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Welcome to Strategic Workplace Solutions

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My name is Shawna Whitlock, and I am a Human Resources and Labor Relations professional with over 30 years of experience supporting sales, manufacturing, delivery, media, and content creation disciplines.  I have partnered collaboratively with business leaders at all levels as the HR subject matter expert to deliver strategic solutions aligning HR platforms with business initiatives and employee engagement.  Known as a trusted leader with excellent written and verbal communication skills, I am committed to successful business operations through maximizing the employee experience.  SWS believes in an honest direct approach to fulfilling business initiatives through fair and consistent execution of HR driven strategies. 

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SWS offers full service strategic solutions to continually drive optimal results. I can offer support and solid guidance for all functions of human relations in both non-union and union settings in companies of various sizes and management composition by leveraging my experience in areas of performance management, employee engagement, compliance, leadership training, labor union relations/ negotiations, compensation analysis, crisis management, organizational change through rightsizing/realignment and general consulting.

My demonstrated competencies:

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Performance Management

  • Salary & Benefit Programs

  • Training & Development

  • Restructuring

  • Employee Relations

  • Talent Acquisition

  • Collective Bargaining

  • Change Management

  • Litigation Avoidance

  • Employee Experience

  • Wellness Programs

My accomplishments:

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  • Restructured sister business units of AmeriMark Interactive in New Jersey and Cleveland to downsize existing staff and re-align positions across both operations creating greater efficiencies and lower costs. 

  • Served on the executive committee of AmeriMark Interactive with the CEO to lead the entire organization through the Covid-19 pandemic response and action steps to successfully ensure safety, compliance, and continued business initiatives.

  • Designed and implemented multiple senior leadership development programs within different companies resulting in improved communication, collaboration, and peer confidence. 

  • Managed the closure of a major newspaper production facility, including design and distribution of severance packages for displaced employees creating significant cost savings. 

  • Managed all talent acquisition, hiring, on-boarding, and training of over 140 new employees at the launch of NEOMG start-up company (Advance Local) in 2013.

  • Member of three-person collective bargaining committee at The Plain Dealer responsible for negotiating unprecedented 10-year contracts involving three unions and nine separate bargaining units and negotiated wage concessions and furlough programs mid-term.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skill set could help advance the goals of your company as well as help the employees to achieve success and growth. 

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