Business Environment

Surge in Employment Verification Discrepancies Highlights Growing Focus on Trust and Transparency in Hiring: Report

As companies increasingly prioritise trust and transparency in their hiring processes, the demand for rigorous employment verification continues to grow. Reflecting this trend, AuthBridge - a leading provider of digital-first background verification and authentication solutions across workforce management, customer onboarding, and third-party business verifications, reported a notable 44% spike in employment verification discrepancies across six major sectors, as revealed in its latest Annual Trends Report 2024. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of discrepancy trends across various sectors, providing valuable insights from FY2021 to FY2024. It highlights key developments that are shaping talent acquisition, risk management, and operational efficiency in response to economic uncertainties, changing work environments, and the rising threat of identity fraud. The report draws from millions of background checks conducted during this period and presents crucial sector-specific insights. It explores the growing adoption of digital verification methods and addresses emerging challenges like moonlighting and AI-powered checks, offering actionable intelligence for businesses looking to navigate today’s complex verification landscape. By examining discrepancy rates across industries, the report sheds light on how organizations can mitigate risks and refine their talent acquisition strategies. Commenting on the release of the report, Ajay Trehan, CEO of AuthBridge, said, “As industries rapidly adopt digital-first strategies, the need for secure, reliable, and scalable verification solutions has become essential for maintaining trust and operational resilience. Organisations across sectors are facing an increasingly complex environment where workforce integrity and data security are paramount. Key findings from the report include significant discrepancies across various sectors. For instance, the telecom sector witnessed a sharp rise in discrepancy rates, reaching 18.2%, highlighting the increased vulnerability to identity fraud. In the BFSI sector, discrepancy rates climbed to 10.4%, indicating growing challenges in employment verification as financial institutions continue to face risks related to falsified credentials. The pharma sector saw a 50% increase in discrepancy rates since FY2021, reaching 17.1%,reflecting a surge in fraudulent qualifications. While the FMCG industry showed an overall decline in discrepancies, e-commerce—representing 17% of FMCG consumption—faced increasing verification demands, particularly with the rise of gig workers. The IT and ITES sectors, despite a 9.8% drop in discrepancy rates compared to FY2021, continue to grapple with issues related to falsified credentials, with employment and education discrepancies. standing at 10.2%. Additionally, the gig economy, set to reach 25 million workers in India by 2030, saw a 12.5% discrepancy rate in verifications, underscoring the need for thorough screening in high-demand sectors like logistics, e-commerce, and last-mile delivery. The report also highlights advancements in technology, including the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms, which have significantly improved the speed and accuracy of background verification processes. AuthBridge’s proprietary solutions, such as digital address verification with real- time GPS triangulation, have greatly reduced turnaround times and improved verification accuracy.Moreover, continuous monitoring and seamless integration with HR technology platforms have enhanced operational efficiency, allowing businesses to conduct 100% digital background checks in many cases.

Calluna Pharma appoints Mark Gaffney as Chief Executive Officer

Calluna Pharma AS (Calluna), a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering first-in-class antibodies to treat inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, announced the appointments of Mark Gaffney as Chief Executive Officer and Mark Altmeyer as Chair of the Board. Alongside these appointments, John Montana, who has been acting as the Company's interim CEO, will return to his role as an Operating Partner at Forbion. Gaffney brings over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, business development, and operations in both private and public biotechnology companies, and will lead the team that defines and executes on the corporate strategy, particularly as its lead program is on pace to complete its Phase 1 program later this year. Prior to Calluna, Gaffney was CEO of Oxular Limited, a company developing novel drug delivery and formulation technologies to treat retinal disorders, where he remains a strategic advisor and member of the Board. Before joining Oxular, he served as Chief Business Officer and later as Chief Operating Officer at Vedere Bio, a company focused on developing next-generation ocular gene therapies, which was acquired by Novartis in late 2020. Gaffney has held corporate development and operational positions at Cyclerion Therapeutics and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and holds a degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University. Mark Gaffney, Chief Executive Officer of Calluna Pharma, said: “It has been a rapid and impressive start to our journey as Calluna Pharma following joining forces of Oxitope Pharma and Arxx Therapeutics, two key players in the innate immunology space. I am delighted to join the team at such an exciting stage with Calluna’s lead candidate, CAL101, completing its Phase 1 program this year, and with the other programs in our pipeline demonstrating such promise. I look forward to working with Mark Altmeyer, the other members of our Board and the team as we continue to progress Calluna’s programs to make treatments for fibrotic and inflammatory diseases a reality.”

