Letter from the Editor

^{Alan Bernstein, SHRM-SCP Council Secretary, SHRM Florida State Council}

March 2026 Edition

March always feels like a turning point. The first quarter is nearly behind us, goals are in motion, and organizations are beginning to see where plans are working — and where adjustments may be needed. For HR professionals, this is a powerful time to pause and focus on one of the most important drivers of organizational success: employee engagement and retention.

Across industries, we continue to see evolving expectations around flexibility, career development, workplace culture, and total rewards. Employees are asking thoughtful questions: Do I feel valued? Do I see a future here? Does my work matter? As HR leaders, we are uniquely positioned to help organizations answer those questions with clarity and intention.

March is an ideal time to revisit workforce planning strategies. Are hiring plans aligned with business growth projections? Are compensation structures competitive in today’s market? Are managers equipped with the tools they need to lead effectively? HR’s role is not only administrative — it is strategic. The work we do directly influences morale, productivity, and long-term organizational stability.

As we move further into 2026, let’s recommit to fostering workplaces where employees feel heard, supported, and inspired. Engagement is not built through grand gestures; it is cultivated through consistent, intentional leadership and thoughtful HR practices.

Thank you for the work you do every day to elevate our profession and strengthen your organizations. Here’s to a productive and purposeful March.

Warm regards,

Alan Bernstein, SHRM-SCP
Council Secretary, SHRM Florida State Council

Alan serves on the Executive Committee of SHRM Florida State Council as Council Secretary. He is a Board Member of LEAD Brevard, past president of the Space Coast Human Resources Association, and teaches the HR Certification preparation class for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP at Eastern Florida State College. Additionally, he has been voted Best Consultant on the Space Coast, HR Florida Volunteer of the Year, and Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. Alan is active with his local community and provides free resume writing and job search seminars to local non-profits virtually and in-person.