Connect with us

Technology

Sift Launches Org Planning to Help HR Leaders Navigate AI Workforce Disruption, Restructuring, and Skills-Based Organization Design

Published

on

As organizations face simultaneous pressure from AI-driven role transformation, M&A acceleration, and the shift to skills-based workforce design, Sift’s new planning capability gives people leaders the intelligence they need to design their org around actual skills, experience, and expertise — not just titles and headcount.

DETROIT, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sift, the people intelligence platform that gives organizations clearer visibility into their workforce through org charts and employee directories, today announced the launch of Sift Org Planning. The new capability lets HR leaders and business leaders build, compare, and share proposed org structures, starting from current, HRIS-synced data, before committing to a change.

“HR teams have always had to leave their org chart to plan the future of their org. Sift Org Planning closes that gap by turning the org chart itself into a shared canvas where leaders can see the impact of every decision together before anything is announced.” — Larry Angeli, CEO, Sift

Three forces are reshaping how organizations are designed in 2026. Artificial intelligence is eliminating and transforming roles faster than traditional job structures can accommodate — and many HR leaders don’t have a clear enough picture of what their people can actually do to make confident redeployment decisions. M&A deal volume is accelerating, and the window between deal close and integration pressure is shrinking. And leading HR organizations have stopped planning their workforces around job titles and headcount, turning instead to skills and capabilities as the primary unit of organizational design.

These forces share a common gap: the tools HR teams use to plan their organizations weren’t built for how this work actually happens. Reorgs are modeled in PowerPoint slides that go stale the moment someone changes teams. Integration scenarios are built in spreadsheets disconnected from the HR systems of record. Skills-based planning requires data that lives in multiple systems and a team of analysts to assemble into something actionable.

“HR teams have always had to leave their org chart to plan the future of their org. Sift Org Planning closes that gap — not by adding another workflow tool, but by turning the org chart itself into a shared canvas where HR leaders and business leaders can design around capability, not just structure, and see the impact of every decision together before anything is announced.” — Larry Angeli, CEO, Sift

Designed for the Way Reorgs Actually Happen

Every Scenario starts from a copy of your current org chart, kept separate from your live org chart, so plans are built on current data rather than a static export. Capabilities include:

Scenario Management — Create multiple Scenarios from existing org data or a blank canvas, and share or co-edit them with key collaborators.Drag-and-Drop Editor — Move employees and positions across the org chart directly; people and positions move together.Create New Nodes — Add net-new positions, employees, or org nodes that don’t yet exist in a data sync — built for M&A integration and hiring-surge planning.Import Live Data — Every Scenario pulls current data from Workday, UKG, CSV, or ATS integrations, so proposed structures are built on today’s org, not last quarter’s export.The Bench — Temporarily set employees aside to hold them for placement in a new structure later.Scenario Summary — Automated rollups of headcount and compensation impact as changes are made, visible alongside the structural change itself.Change History — A running log of every edit made within a Scenario, so teams can track what changed, when, and by whom.Commenting — Add comments to a Scenario or to individual nodes, so stakeholders can flag issues — like a skills gap or reporting-line conflict — directly in context.

Why Context Matters: Moving People, Not Just Positions

Sift Org Planning is built on Sift’s org chart and connected to Sift’s employee profiles. When planning a change, a planner can click from any person in a scenario into their full Sift profile, including skills, experience, and current projects, without leaving the plan. When a CHRO is designing a new structure in response to AI taking on more transactional work, or modeling the combined org after an acquisition, that context sits inside the planning experience rather than in another system.

Sift Org Planning gives HR leaders a shared, confidential canvas where CHROs, HR business partners, and business leaders can visualize and shape proposed changes together in real time. A head of engineering can see how a proposed team consolidation affects their function; a finance business partner can watch headcount and labor cost shift as changes are made; an HR business partner can flag a skills gap in a proposed structure before it becomes a post-announcement problem. Proposed Scenarios can be shared with collaborators who can view, edit, and comment in the same scenario, without the risk of a premature announcement or a version-controlled PowerPoint chain passed around over email.

The foundation matters as much as the features. Sift holds certified integration partnerships with Workday, UKG and Microsoft, which means every scenario starts from current, accurate people data rather than a manual export or a spreadsheet that was current last quarter.

Availability

Sift Org Planning is available now to existing customers and as part of Sift’s product offering. Organizations navigating AI workforce transformation, M&A integration, or the shift to skills-based org design can learn more at https://www.justsift.com/features/org-planning.

