Contingency Approach in Management

HR Trends: Evolution of HR Roles

The traditional HR focus on people alone is shifting toward managing all value creators. HR is now expected to coordinate people and technology inside organisations, creating an integrated “value-creator matrix”. This shift is driven by technology adoption, changing organisational structures, and the need for HR to support strategic goals rather than just administrative tasks. HR teams face the challenge of balancing human needs with technology adoption while ensuring unified experiences and risk control. Read more.

HR Insights: Contingency Approach in Management

The contingency approach says there is no single best way to lead. Effective leaders adjust their style depending on the people, task, and situation. For example, new staff might need direct guidance, while experienced teams benefit from delegation. This approach helps leaders respond to team dynamics, project urgency, and individual strengths, leading to better outcomes and stronger engagement. Read more.

Protect against rising vet costs with pet insurance

The cost of veterinary services has been rising recently, with some common surgical procedures costing up to $7,000. Pet insurance can help cover accidents, illnesses, and even routine care, with some plans reimbursing up to 90% of costs. Our Best Pet Insurance list can help you find affordable coverage starting at just $10 a month so you can focus on what matters most – your furry friend's well-being. Our Best Pet Insurance list can help you find affordable coverage starting at just $10 a month so you can focus on what matters most – your furry friend's well-being.

HR Tips and Tricks

Tip: Use small cross-training projects to build broader team skills. This helps reduce skill gaps and improves flexibility in assignments without a full upskilling program.

Trick: Create a simple 90-day “role rotation” checklist for new hires to experience at least two related functions. This reveals hidden strengths and helps refine job descriptions for future roles.

HR Case Files: Emotional Discomfort vs. Discrimination

In a Canadian human rights case, a tribunal ruled that employer conduct that caused emotional discomfort did not amount to discrimination where the outcome did not show substantive disadvantage tied to a protected ground. The law requires proof that adverse treatment was connected to a protected characteristic and had an actual negative impact. The decision clarifies that reasonable accommodation meets legal requirements even if not perfect. Read more.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional distress alone may not meet legal standards for discrimination.

• Employers must provide reasonable, not ideal, accommodation.

• Proof of adverse impact is critical for claims under a human rights code.

HR Toolkit

Resources

Hiring tech talent is a long-term challenge. Many organizations struggle because skills are changing fast and job requirements are unclear, making hiring slower and less effective. Employers are strengthening employer branding, using skills-based screening rather than traditional credentials, and building talent pipelines rather than hiring only when a need arises. Continuous recruitment and clear job expectations help expand candidate pools and reduce time-to-hire. Know more.

Events

The HR and Organizational Development Council Conference runs April 27-30, 2026, in Newport Beach, California, focused on HR and organisational development for credit union professionals. The in-person event includes peer sessions on leadership, employee engagement, culture, learning, and strategic growth. There are opportunities for networking, practical tools and discussions on new HR approaches. Scholarships are available for eligible attendees.

Click here to be a part of this event.

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