR solutions with a People First design approach. Learn more on the podcast episode. Ultimate HCM Podcast – Creating a People First UX Design . Ask about our VIP Podcast Community today.

Ultimate Software and Team USA have teamed up to bring you Ultimate Team Moments from the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Read below for the latest #UltimateTeamMoment, profiling two athletes looking to sail their way to gold, and check back throughout the summer for new stories. Synergy and Experience Could Guide Dave Hughes and Stu McNay to Olympic Glory, presented by Ultimate Software. The 470 sailors could be Team USA’s best hopes for an Olympic gold medal in Rio. By Karen Price. We will stay true to that process.”. Our Olympic journeys were not meant to be over. Ultimate Software

The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games are fast approaching, and soon, extraordinary athletes from across the globe will strive for gold. But much like in business, great success in sports often comes from great teamwork. That’s why Ultimate Software has partnered with Team USA to bring you the Ultimate Team Moments from the Rio games. Throughout the summer, we’ll share special reports from Rio that highlight America’s greatest competitors in several sports—from sailing to volleyball—and capture their personal stories of perseverance, triumph, and, most importantly, teamwork. The U.S.

We know people are a key differentiator in business. That means businesses are incredibly focused on talent. Recruiting, engaging, and retaining talent are the top issues facing organizations , according to last year’s Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends report. In order for organizations to hire and retain the talent they need to accomplish their business goals, human resources professionals need to be in a position to educate and inform senior management about what’s taking place both with employees and in the labor market. There are two ways to “educate and inform” senior management.

Bonus giveaway: If you love this podcast episode and would like to join our VIP Podcast Community, tweet us at #PeopleFirstPodcast or leave a comment below. One lucky responder will receive one of our brand new podcast shirts! Thank you for listening. “As senior leaders in the HR and business community, what should human resources professionals know about developing managers into better leaders?” asks podcast moderator, Sharlyn Lauby. “HR needs to learn how to make the business case for what is needed,” says Jennifer McClure of Unbridled Talent. Ask about our VIP Podcast Community today.

As a member of the HR community, we are always looking for opportunities to contribute to and even improve Human Resources as a profession, increase HR’s business value, and elevate our workforce as a whole. To do this, we wanted to create a resource that addresses topics that keep HR professionals up at night – topics like business culture, compliance, candidate experience, employee engagement, HR’s role in helping managers become better leaders, and more. Striving for an engaging and efficient way to openly collaborate on these topics, we created a #PeopleFirstPodcast!

Most of us spend as much time with our co-workers as we do with our families. And just as family relationships influence our behavior, the values of our bosses makes an enormous difference in our lives. My CEO, Ultimate’s Scott Scherr, was recently recognized by Glassdoor as one of the top CEOs in the country , with Ultimate’s employees describing him as trusting, generous, and kind. This type of leadership defines a company’s culture, including the way an organization like Ultimate delivers its customer service. When CEOs put their People First, employees put the customers first. June, 2016.

Forty-eight hours. For many of us, in the context of our busy, nonstop lives, two days may seem like a minor blip on a much larger radar. For some, however, two days are enough to make a lasting impact. Twice a year at Ultimate Software, we host a special coding event called “48 Hours.” As the name suggests, our talented developers get two consecutive days to break from their current work and focus on projects outside the realm of our roadmap. There are very few rules, and the options are virtually endless. Marta Guerra, User Experience Designer, Ultimate Software.

The composition of today’s working population is changing faster than organizations and their policies can react. For the first time in history, five different generations are in the American workforce. Their expectations vary when defining what work is—and how one conducts it—at a time of tremendous upheaval in traditional workplace paradigms. Today’s workforce comprises more than just full-time employees. Provisional or non-permanent workers—such as independent contractors, temporary employees, freelancers, and other contingent workers—are expected to make up 40% of the workforce by 2020.

By now, we understand that employee engagement gives way to the employee experience. Meaning, it’s time to focus on automatically creating an outstanding employee experience so engagement just happens. But, in order for that to happen, the employee experience cannot mimic the traditional employee lifecycle. It needs to focus on people. In a person-centered lifecycle, HR professionals aren’t spending their time developing processes. They are identifying and developing talent. They are helping the business set the priorities when it comes to talent strategy. Putting People First.

Employee engagement is on every HR and business leader’s mind, in one form or another. The value of having a highly engaged workforce for an organization’s success is undeniable, but the way to get there remains elusive. As much as 51% of the global workforce feels disengaged at work , according to Gallup, outnumbering actively engaged employees by 2:1. These numbers have remained largely unchanged for 30 years, despite all the dialogue on employee engagement. Clearly, something is missing. While these actions are all steps in the right direction, engagement can’t be achieved so easily.