About Sift

Sift (https://www.justsift.com) is the people intelligence platform that shows organizations how they actually work — who knows what, how teams connect, and where talent lives. Sift’s live org chart, employee directory, skills-enriched profiles, and org planning capability give HR leaders and their organizations a single, always-current picture of their workforce, built to complement the HRIS systems they already run. Sift serves mid-market and enterprise organizations and holds certified integration partnerships with Workday, UKG and Microsoft.

Media Contact

Aaron Smith, Sift, 1 901-209-9036, aaronsmith@justsift.com, https://www.justsift.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/sift-launches-org-planning-to-help-hr-leaders-navigate-ai-workforce-disruption-restructuring-and-skills-based-organization-design-302903053.html

SOURCE Sift

Continue Reading

Technology

YCYW Global Campuses Celebrate 2026 Founder’s Day: Ninety-Four Years of Educational Dedication: Rooted Deep, Reaching Far

Published

on

By

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) celebrated the annual Founder’s Day across its campuses worldwide, honouring the outstanding contribution of founder Madam Tsang Chor-hang to education. 2026 marks the 94th anniversary of YCYW, as well as the 25th anniversary of Yew Chung International School of Chongqing (YCIS Chongqing).

During the celebrations, YCYW officially launched its new core educational slogan —Rooted Deep, Reaching Far, with YCIS Chongqing serving as the main venue and campuses worldwide connected via a virtual gathering.

For ninety-four years, YCYW has upheld its philosophy of integrating Chinese and Western educational traditions, committed to aligning with science and technology; culture and arts; and love and charity, and striving to nurture future talent who possess international competitiveness, social responsibility, robust foundation, diverse capability and a strong sense of self.

New Educational Slogan “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far” Officially Launched

At the anniversary ceremony, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, Chief Executive Officer and School Supervisor of YCYW, joined numerous guests in witnessing the official launch of the new slogan, “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far”.

Meanwhile, Dr Chan elaborated on the concept of “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far”: “Rooted Deep” refers to laying a solid and profound foundation for every student’s growth, with the integration of Chinese and Western educational philosophies at its core. “Reaching Far” means enabling students, on the basis of that strong foundation, to move confidently into the wider world, equipped with the resilience and capability to navigate it and face the future. Only when roots are deep can one reach far; and when one reaches far, one never forgets the roots.

“Rooted Deep, Reaching Far” comprises an overarching educational aim, three content pillars and a foundation of trust. The overarching aim is clear and unwavering: to empower children with strong roots, essential capabilities, and self-identity, equipping them to go further and navigate an unpredictable and rapidly evolving future.

Responding directly to the tensions and choices many families face today, the three content pillars are:

Strong Academic Foundations, Holistic Development;East–West Integration, Harmony in Diversity; andEnduring Legacy, Future-Ready Vision

Supporting this aim is a substantial foundation of trust: nearly a century of educational heritage, continuous renewal across three generations of educators, a global education network, cross-campus systematic programmes, and stable staffing and governance. Together, these form an educational choice that has earned the trust of generations of families.

YCIS Chongqing: Twenty-Five Years Rooted in the Mountain City

This year’s Founder’s Day is especially significant, as YCIS Chongqing celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over the past 25 years, the school has grown from a seed into a tree, witnessing the development of international education in Chongqing.

In her opening address, Dr Chan shared the story of Declan, a 15-year-old YCIS Chongqing student. This summer, Declan made a striking appearance at the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society Annual Meeting in Japan, becoming the youngest presenter at the entire conference. From AI models for identifying Martian impact craters to comparisons of errors across algorithms, he engaged in confident and assured dialogue with global experts. His academic confidence and rigour, remarkable for his age, are a shining outcome of YCYW’s Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives.

“Declan’s story shows us the kind of students YCYW nurtures: confident, rigorous, internationally minded, and unafraid to make their voices heard on the world stage. This is precisely the fruit of the educational philosophy we have upheld for decades,” said Dr Chan.

As a leading international school in the region, YCIS Chongqing provides education from early childhood through to the upper secondary for students from around the world. The Founder’s Day this year is not only a celebration of one campus’ twenty-five-year journey, but also a vivid example of YCYW’s long-standing commitment to educational development across the Chinese mainland.

