March 2026 | Newsletter Issue 71
The Omnia Insights
Are You Keeping Up with the Latest Workforce Trends?
As AI continues to reshape the workplace, the bigger question is no longer whether to adopt new technology. It is about how to use it to strengthen leadership, improve decision-making, and better support employee growth.
Omnia’s Talent Trends 2026 study explores that shift through five years of data, focused primarily on small and midsize businesses. This year’s findings highlight what matters most right now, from leadership consistency and employee engagement to the growing gap between AI adoption and true talent readiness.
This month, Team Omnia is taking a closer look at the trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for leaders making talent decisions today. Download the Talent Trends 2026 report for the complete findings, then join us on April 21st for a practical webinar on how to apply the findings.
Until next month.
Insights From Our Team
Five Years of Omnia’s Talent Trends: What We’ve Learned and What’s Trending Now
For the past five years, Omnia has tracked the shifts shaping hiring, leadership, and workforce development. The latest data shows a clear pattern: technology may accelerate progress, but people determine its direction.
Jennifer Lucas explores the most important themes emerging from the 2026 data and what they mean for organizations trying to keep pace without losing the human side of work.
Consistency in Leadership Behavior Is Now the Core Driver of Employee Engagement
Leaders may be showing up more visibly, but employees are still looking for consistency, credibility, and follow-through. That gap is shaping engagement, retention, and performance.
Alaina Sims explores why leadership consistency now matters more than programs or perks, and what organizations can do to strengthen trust.
Is Your Leadership Team Ready to Use AI in Talent Decisions?
Managers are the ones hiring, giving feedback, and deciding who gets developed. As AI becomes part of these decisions, leadership readiness matters just as much as the technology itself.
Keather Snyder examines what leaders need to use AI in ways that support sound talent decisions, and shares a practical checklist to help you assess readiness.
The 73% Wake-Up Call: 5 Years of Data Expose the Soft Skills Gap
Critical thinking topped the list of the most important skills needed in 2026, with 73% of talent leaders ranking it above technical skills. At the same time, engagement remained low, and fewer than half of organizations consistently trained managers on interviewing and talent decisions.
Tonya DeVane explores why soft skills gap readiness is now a business risk and what leaders can do to close the gap.
What’s New at Omnia
The Omnia Custom Profile has a new look. As part of our ongoing effort to improve the client experience, we’ve modernized our flagship profile to make it clearer and easier to use, without changing what makes it so valuable.
The update includes thoughtful improvements to how insights are presented, along with new features that enhance usability. See what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how these updates improve the experience.
Client Spotlight
Consolidated Dispatch Agency (CDA)
The Consolidated Dispatch Agency (CDA) was established in 2013 through a partnership between the City of Tallahassee and Leon County to improve and enhance public safety and emergency response within the community. The consolidation of the former public safety answering points at the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office resulted in a single, unified communications center, formalized through an Interlocal Agreement among the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and the Leon County Sheriff.
The CDA is governed by a board composed of the Tallahassee City Manager, the Leon County Administrator, and the Leon County Sheriff. The CDA Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall management of all countywide public safety dispatch services.
Since 2024, the Consolidated Dispatch Agency has leveraged Omnia’s assessment and development tools to strengthen its hiring, leadership, and workforce development practices for Public Safety Communications Operators and leadership staff.
Hiring competent 911 operators is critical to public safety. According to CDA Director David Odom, “These professionals must make quick, accurate decisions under pressure, handle emotionally charged situations, and manage complex information—all in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. Because of the demands of this role, it’s essential to identify candidates who not only have the technical skills but also the cognitive abilities, behavioral traits, and resilience to be successful.”
By utilizing Omnia’s behavioral and cognitive assessments, customized job and cognitive profiles, and one-on-one consultation services, CDA has implemented a more consistent, objective, and data-driven approach to evaluating candidates and supporting employee development. These tools enable CDA to more efficiently identify individuals with the capabilities required for this challenging role, reducing reliance on subjective screening methods and allowing staff to focus time and resources on the most qualified candidates.
Director Odom also noted that CDA’s use of the Omnia Behavioral Assessment for existing team members has helped identify leadership personality styles, increasing self-awareness of individual behavioral and communication preferences. At the same time, this approach strengthens team culture by helping employees better understand and adapt to the styles and preferences of their colleagues. According to Director Odom, “Gaining insight into individual strengths and areas for growth provides CDA with a distinct advantage in professional and leadership development, ultimately enhancing overall team performance.”
The partnership with Omnia extends beyond hiring and leadership development. Omnia provides ongoing resources and support across the entire employee lifecycle. CDA staff have access to professional and leadership development materials, leadership style insights, and training resources. In addition, Omnia offers an online blog, educational webinars, and a dedicated client support representative who is readily available to provide guidance and assistance. This level of support ensures CDA is well-equipped to meet the complex and evolving demands of public safety communications.
According to Employee Services Administrator Mary Nicholson, “By integrating Omnia’s assessments and development tools, we have built a stronger, more capable workforce—one that is prepared to meet the challenges of one of the most critical roles in public safety while fostering a culture of growth, self-awareness, and resilience.”
Upcoming Webinars
Take Away Tuesday
Unlocking the Top 5 Talent Trends of 2026: Never Leaving the Human Behind
Join us for a special webinar as we explore the key insights leaders need in 2026, from stronger talent decisions and leadership consistency to trust, growth, and AI readiness.
You’ll learn how to focus leadership effort where it matters most, strengthen engagement, and use AI in ways that support, not replace human judgment.
🗓️ April 21st, 2026, 12:30-1:30 pm EDT
Partner Webinar Series
Clarity Over Chaos: The Power of Purposeful Leadership
Join us with guest speaker Karla Verdi, leadership development strategist, executive coach, and founder of Elevating Leaders, for a conversation on leading with greater clarity and intention in a fast-moving environment.
You’ll walk away with practical ways to cut through the noise, focus your team on what matters most, and use behavioral insights to coach and lead more effectively.
🗓️ May 12th, 2026, 12:30-1:30 pm EDT
Events Line Up!
- April 9th – 10th – Attending the Florida Bankers Association Women in Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL
- April 10th – Presenting “Communication in a Multi-Generational Workplace” to FAIA’s Young Agents Council Leadership Conference in Ft Lauderdale, FL
- April 16th – Sponsoring the LAAT Luncheon Meeting in Tallahassee, FL
- April 28th – Attending the SHRM HR Tallahassee Day in Tallahassee, FL
- April 29th – Attending the 2026 Agent Brokers United National Insurance Trade Show Convention in Las Vegas, NV
Thanks for reading this far. Please stay connected with us on social media and at the events. See you next month!
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