According to a series of articles from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), job openings have broken 5 million , voluntary quits are at an eight year high , and time to fill has increased by ten days over the past decade. The job market has definitely shifted to a candidates’ market. Organizations need to develop focused strategies to break through the tightening market. Ultimate Software’s HCM solution, UltiPro, allows job candidates to apply for jobs on a mobile platform. Read more cutting edge recruiting trends now. LinkedIn continues to rise in popularity.

Break out the peanuts and Cracker Jack—another baseball season has begun. Whether avid followers, casual fans, or somewhere in between, as HR and business professionals, we can all learn a lot from studying the inner workings of America’s pastime. One such lesson is the strategic use of data and analytics to evaluate past results and predict future performance. This practice is the primary focus of Michael Lewis’s 2003 bestselling book, Moneyball , and a 2011 film of the same name starring Brad Pitt. But the Athletics aren’t the only ones using these powerful tools. Business Intelligence

With fast-approaching deadlines and ever-changing guidelines, it’s no surprise that the Affordable Care Act is leading to some additional stress and anxiety these days. Take a break and test your knowledge with our ACA quiz to see just how much you know about healthcare reform. See how you did compared to others and be sure to share your results with your peers and social networks! You’ll also gain access to our updated ACA eBook, packed with key dates and guidelines to help your organization stay compliant. Good luck! Are you an ACA Superhero? Find out now by taking our quiz!

More than 2,000 HR and business professionals gathered this week at the Bellagio in Las Vegas for Ultimate Software’s annual customer conference, Connections. Attendees learned how to “Inspire Engagement” in their people, maximize their use of UltiPro ® and their partnership with Ultimate, and enhance the overall employee experience with hands-on workshops, educational breakout sessions, and memorable keynote presentations—all part of Ultimate’s largest Connections conference to date. Joining Rogers on stage was Martin Hartshorne, Ultimate’s vice president of products. Build Stronger Leaders.

Ultimate Software began more than 25 years ago with a core belief: Always put people first. This founding principle drives all we do—from creating a culture that’s made Ultimate the Best Large Workplace in Technology ; to designing our award-winning human capital management (HCM) platform, UltiPro ® ; to providing our customers with the HCM industry’s most valuable service. We know what “People First” means to US , but we wanted to know what it means to the people outside of Ultimate: those who’ve witnessed what happens when businesses put their people first. Culture #PeopleFirst

It’s with great pride we announce FORTUNE has named Ultimate Software one of the Best Companies to Work For in America for the fifth consecutive year, after having also ranked Ultimate the #1 Best Large Workplace in Technology. We hold these prestigious honors close to our hearts because, from the beginning, we’ve focused 100% on people—every day, innovating and implementing new ways of putting them first. Ultimate Software ranked #15 on FORTUNE Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2016. That effort starts with our employees, and it extends to our customers. ommitment. onesty.

Ultimate Software’s annual customer conference, Connections , is just around the corner. On Tuesday, March 8, more than 2,000 HR, payroll, talent, and business professionals from across North America will gather in Las Vegas at The Bellagio—to learn, grow, and, of course, connect. Inspire employee engagement in your organization at Connections 2016. Join the conversation at #UltiConnect. Our #1 priority at Ultimate is putting people first in every way. Inspiring Keynote Speakers. Mike Rowe knows a thing or two about work. But he, perhaps as well as anyone, knows it’s not always easy.

I recently stumbled upon an article from 1999 that talked about the challenges that would exist in a 21 st century HR department. This article—remember, it’s from almost two decades ago—focused on the following areas: Recruiting – finding people with proper experience and offering them individualized benefits, such as flex time and tuition support, rather than stock programs or signing bonuses. Retention – giving attention to the people who need to stay at an organization, whether it be a high performer, high-potential, or key employee with specific skills. Sound familiar? PeopleFirst.

All of us at Ultimate Software are honored to be named FORTUNE’s Best Workplace in Technology.  . Ultimate Software is the #1 Best Workplace in Technology, according to Fortune Magazine. Ultimate Software puts People First. Always. We started out more than 25 years ago with one core belief: put people first. Always. It’s a principle that drives all we do. Over the years, we’ve weathered many changes. We’ve seen good and bad times. We’ve grown in great numbers. But there’s been one constant: people first. It’s simple, but it’s powerful. They’re built on trust. They’re built on respect. Culture

With 2015 now in our rear-view mirrors, it’s time to focus on the road ahead in 2016. This year is sure to present more challenges, such as ever-changing healthcare reform legislation, but also a lot of exciting opportunities—and ways to shift your thinking. As you buckle up for the ride and prepare to hit the wide-open road, here are a few tips to help you navigate your scheduled route, avoid oncoming speed bumps, and accelerate your HCM in 2016. Put Yourself in the Driver’s Seat. This year, don’t just work on being a better manager—focus on becoming a leader. Keep Your Eyes on the ACA.

