Posts By Candace Thorson

NJ Makes Applying for Unemployment Benefits Easier

In New Jersey, officials are finding ways to make the unemployment benefits system clearer, more seamless and more compassionate. It’s the result of thoughtful, agile, evidence-based modernization.

Conversations With CXOs: Nathan Tierney

Nathan Tierney is the Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer for the Office of Information Technology (OIT) in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A veteran of the Army Special Forces, roughly five years in private sector leadership roles and author of books on health care value management, here are some lessons he’s learned about… Read more »

Travis County Makes Audits Less Taxing

Travis County, Texas, is legally required to audit its property tax refunds, but a heavier workload (and no additional resources) made that increasingly difficult β€” until the auditor’s office implemented a new automated analytics tool, that is. Processing time has plummeted by 91%, among other dramatic achievements.

Where Data Can Take You

Both qualitative data (what people think and feel) and quantitative data (what you can measure and count) can shed light on employees’ experiences on the job. An innovative team in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is collecting and analyzing both types of information to help make the VA an even more welcoming place to… Read more »

The Case for Accessible Communications Technology

Collaborative technology has erased physical barriers that once made it difficult to meet face-to-face and work on documents simultaneously. But disabled employees and other workers often need special accommodations β€” closed captioning, for instance β€” that allows them to access modern communications technology.