The 9/80 Work Schedule: A Guide for Employers

June 4, 2024
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In today’s competitive job market, offering flexible work schedules can make your business stand out. One option gaining popularity is the 9/80 work schedule, which combines flexibility with a compressed workweek. Employers can boost employee morale, increase productivity, and support work-life balance with this arrangement. However, like any change, it comes with challenges, especially when… Read More »

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
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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 »

Labor Union Agreements: How to Stay Compliant

March 12, 2024
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So, your workforce is in the process of forming a labor union or has already unionized…now what? There is much to understand about collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and labor law compliance regarding unions.  This is a delicate area where HR and leadership must make an effort to build positive relations with unionized employees, negotiate a… Read More »

Benefits of a Four-day Workweek + 6 Tips for Implementation

February 20, 2024

Henry Ford introduced the five-day, 40-hour workweek nearly 100 years ago when he discovered that working more only yielded a small amount of short-lived productivity. Although this was a big deal and a favorable step for workers’ rights at the time, we’ve come a long way in the past century—and workers want more.  While the… Read More »

Bad Managers vs. Good Leaders: Fostering Effective Leadership

January 30, 2024

Just because someone has exceptional technical skills and you’ve promoted them to a leadership position doesn’t make them a good leader. A 2023 Gallup survey found that only 21% of employees trust their organization’s leadership, indicating a decline in employee engagement and morale. After all, building a positive workplace culture is tough when employees don’t… 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 »