People First: A Special Message. For all of us at Ultimate Software, 2015 marked an extra-special year. In October, we celebrated a quarter century of putting people first. We were also extremely proud to premiere our first-ever national television commercial. The 60-second spot tells a great story, carries a powerful message, and features a pretty awesome Dude as the narrator. It’s currently airing on several national networks, cable channels, and at airports across the U.S. If you’ve seen it, let us know on social. We also invite you to share it with your organization.

HCM’s Gone Global. With innovations in technology and the rise of mobile workforces, more and more organizations are operating on a global scale. That includes Ultimate, as this year we opened an office in Singapore, expanding upon our existing international presence in Canada and the U.K. It’s a fact: HCM’s gone global. While that’s an exciting development, it also brings new challenges. For one, ensuring all employees receive a localized experience no matter where they work or live. Global HCM, however, doesn’t just affect employees. Global #12DaysofHCM

Listening to Peers. In yesterday’s post , we shared a few success stories from our partners using UltiPro ®. We offer this feedback to assist prospective partners in choosing the provider, products, and services that best suit their people and their organization. We understand, however, when you’re evaluating HCM providers, you’re interested in more than just a vendor’s perspective and the customers’ opinions they present. We’re always willing to share how our HCM solutions help people work more effectively. But you don’t have listen to us. Just ask around. Technology

Sharing Stories of Success. As mentioned on Sunday , we view our customers as Partners for Life. Part of that partnership means communicating and collaborating to ensure we’re consistently doing our best. Twice a year, we distribute more than 25,000 surveys to all of our current customers , in order to garner feedback and assess our performance. We’re proud to say that in our latest survey, conducted this past October, our customers reported their highest-ever overall satisfaction with UltiPro® , Ultimate’s award-winning HR, payroll, and talent management solution. The follow-up is excellent.

Great Workplaces Treat People Great. In 2015, Ultimate Software was named one of the Best Companies to Work For by FORTUNE for the fourth consecutive year. This is a major honor for us, as rankings are determined primarily by employees. People First” is our founding principle and the cornerstone of our culture. It’s no coincidence we’re committed to putting people first and we’re also 100% committed to the people business. We believe people are the most important part of every organization, and we deliver products and services designed to improve people’s work lives.

The Importance of Partnerships. With so much emphasis placed on the quality of HCM providers’ products—and for good reason—it’s easy to overlook the importance of quality service. But service remains a critical component of long-term success with HCM technology. Ultimate Software takes great pride in providing industry-leading technology and service. To us, service goes beyond being available 24-7 to answer a question or resolve an issue. It’s about being a trusted resource, providing guidance and proactive support. Ultimate Software

Employee Engagement: A Resolution. The New Year is a time for resolutions. In 2016, will you resolve to increase employee engagement? Maybe you’ve thought about it for months. You even started developing a plan. But then you got sidetracked. It’s okay! We’re here to help you keep your resolution. We’ll even guide your through the first steps. Start with our on-demand webcast, 10 Ways to Wow Your New Hire , and learn how to engage your employees from day one. Because, much like with resolutions, what you do today can last for years to come. Janine Truitt (2015). The secret to talent management?

HR Espresso Fuels the Conversation. This past year, we launched our HR Espresso video series , partnering with Holger Mueller from Constellation Research. The series features expert insight on a variety of HCM topics—from predictive analytics and employee empowerment to workplace culture and consistent compliance—in a format that’s easy to digest. We know you’re busy, so we’ve packed a lot into these little videos. Each clip tops off at about a minute and is designed to get you thinking about important HR issues impacting your people and your business.

Putting the “I” in Innovation. One of the most important words for an HCM provider is innovation. And, at Ultimate Software, the most important letter in innovation is I. When we set out to design, develop, and deliver leading HCM technology, we focus on the I. We think of ourselves as end users of UltiPro ®. How will this user experience affect the work I do each day? Our UX team has more than 250 years of combined experience. We’re UX Designers, Usability Engineers, Ethnographers, Technical UX Designers, and Visual Designers. First and foremost, we’re people.

