In celebration of Astron’s 25th anniversary, throughout 2024 Astronology® will be interviewing various team Astron members to get their thoughts on HR matters and the company. This issue of Astronology® is the second of a two-part interview with Astron’s Founding Partners and National Directors, Jennifer Loftus and Michael Maciekowich. You can find part one here: Navigating Changes Over 25 Years of Compensation: Part I
Astronology®: How has the world of compensation changed from Astron’s first days?
Michael Maciekowich: “Currently we are still dealing with the financial impact of COVID and inflation.”
Jennifer Loftus: “The pay transparency movement has also seen a lot of strides recently.”
Michael Maciekowich: “Yes – agree. Pay transparency and fair pay have always been topics in compensation. In recent years, seeing pay transparency become a mandated policy in many states has changed the way employers see compensation. Astron has become busier to assist our clients in navigating these policies and maintaining competitiveness within their markets. We are now teaching our clients how to navigate pay transparency requirements and also remain competiive for talent at the same time.
Additionally, the world of compensation is also navigating how to attract and retain the multigenerational workforce. Leaders are learning the values within other generations and developing strategies to attract and retain diverse talent.”
Facing COVID–19 as a company:
Michael Maciekowich: “COVID–19 has made impact on the work environment. The Astron team pivoted quickly to fully remote. When it was time to return back to the office, we slowly returned to our New York office in a hybrid model. It felt seamless. My travel patterns have changed for sure. I used to do more in-person meetings across the country. Now a lot of my meetings are remote.”
Jennifer Loftus: “Yes, as a company we quickly learned and adapted. But our clients also had to learn and adapt. The world was changing.”
Astronology®: What was your biggest highlight within the last ten years?
Michael Maciekowich: “I think the recent work climate of the hybrid work environment, and making it to 25 years.”
Jennifer Loftus: “Agreed. In addition, our clientele has grown significantly over the last 10 years. We are now in all the US time zones. Also, all the unique projects we’ve taken on over the years.”
Thank you for reading! We’re excited for the next 25 years of, “Unique, Affordable, and Friendly Astron Service!”
What’s your favorite Astron memory? Please share in the comments below!