START's Amita Patnaik, MD, FRCPC: One of PharmaVoice's 100 Most Inspiring Leaders of 2024

The START Center for Cancer Research ("START") proudly announces that Amita Patnaik, MD, FRCPC, has been named to the prestigious PharmaVoice 100 list as a "Cancer Care Visionary." This annual award celebrates inspiring individuals in life sciences who are making a profound impact on the field and driving advancements in patient care. "We're incredibly proud of Dr. Patnaik's recognition as a Cancer Care Visionary," said Nick Slack, Chairman & CEO of START. "Her work exemplifies the best of community-based oncology research, demonstrating how novel therapies can reach the patients who need them most. Dr. Patnaik's expertise and leadership have also made her a trusted partner to leading pharmaceutical companies, advancing some of the most cutting-edge therapies in cancer treatment. At START, leaders like Dr. Patnaik are at the forefront of ensuring patients receive not just access to treatment, but real hope." PharmaVoice 100 honorees are selected from nominations submitted by colleagues and peers, and are celebrated for their passion, perseverance, and pioneering contributions. Dr. Patnaik's dedication to oncology research has been instrumental in advancing clinical trial opportunities within community settings, providing access to innovative therapies where it matters most. "I'm deeply honored to be recognized among this year's PharmaVoice 100," said Dr. Patnaik. "My work at START is driven by the belief that every patient deserves access to cutting-edge treatments, regardless of where they live. Community-based clinical research not only brings trials closer to home, but it ensures we are tackling cancer's toughest challenges with the best tools available." Amita Patnaik, MD, FRCPC, is an internationally recognized medical oncologist and co-founder of The START Center for Cancer Research. As co-director of Clinical Research at START, she has pioneered the development of over 25 new FDA-approved anticancer drugs and currently leads over 60 early-phase trials. Dr. Patnaik's commitment to bringing innovative therapies to patients in community settings, where most cancer care is delivered, is unmatched. Having experienced the cancer journey through a deeply personal lens, she tirelessly advocates for breaking down barriers to trial accessibility, making a profound impact on oncology research and patient care worldwide. "These honorees are inspirations. Their teams look to them for guidance, their patients for support, and their organizations for direction. Each winner represents progress toward a healthier future for everyone that is bolstered by science and technological advancements. We are excited to recognize their contributions through this annual list," said Meagan Parrish, lead editor of PharmaVoice.

Viatris Named to Forbes' Annual List of the World's Best Employers for the Fourth Year in a Row

Viatris Inc., a global healthcare company, today announced that it has been named to Forbes' list of World's Best Employers 2024. This is the fourth year in a row that Viatris has received this recognition, which is presented by Forbes and Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. "Our colleagues' passion for and commitment to their work, the patients we serve and our mission of empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life has made this recognition possible," said Andrew Enrietti, Chief People Officer, Viatris. "Being named by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers demonstrates our focus on our people and our strong culture – one that prioritizes well-being, promotes inclusivity and diversity, offers growth opportunities, and ensures a healthy work-life balance." The World's Best Employers for 2024 were selected through an independent survey encompassing a vast sample of over 300,000 participants across 50 different countries. Respondents from around the world gave their "willingness to recommend" their employer on a scale from 1 to 10 and, in addition, had the opportunity to review their company across various aspects of employment. Respondents also had the opportunity to review recent and previous employers. Finally, participants were given the chance to provide their public perception of other employers active within their country and industry. Overall, the award reinforces a company's reputation for providing excellent opportunities for their employees and being among the best places to work in the world.

