Elaina Norlin |
University Libraries and the Department of Library & Information Science in the School of Education co-sponsored the Spring Diversity Speaker Series earlier this semester. The series featured Elaina Norlin, program coordinator for professional development at the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), and Dr. Channelle James, lecturer in the Bryan School of Business and Economics at UNCG.
Norlin’s presentation focused on how Fortune 500 companies are engaging the workforce to recruit and retain top talent. Statistics show that 43% of younger workers envision leaving their jobs within two years, while only 28% seek to stay beyond five years. While companies attempt to adjust their engagement strategies with employees to meet these needs, they hope to retain top talent for longer time periods. Additionally, the majority of companies aim to create a healthy workplace culture and place employee engagement at the top of their priority list.
Dr. Channelle James |
Dr. Channelle James, a lecturer in the Bryan School of Business and Economics, presented on “Signs of Community: What Happens When We Start Getting Real about our Relationships at Work” in March. James has worked on issues of diversity and entrepreneurship for more than 25 years and has often worked with marginalized communities. She believes that understanding diversity is the cornerstone of community development. Through her academic articles and book chapters, she has highlighted how entrepreneurship can transform communities through the development of social-based enterprises.
For more information about the Spring Diversity Speaker Series, contact Gerald Holmes, associate professor and diversity coordinator at gvholmes@uncg.edu .
Written by Holly C. Shields
Image courtesy of Elaina Norlin
Image courtesy of the Bryan School of Business and Economics