36 Hours of Pain: Stop Dragging Out Employee Terminations!

May 21, 2024
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If you’re familiar with Gino Wickman or have even read his book, Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, you might’ve heard of the concept of “36 hours of pain.” The founder of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) primarily uses this concept regarding employee terminations.  In his book, Wickman shares a story from a friend… Read More »

Union Talk: Collective Bargaining Agreements & Beck Rights

May 7, 2024
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Regardless of what kind of shop your business is, knowing what you can and can’t include in your collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is critical when a union is involved. And yes, that includes requiring employees to join the union fully—which depends on the type of union security agreement and state labor laws.  Unfortunately, we’ve seen… Read More »

8 Steps to Establish Workplace Communication Guidelines & Expectations

April 2, 2024
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In the complex world of workplace dynamics, communication is a crucial factor, guiding collaboration, progress and productivity, and harmonious relationships. But crafting effective workplace communication guidelines isn’t just about finding the right words; it’s about understanding the pulse of your organization, the needs of your teams, and the pathways to clarity and connection.  Have you… Read More »

How to Foster a Healthy Workplace During an Election Year

March 26, 2024
Title image with "How to Foster a Healthy Workplace During an Election Year" over people at voting booths

In the 2022 Politics at Work Study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 20% of HR professionals reported heightened political volatility at work compared to 2019. And with another election approaching, things aren’t likely to cool down.  That leaves many employers wondering how the election year will impact their workplace and how to… Read More »

Here’s Why Your Company Needs an Employee Assistance Program

March 19, 2024
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Today’s workers are stressed out and anxious.  With the World Health Organization (WHO) naming stress the health epidemic of the 21st century, it’s no surprise that both personal and professional stress permeates so many corners of our lives. This is why it is so important for companies to implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). An EAP… Read More »

5 Steps for Choosing the Best Payroll Software for Your Business

March 5, 2024
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The core purpose of a payroll system is to calculate payroll taxes and cut employee paychecks. It speeds up the process by mitigating time-consuming manual work, like wage deductions. Now, many platforms also offer robust capabilities, like filing payroll taxes and payments, year-end reporting, creating and sending W-2s and 1099s, mobile apps for employers, and… Read More »

Navigating Workplace Gossip: Strategies for Employers & Managers

January 23, 2024
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Gossip in the workplace is like a wildfire—it can start from a tiny spark and quickly spread, leaving behind a trail of damage to employee relations and company culture. Whether it’s a casual comment at the water cooler or a rumor whispered in the hallway, workplace gossip can have significant repercussions if left unchecked.  Consider… Read More »

My Employees Want to Unionize. What Do I Do?

January 16, 2024
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So, you thought unions were a thing of the past—but then your employees started discussing unionizing. Perhaps they’ve even begun the process.  Before you panic, respond negatively, and harm employee relations, take a moment to breathe! Consider what it means that your employees want to form a union. Workers generally don’t organize unions with the… Read More »

Employee Records 101: Employer Recordkeeping Checklist

December 26, 2023
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Employers are generally required to maintain various employee records to comply with legal regulations and ensure proper management. The specific data and retention periods can vary based on federal, state, and local laws, as well as industry-specific requirements.  We get it—another hefty responsibility for the small business owner to manage! What records do you need… Read More »

This Meeting Could Have Been an Email: How to Have More Productive Meetings

December 12, 2023
Title image with "This Meeting Could Have Been an Email: How to Have More Productive Meetings" over photo of a group of employees meeting in a conference room

We’ve all been there—sitting through another session, thinking, This meeting could have been an email. After all, the saying has become a frequent joke about workplace culture, used on countless memes and novelty items. And while we may roll our eyes and laugh about it later, the truth is unproductive meetings cost companies significantly. One… Read More »