Cross Country Survey Reveals Digital Workforce Solutions as Key to Overcoming Healthcare Staffing Crisis

Cross Country Healthcare, a leading provider of workforce solutions and tech-enabled staffing, recruitment, and advisory services, has unveiled a comprehensive survey underscoring the critical need for healthcare providers to embrace digital solutions to tackle the unprecedented and ongoing staffing challenges. In partnership with the industry publication Healthcare Innovation, the survey "Transforming Healthcare: Strategies for Building a Resilient and Adaptive Workforce," captures insights from healthcare leaders across the United States, delving into the critical issues of staff shortages, burnout, and the transformative potential of technology-driven workforce management strategies. John A. Martins, President & CEO of Cross Country, said: “The future of healthcare staffing lies in embracing whole-house technologies that elevate operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security. By integrating advanced digital platforms, we can unify every aspect of workforce management, providing real-time data insights that drive smarter decision-making. This transformation is not just about filling positions—it's about building a resilient, adaptive workforce that positions healthcare providers to thrive in an increasingly complex environment. At Cross Country, we're leading this evolution, empowering healthcare systems to operate at their highest potential." Key Findings: Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents expressed concern over high turnover and burnout. Integrated technology solutions are crucial to help fill positions and enhance quality care through efficient staff management. A striking 38% of respondents spend over 20 hours a week on recruiting, while 13% dedicate the same amount to compliance-related tasks. Streamlining these administrative tasks through automation and integrated systems is vital for improving efficiency. Digital staffing solutions like AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics emerged as critical for controlling healthcare costs and optimizing resources, offering a path to more sustainable healthcare operations. The survey underscores the ineffectiveness of fragmented staffing methods, advocating for integrated digital platforms that streamline workforce management across all facets—from recruitment and onboarding to scheduling and retention. Respondents highlighted the need for real-time staffing updates, access to accurate candidate data, and automated onboarding processes as part of their digital “wish list.” These desires reflect a pressing need for intuitive, integrated tools capable of real-time data processing. Ninety-one percent of respondents found scheduling and staff planning tools to be very or somewhat helpful, indicating the significant role digital solutions can play in workforce optimization. While 40% of respondents cited implementation difficulties and 33% noted financial constraints as barriers to implementation, nearly half agreed that vendor management systems could streamline workforce management once fully integrated. Martins further commented: "Staff shortages and burnout are at a crisis point, threatening the quality of care and the well-being of our healthcare professionals. Technology isn't just a solution—it's a lifeline. By implementing advanced digital platforms, we can streamline staffing processes, alleviate administrative burdens, and create more flexible, supportive work environments. This approach allows healthcare providers to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional patient care. Cross Country is dedicated to supporting our partners in this critical transformation, ensuring they have the tools to build a more resilient and compassionate workforce."

Johnson & Johnson Announces Collaborative Effort with USAID to Strengthen the Health Workforce Across Latin America

Johnson & Johnson announced a collaborative effort with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Foundation to expand support for health workers across Latin America and the Caribbean. The announcement took place during a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). “Health workers—especially nurses and community health workers—are the backbone of our health systems, but in many places, workforces are strained and face challenges delivering care in their communities,” said Vanessa Broadhurst, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Johnson & Johnson. “Through these efforts, we can empower health workers with the career support and training needed to strengthen health systems and close the gap between communities and care.” Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the collaborative effort will leverage the strengths of both organizations to improve health worker training and reach, create career opportunities that support a diverse health workforce, and help strengthen institutions to better meet the needs of their communities. Through these approaches, the work will help expand the skilled health workforce to better deliver quality health care across the region, starting in Brazil and Colombia. The joint commitment will advance the efforts of the Americas Health Corps (AHC), which was launched by the U.S. Government and PAHO in 2022 as a direct response to the shortage of health workers in the region, exacerbated by mass resignations and outmigration during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it has trained 236,000 healthcare workers in 22 countries. “Establishing a strong and well-trained workforce is the foundation of our work to increase access to equitable care and protect communities from health threats,” said Atul Gawande, Assistant Administrator, Global Health, USAID. “Leveraging the reach, strength and expertise of collaborators including Johnson & Johnson and the J&J Foundation, we can help grow and strengthen a workforce that is equipped to support healthier communities.” Across Latin America and the Caribbean, there is a shortage of health workers, leaving many communities without access to essential health services.i This impact is especially acute among community health workers who are often from the very communities they serve and understand the cultural needs and nuances to bring people into care. “We are incredibly proud to collaborate with USAID and the J&J Foundation in Latin America,” said Bruno Costa Gabriel, International Vice President, Latin America, Johnson & Johnson. “Working together, we aim to increase the capabilities of health workers in our region so that ultimately patients can receive better care.”

