HR is a strategic function, and one of the best ways to prove it is by bringing data to the table.

In this episode, host Vanessa Brulotte chats with Dr. Mallory Vachon, Chief Economist at LaborIQ, about how HR professionals can use labor market insights to influence hiring, pay, and retention strategies. 

With broad headlines often missing the full story, Mallory shares why labor data shouldn’t be taken at face value. She explains how to focus on what’s most relevant to your organization and where to find reliable sources. She also offers simple ways for both new and experienced HR pros to start using data more confidently.

Whether you’re a team of one or leading a department, learning how to interpret labor data can help you become the trusted advisor your company needs.

Key takeaways:

• How to interpret labor data and apply it to your org
• Where to find trustworthy data sources
• Why headline statistics can be misleading

Key topics:

(00:00) Introducing Mallory Vachon

(02:48) Becoming a trusted advisor in your org

(05:41) Recommended sources for news and trends 

(10:22) When headlines feel different from reality

(14:18) Interpreting 4% wage growth and what it means for compensation

(17:23) How to practice thought leadership in your org

(19:07) Being cautious in the face of disruption

(22:52) Why generational shifts matter for employers

(24:10) Sharing actionable insights on labor market data

Key links:

Download BambooHR’s “2025 Compensation Benchmarking Report”: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/ebooks/compensation-benchmarking-2025

Subscribe to the HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/

Join the HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw

BambooHR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/

Connect with Mallory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-vachon-phd/

Follow LaborIQ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laboriq

Learn more about LaborIQ Pay Band Manager™: https://laboriq.co/pay-band-manager/