What Gen Y Can Teach HR. This year, Generation Y, also known as millennials, became the largest generation in the workforce. Millennials have arrived—with great expectations—and it’s imperative to understand their impact on today’s multi-generational workplace. Ultimate recently partnered with The Center for Generational Kinetics to study Gen Y’s feelings about work. Among the more surprising results from our millennials research: a third think it’s okay to text during an interview, and 34% would quit a job if their boss asked them to quit Facebook.

The Future of HCM Analytics. Analytics aren’t just for statisticians anymore. There’s growing buzz for analytics in HCM. Yet, many HR leaders remain hesitant to embrace them; some citing reservations with Big Data. But research continues to show organizations benefit from using HCM analytics—to help attract, develop, and retain talent, for example—including a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. The idea isn’t to replace people with machines, but to combine their powers: knowledge without bias. For HR leaders embracing analytics in 2016, we predict a more productive year.

A lot crossed the minds of HR professionals this past year, from new concerns over ACA compliance to ongoing challenges with employee engagement. Over the next 12 days, we’ll highlight some of the hottest HCM topics from 2015 and take a look ahead to 2016. The Year of ACA. Throughout 2015, it probably felt as though you couldn’t go a day without hearing, “ACA.” ” From employee eligibility to forms 1094-C and 1095-C, the ACA has been on the minds of many in HR—and all of us at Ultimate. We’re committed to helping our customers remain proactive with ACA compliance.

With November 30th marking the annual Computer Security Day , now is a great time to review some of the best practices for keeping your sensitive information secure at work and in your personal life. Computer Security Day is a great reminder to lock away your sensitive information. Here are six simple steps you can take to help keep your data safe: Beware of Phishing. Phishing takes many forms, and it’s everywhere. Watch for unsolicited messages prompting you to login, reset your account, or take similar action. Remember: If it looks fishy, it’s probably phishing. Use Secure Wi-Fi. amb.”.

The Affordable Care Act’s Excise Tax is coming January 1st, 2018, and applies to all employers—including small businesses, tax-exempt organizations and government entities. It may seem as though 2018 is a long way off, but it’s never too early to begin planning for your organization’s compliance needs. Some estimates indicate that as many as 60% of employers could be subject to this tax, which is sometimes referred to as the “Cadillac tax” since it targets high-cost health coverage, unless they make changes to their plans before it goes into effect. For example.

Whether in the workplace as an employee or shopping online as a consumer, we all expect a convenient, unobtrusive, and simple experience with technology. With respect to HR technology, that means leveraging all-in-one solutions that not only help us to streamline complex or time-consuming tasks, but also present us with meaningful data to make better, more informed decisions. Eastern time. preview of spending trends for 2016, as well as key drivers for investment in HCM. The complimentary webcast will conclude with an interactive Q&A session. Technology Cecile Alper-Leroux

Betty Whitten was one of my first college professors. I was enrolled in the Management program at the University of Georgia, and she taught Business Statistics. My journey to get credit for her class is worth sharing. Dr. Whitten’s class was limited to 60 enrollees, and I was number 62. Each day, I would ask her if anyone dropped the class—but, each day, I got the same negative answer. She warned me that, once a certain point in the semester hit, if I wasn’t enrolled, she wouldn’t be able to give me credit for the class. She was a game changer in my life. I am forever grateful for her.

October is here and, not only does it signal the contemplative fall season, for us at Ultimate Software, it means the exciting HR Technology Conference & Expo is just around the corner! Held this year October 18–21 in Las Vegas, HR Tech is packed with panel discussions and special events that delve into current trends and best practices, while providing an expert glimpse into the future. It’s also a prime chance to reconnect and network with professionals from all sectors of the HCM industry. Here’s a look at where you’ll find Ultimate during HR Tech: Monday, October 19.

I am often asked by colleagues, both inside and outside of Ultimate Software, about our “global” customers. The inquiries vary from understanding the nature of Ultimate’s global expansion and local capabilities to understanding more about the framework and challenges of a global organization. generally ask a few clarifying questions—because, the truth is, all global organizations are not the same! We simply cannot lump multinational organizations together when their talent, HR technology, and business needs can vary so dramatically. Consolidated People Reporting Worldwide.

For the second consecutive year, Ultimate Software is ranked in the top 10 on Forbes magazine’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Growth Companies , this year earning the #7 spot. We are honored to be included on this list, because we recognize the power of innovation and appreciate the validation of this important company value. We have been in the business of serving people for 25 years. Throughout this time, our customers have progressed, new needs have emerged, and industry trends have changed— and Ultimate Software has evolved. This evolution has supported our company’s growth strategy.