Scout Appoints Moisha Platto as Chief Executive Officer

Scout, a leader in services and technology for the biopharmaceutical industry, announces the appointment of Moisha Platto as Chief Executive Officer. Platto succeeds Paige Bingham, who transitions to Executive Chairman of the Board, continuing the legacy initiated by her mother, founder Patricia "Pat" Bingham. "I'm honored to lead Scout into its next chapter, building upon its rich heritage while focusing on cutting-edge solutions," stated Platto. "Our commitment to innovation and excellence will drive us forward." Platto joined Scout as a Strategic Advisor in 2021, assuming the role of COO in 2023. His experience includes serving as CEO and Co-founder of Omniphase, where he developed operational and financial solutions for life sciences organizations, and Chief Commercial Officer of PRA Health Sciences, leading commercial affairs and corporate development. His experience equipped him with insight and leadership skills he now brings to Scout. He has played an instrumental role in optimizing operations and supporting Scout's 2024 rebranding from Meeting Protocol Worldwide. His initiatives have enhanced the company's ability to serve core users, promoting financial discipline and modernization. Former CEO Paige Bingham is confident in the transition. "Moisha's strategic vision and dedication to fostering high-performing teams make him the ideal leader to continue Scout's mission of delivering exceptional client services. Our family's legacy thrives with his guidance." Reflecting on the company's journey, founder Pat Bingham remarked, "It's incredibly rewarding to witness the enduring legacy of our family-owned business. Scout will continue to innovate and serve with the utmost care." Brett Bingham and Brian Bingham remain integral to Scout's leadership as Board Member and Vice President, Contracts & Sourcing, respectively, underscoring the family's ongoing commitment to the company's success. Blending its storied history with future-forward strategies, Scout remains dedicated to empowering sites and patients.

Paradigm Named to Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care 2024 List by Great Place to Work

Paradigm, the industry leader in improving the lives of people with complex injuries and diagnoses, has announced that Great Place to Work has honored the company as one of Fortune's Best Workplaces in Health Care 2024. This is Paradigm's third consecutive year on the highly competitive list. The organization has once again secured a spot in the top 20, ranking at number 18. This achievement reflects Paradigm's unwavering commitment to consistently provide a positive, inclusive, and supportive employee-centric culture. The Best Workplaces in Health Care award is based on an analysis of survey responses from 185,000 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations in the health care industry. In that survey, 89% of Paradigm's employees said Paradigm is a great place to work, significantly higher than the average U.S. company's employee approval rating of 57%. "It is a tremendous honor to be recognized once again as a best workplace in health care by Great Place to Work and Fortune," said John S. Watts Jr., CEO, Paradigm. "We have always viewed ourselves as a health care organization with a mission of helping as many people as possible, and achieving the best possible outcomes for our injured workers and patients is only possible because of the remarkable employees we have at Paradigm. This accolade is a testament to their dedication, passion, and compassion." The Best Workplaces in Health Care list is highly competitive. The global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work compiled the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Companies were only considered if they were a Great Place to Work-Certified organization, a designation that Paradigm received earlier this year. "Being a Best Workplace in Health Care means instilling a passionate commitment to collaboration, growth, empowerment, and support into every part of our organization," said Karen Jones, Chief Human Resources Officer at Paradigm. "I am extremely proud of our amazing team, and achieving this honor is not possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees. At Paradigm, everything we do is about improving lives, and I believe our people-centric culture enables us to attract and retain top talent and ultimately make a positive impact on everyone we serve."