Towards the Centenary, We Have Already Set Out

Looking ahead to its centenary, YCYW has already begun the journey. In six years’ time, YCYW will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Permanent campuses in Yantai Bajiaowan and Shanghai Lingang are currently under active development. In the 2028–2029 academic year, Yew Wah School of Hong Kong will officially open, becoming the first school in the Hong Kong SAR to offer the Chinese National Curriculum with international education approaches. It will provide educational continuity for students moving between Hong Kong SAR and the Chinese mainland, allowing the founding aspiration of “Honouring China” to take on renewed relevance in a new era.

Chongqing, as the starting point of the China–Europe Railway Express, has long been a key region connecting China with Eurasia. As China actively encourages enterprises to expand globally, YCYW is aligning with the national strategy by welcoming more international students to study in China and extending its educational programmes and philosophy overseas, serving as a bridge between China and the world.

Seeds for Tomorrow: The Educational Engine for the Future

At the ceremony, Dr Christopher Hurley, Director for Science, Technology, and Educational Futures, shared the latest initiatives of the Educational Futures division. Through the Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives, YCYW responds to the contemporary question of how students should be educated in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.

The Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives extend learning beyond the classroom. In partnership with leading universities and research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, Tongji University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong, students engage in project-based learning centred on real-world challenges. They may take part in Oxford laboratory placements, architecture studios, entrepreneurship incubators, immersive medical projects and underwater robotics challenges, as well as advanced camps in marine science and engineering and the ChinaOne experiential learning programme. Guided by scientists and industry experts, students identify research topics based on their interests and clarify their academic direction through practice.

“Yew Yew and Dinosaurs Run” Tours YCYW Campuses

Meanwhile, the annual YCYW charity event, Dinosaur Charity Run, has returned. Launched in 2022, the event brings together parents, students and the wider community to provide scholarships for students pursuing early childhood education and support for families in need. Starting this year, Yew Yew, the YCYW mascot, joins the Dinosaur Charity Run team, visiting every YCYW campus to create an enjoyable and educational day for all.

Ninety-Four Years: Carrying Forward the Legacy, Writing the Next Chapter

The 94th anniversary marks an important milestone in YCYW’s development and lays a new foundation for its centenary mission. The network now has more than 30,000 alumni worldwide.

From Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland, and from China to the world, YCYW continues to uphold its “Three Alliances”: Aligning with Science and Technology, Culture and Arts, and Love and Charity. Amid an era of profound change, YCYW will forge ahead, continuously advancing its educational service system and promoting synergistic development across its campuses, while providing innovative support for the development of globally minded future talent.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ycyw-global-campuses-celebrate-2026-founders-day-ninety-four-years-of-educational-dedication-rooted-deep-reaching-far-302903591.html

SOURCE Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network

Continue Reading

Technology

In HelloNation, Real Estate Expert Pam McGovern Explains Choosing a Real Estate Agent and What Buyers Should Consider

Published

on

By

The article highlights how experience, communication, and local market knowledge help buyers select the right professional to guide their purchase.

MOUNTAIN TOP, Pa., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ –What should buyers look for when choosing a real estate agent in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania? According to a HelloNation article, choosing a real estate agent involves evaluating experience, communication style, and knowledge of the local real estate market before beginning the home search.

The HelloNation article, featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Pam McGovern of Classic Properties, explains that selecting the right professional can significantly influence how smoothly a home purchase progresses. An experienced agent helps buyers navigate property listings, negotiations, inspections, and paperwork while offering guidance throughout the transaction process.

Experience is one of the most important qualities buyers should evaluate. The article notes that professionals who frequently handle Luzerne County homes understand pricing trends, average time properties remain on the market, and neighborhood differences that affect value. This knowledge helps buyers identify areas offering strong value and avoid potential challenges in certain neighborhoods.

Reviewing an agent’s past transactions is another recommended step when choosing a real estate agent. The article explains that buyers should ask about recent sales in their preferred neighborhoods and discuss how the agent approaches negotiations. Understanding how an agent handles price discussions, repair requests, or multiple offers can provide insight into their strategy and ability to advocate for clients.

The article also emphasizes the importance of communication. Buyers benefit from agents who respond promptly, explain complex information clearly, and keep clients informed throughout each stage of the process. A responsive professional can help buyers better understand contracts, financing options, and inspection reports, making the experience less overwhelming.