Ultimate Software began 25 years ago with a mission of creating the industry’s best HR software—because we believe people are the heart of every organization. That’s why we always put people first. Our people-first philosophy permeates our culture to its core, drives the strategy behind our product design, and serves as the foundation for our customer relationships. We pride ourselves in offering unparalleled service to each and every one of the more than 2,800 organizations, with employees in 160 countries, using our award-winning cloud solution, UltiPro ®. states.

By Colin McLetchie. Colin is the Founder and President of Five Ways Forward, LLC , a leadership & life coaching and HR & Organizational Consulting Firm in Arlington, VA. He is a dynamic and powerful coach, speaker and facilitator, bringing passion, deep insight and his unique compassionate challenge as he helps individuals, managers, executives, teams and organizations move forward to success at work and in life. Find out more at www.fivewaysforward.com   or   [email protected]. Ok, a bit before my time, but not outside the realm of my knowledge. DO IT. DOOOOOO IT!!!”

Having entered the predictive analytics space three years ago, Ultimate Software has seen HR teams start to rely on these important metrics for taking action in their organizations. Predictive analytics are good for people and good for business. In fact, according to Bersin by Deloitte, “The few companies already applying Big Data to HR are reaping rewards, with HR teams four times more likely to be respected by their business counterparts for data-driven decisions.”. In other cases, these actions could be more extreme: org changes, promotions, special projects, or even relocation.

We at Ultimate Software are proud to announce that our Founder, President, and CEO, Scott Scherr, is among the Highest-Rated CEOs on Glassdoor for 2015 ! Each year, the online jobs and careers marketplace lists the top leaders from companies across North America and Europe. Results are based solely on candid feedback from current and former employees, who report on topics such as job satisfaction, work environment, and company culture. Scott founded Ultimate 25 years ago on a simple, but vital, principle: People First. This is far more than a catchy company slogan or tagline. And they are.

Healthcare reform is here, and more is coming soon. With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act kicking into full swing, now is the time to ensure that your organization is 100% compliant and ready. At Ultimate, we’re harnessing our expertise and adaptability to provide businesses with the tools they need to face any challenges that pop up along the way. These changes to the landscape are complex, and will involve many different areas of your organization. Companies that exhibit a good faith effort in 2015 to meet these reporting requirements will not be penalized. million). million).

We need to chat about our engagement. No, not the kind announced on Facebook. Employee engagement in the workplace. Only about a third of American workers consider themselves engaged, according to Gallup, and an alarming number (17.5%) have decided to spend their working hours actively disengaged. That’s the bad news. The good news is these numbers have actually improved. The better news is we can continue to spark positive change, if we band together. major way to improve employee engagement is by vowing to wow new hires. It’s akin to how first dates can make or break a relationship.

Wherever you are right now reading this, I’d like you to take a minute and put on your consumer cap. Forget about your current role—manager, employee, parent, partner, friend—for a few moments and picture yourself in customer mode. Imagine you’re at your favorite coffee shop (you may actually be there right now). You just parted with some time and money in exchange for a refreshing beverage. Think about the preceding experience: Did you have to wait in line? Was your order fulfilled promptly, and to your liking? Did the service exceed your expectations? How about the application process?

A colleague recently asked me what I wanted to do in my job, and I answered that “I want to change the world”. We laughed, but then I told him I was completely serious. The reason I joined Ultimate Software three years ago was to pioneer a change in an industry that was ripe for a better way to do things. expected this would be a long and at times, tenuous, journey. Thankfully, Ultimate Software’s customers have had predictive analytics available to them for some time, so we are on the forefront of reinventing HR. These numbers are much too high. Not anymore.

By Colin McLetchie. Colin is the Founder and President of Five Ways Forward, LLC , a leadership & life coaching and HR & Organizational Consulting Firm in Arlington, VA. He is a dynamic and powerful coach, speaker and facilitator, bringing passion, deep insight and his unique compassionate challenge as he helps individuals, managers, executives, teams and organizations move forward to success at work and in life. Find out more at www.fivewaysforward.com   or   [email protected]. It’s everywhere. Everyone is talking about it. And therein lies the problem. It’s not in their heads.

Our annual customer and partner forum, Connections , took place in Las Vegas last month. An inspiring keynote by Simon Sinek; an artistic presentation from Erik Wahl ; a special concert with Grammy-winner Michael Bublé; and plenty of engaging and entertaining Magic—from the NBA-legend-turned-entrepreneur to some surprise on-stage illusions—all made for a memorable week. This year’s event was even more special because of the over 1,800 payroll, HR, and talent professionals who joined us in celebrating Ultimate Software’s milestone 25th anniversary. We look forward to connecting with you in 2016!