Axtria Recognized for Excellence in AI with a Minsky Award at Cypher 2024

Axtria Inc., a global leader in cloud software and data analytics for the life sciences industry, was recognized as the Leading AI Service Provider at the Minsky Awards, part of Cypher 2024. The award, presented during yesterday's Gala reception on the second day of Cypher, recognizes Axtria's groundbreaking achievements in leveraging artificial intelligence, data science, and analytics to drive innovation and operational efficiency within the life sciences sector. Held from September 25-27 in Bengaluru, India, Cypher is a flagship conference organized by AIM (Analytics India Magazine). The Minsky Awards at Cypher are the most prestigious AI awards in the country, given out exclusively at the company or organization level. These awards are dedicated to recognizing excellence in AI, showcasing the very best in innovation and application of artificial intelligence. "The recognition at the Minsky Awards reflects Axtria's relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI and analytics in the life sciences industry. We are proud to be at the forefront of transforming how life sciences companies leverage data to drive better patient outcomes and business efficiencies," said Manish Mittal, Managing Principal and Country Head of India at Axtria. In addition to earning a Minsky Award, on day one of Cypher 2024, Shikha Singhal, Principal of Data Science at Axtria, moderated a panel discussion titled "Two Years of Generative AI: Evaluating the Hype and Reality." The session explored the evolution and impact of generative AI, shedding light on its role in the future of life sciences and healthcare.

Eightfold AI Launches Talent Design to Address Rapidly Evolving Skill Needs in Today's Workforce

Eightfold AI, the leader in Gen AI talent intelligence, announced the availability of Eightfold Talent Design. In today's work environment, critical skills emerge rapidly, and existing ones quickly become obsolete. Many current and legacy HR systems do not possess the scale or power to track and adapt to these changes, relying on manual and often inaccurate input to track skill evolution. However, recent advances in artificial intelligence, including Gen AI, have made it possible to identify and close skill gaps in any industry. "Talent Design gets everyone in your organization facing the same direction – forward. Thriving businesses must be able to stay agile and upskill themselves as their goals change, and employees are seeking a path to take control of their careers," said Chano Fernandez, Co-CEO of Eightfold AI. "It is only through advances in artificial intelligence that it is possible to identify and solve for critical skill gaps across your entire organization. Deep visibility into your workforce's current capability and future growth is a powerful and valuable differentiator for our customers." Talent Design is a new approach to understanding, developing and deploying the skills of the workforce. Now, business leaders can attain a complete understanding of their team's skills as they evolve, as well as unify, design, and standardize a common skills vocabulary in their organization. Using a dynamic self-learning framework and real-time market insights, Talent Design identifies skill gaps and updates existing roles with new suggested skills based on company, industry, and overall market skills trends and prevalence. As a result, every organization using Eightfold Talent Design benefits from a skills-first approach that encourages the discovery of critical skills, aligns them with business requirements, and gives employees and managers alike the agility to adapt and future-proof themselves. For the first time, organizations can use skill design, role design, and market insights to bring the following capabilities to their team: Use the power of Gen AI to efficiently manage a skills catalog to discover and identify new and rising skills within any industry. Update roles automatically with the latest skills based on hiring history and employee profiles, ensuring role descriptions remain accurate and relevant. Analyze internal and external insights to view trends, market prevalence, and identify opportunities for hiring, upskilling, and reskilling. Boost talent potential and performance by closing the skills gap and creating a skills-centric role architecture aligned with market insights. Calibrate open positions in a role library with relevant skills and in-demand competencies to reflect the skills and experience needed for each role. Design resilient and adaptable roles that anticipate market shifts and equip your workforce with the skills that will meet the needs of tomorrow.