Referrals and online reviews can provide additional insight into the performance of real estate agents in Mountain Top, PA. Recommendations from friends, family members, or past clients often reveal consistent strengths or weaknesses. Online feedback may also highlight patterns in professionalism, responsiveness, and overall client satisfaction.

Understanding the local real estate market is another essential factor. The article explains that professionals familiar with Mountain Top, PA homes for sale can provide context for pricing differences between neighborhoods, trends in property values, and shifts in buyer demand. This expertise allows buyers to evaluate listings more effectively and make informed decisions during the home search.

The article notes that experienced agents often bring valuable professional networks to the transaction. Connections with lenders, inspectors, contractors, and title companies can help coordinate the many steps involved in purchasing Luzerne County homes. These relationships may streamline scheduling and reduce delays during inspections, appraisals, and closing.

Interviewing multiple candidates is another strategy highlighted in the article. Buyers are encouraged to ask questions about recent transactions, negotiation approaches, and familiarity with specific neighborhoods. Observing how an agent listens and responds during these conversations can reveal whether their communication style aligns with the buyer’s expectations.

Personal comfort and trust also play an important role when selecting among Mountain Top, PA real estate agents. Purchasing a home is both a financial and emotional decision. Buyers benefit from working with professionals who listen carefully, offer guidance, and maintain clear communication throughout the process.

The article concludes that careful research helps buyers make confident decisions when choosing a real estate agent. Evaluating experience, reviewing past sales, considering referrals, and interviewing multiple professionals can provide valuable insight. Buyers who work with knowledgeable agents familiar with Luzerne County homes often gain a clearer understanding of the process and greater confidence from the first showing through closing.

How Do You Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Mountain Top, PA? features insights from Pam McGovern, Real Estate Expert of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-real-estate-expert-pam-mcgovern-explains-choosing-a-real-estate-agent-and-what-buyers-should-consider-302903608.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

ROBOTERA Tops Embodied AI Benchmark RoboDojo Without Additional Data or Agent RSI

Published

on

By

BEIJING, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ROBOTERA’s World Action Model (WAM), VPP2 (Video Prediction Policy 2), has ranked No. 1 on RoboDojo without additional data or agent-based reinforcement self-improvement (Agent RSI). Developed by the University of Hong Kong’s MMLab in collaboration with nearly 20 leading academic institutions worldwide, RoboDojo is a rigorous benchmark for general-purpose robot manipulation that evaluates performance across challenging simulation and real-world tasks, going beyond simple demonstrations.

VPP2 achieved an average success rate of 32.26% and an average score of 39.26, ranking first in Generalization, Precision, and Memory among evaluated methods.

ROBOTERA has open-sourced VPP2 on GitHub, with further details available on the project website.

Building a More Generalizable World Action Model

VPP2 enables robots to better predict how actions will change their surroundings and translate instructions into physical movements. Unlike video models designed primarily to generate visual content, VPP2 is trained to understand object movements and follow precise manipulation instructions. It combines video prediction with action generation, helping robots perform tasks more reliably across different objects, environments, and scenarios.

For complex tasks involving multiple steps, VPP2 can also work with a vision-language model (VLM) that breaks down high-level instructions into smaller, executable actions.

Validated Across Simulation and Real-World Tasks

VPP2 was evaluated across video prediction, instruction following, and robotic manipulation tasks.

On the ALOHA platform, VPP2 achieved a 58.5% average success rate across 10 task categories, outperforming leading baselines in nine. It also achieved 45.0% on LIBERO-Pro, a benchmark for robotic manipulation and generalization. With high-level task planning, average success rates across five task groups more than doubled, from 27.6% to 57.6%.

These results demonstrate VPP2’s ability to connect visual understanding, instruction following, and physical action, advancing general-purpose robotics toward practical applications.

From Research Breakthroughs to Real-World Deployment

VPP2 marks ROBOTERA’s fourth benchmark championship in embodied intelligence in 2026, following top results at World Arena, Benjie’s Humanoid Olympic Games, and RoboChallenge. Combined with ongoing humanoid-robot deployments with China Post and SF Express across more than 10 logistics centers in China, these achievements reflect ROBOTERA’s progress in both advancing general-purpose robot intelligence and bringing it into real-world applications.

Building on its advances in world-action modeling and real-world deployment experience, ROBOTERA is working to make general-purpose robots reliable partners in everyday work.

SOURCE ROBOTERA

Continue Reading

Trending