Human Resources For Small Business

In the latest episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, host Brandon Laws sits down with guest Rob Bier to dive into the challenges businesses face as they scale. Rob introduces common pitfalls that arise as companies expand and best practices for supporting growth, sharing insights from his book, Smooth Scaling: 20 Rituals to Build a Friction-Free Organization. The discussion covers crucial aspects like the need for productive dialogue, the impact of remote work on communication, and innovative strategies to ensure alignment and efficiency as organizations scale. This episode is a must-listen if you want to grow without all the growing pains.   TAKEAWAYS Proper scaling maintains the core qualities of a small, efficient organization as it expands. Businesses often encounter similar issues at specific stages of growth, particularly as they transition from small to larger teams.  Effective communication forms the foundation for strategic decisions, technology implementation, and hiring practices.

In the latest episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Lacey Partipilo, Director of HR and Client Success at Xenium HR, to discuss the recent decline in US employee engagement, now at its lowest in 11 years. Partipilo draws insights from a recent Gallup report and highlights some innovative strategies to re-engage employees. With a focus on building a positive workplace culture, this episode provides valuable guidance for employers striving to navigate the new normal and boost employee engagement.   TAKEAWAYS By early 2024, employee engagement in the US had reached its lowest level in 11 years, with only 30% of workers feeling highly engaged. The lingering impacts of the pandemic continue to disrupt employee sentiment and stability in the workplace. Economic uncertainty significantly affects employee engagement, causing increased anxiety and lower commitment levels. Many organizations struggle to effectively manage a hybrid or fully remote workforce, leading to decreased e

Join us for a never-before-discussed topic on our podcast: safety at work. Our two guests, Deb Bridges, a health and safety consultant at Safety Northwest, and Xenium’s own Emily Etherington, an HR business partner, share insights on how to combat safety concerns while fostering a culture of safety. Deb explains the importance of regular risk assessments and proper training, while Emily emphasizes the role of clear communication and supportive policies. Together, they provide practical strategies for creating a safer workplace and discuss the critical partnership between HR and safety professionals in achieving this goal.   TAKEAWAYS The significance of going beyond compliance in safety programs. Understanding the financial and personal implications of safety incidents. The importance of top-down buy-in and team effort in prioritizing safety. Effective communication about safety laws and regulations with employees. The necessity of having a well-developed, practiced emergency response plan. Making

If you want to see lasting culture change, you’ve got to fall in love with the process, not the goal. In the latest episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, leadership and culture expert James Ferguson discusses his new role as Director of Culture for the Wurzak Hotel Group. He shares his insights on shaping organizational culture with increased engagement, focus on mission, and employee recognition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance workplace culture and foster a sense of belonging among team members.   TAKEAWAYS Lasting cultural change requires embracing the improvement process rather than just aiming for the end goal. Effective internal communication helps team members understand the company’s mission, which is crucial for cultural cohesion. Orientation “done right” creates context, connection, and culture, which can significantly reduce turnover and unify the team. Wurzak’s recognition initiative celebrates employees daily and weekly for living out the company's b

Listen in on a thought-provoking episode of Transform Your Workplace, where host Brandon Laws sits down with linguistic anthropologist Dr. Suzanne Wertheim to discuss insights from her book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide. To foster respectful communication, she teaches us that context is key and offers guiding principles rather than rigid lists. Dr. Wertheim's insights give listeners practical tools to avoid painful mistakes and engage in meaningful conversations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to communicate more effectively in our ever-changing world.    TAKEAWAYS Language is constantly changing, and it's important to stay updated to communicate effectively and respectfully. Instead of relying on fixed lists of acceptable and unacceptable words, it's crucial to understand the context in which language is used, as meanings and appropriateness can change. Dr. Wertheim offers six principles of inclusive language that act as guardrails to help ensure respectful and meaningful commun

It’s time to talk money with host Brandon Laws and Nicole Blevins of Xenium HR. Generative AI is revolutionizing the salary discussion, arming employees with the knowledge and confidence to negotiate better compensation. But are leaders ready for such transparency? Tune in for fresh insight into how employers can approach the compensation conversation with honest data and open communication in this new era of salary transparency.   TAKEAWAYS Employees are leveraging tools like ChatGPT to access salary ranges, providing them significant leverage in salary negotiations. The shift in power dynamics from employers to employees is driven by the accessibility of salary information through platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, combined with AI data analysis. Employers must adapt to this new landscape by being well-informed and transparent about compensation, using validated and verified data to support their pay structures. Clear and specific job descriptions are crucial, as they help align compensati

Nicole Blevins and Brandon Laws share tips to boost summer employee engagement. Suggestions include flexible schedules, outdoor team activities, wellness challenges like walking competitions, and providing spaces to work outdoors. They emphasize getting employee input on desired summer perks to create work-life balance.   TAKEAWAYS Offer flexible work options like half-day Fridays, compressed workweeks, or remote days Plan outdoor team-building activities like picnics, sporting events, or walking challenges Create outdoor working spaces and encourage wellness by allowing employees to work outside   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

Sit down with host Brandon Laws and guest Dr. Gregory Chasson for a never-discussed topic on our podcast: perfectionism in the workplace. Drawing insights from his recent book, Flawed, Dr. Chasson paints a picture of how the relentless pursuit of perfection can spiral into a toxic force within corporate culture. Tune in to learn how leaders can combat this “perfection obsession” with empathy, understanding, and flexibility.    TAKEAWAYS Perfectionism becomes problematic when it involves excessive, inflexible demands that go beyond what's considered normal or healthy. Procrastination is often a manifestation of perfectionism because people engage in safety behaviors such as excessive checking, reassurance-seeking, or extensive research to avoid failure. Perfectionism undermines workplace efficiency and productivity because it leads to decision paralysis, a toxic work environment, and other-oriented perfectionism, where employees impose unrealistic standards on their colleagues. Organizational practices

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Ella Washington, Founder and CEO of Ellavate Solutions and author of Unspoken: A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code. This always-relevant conversation addresses the importance of finding fulfillment in our work. Drawing from her personal experiences and extensive career, Dr. Washington reminds us that "work shouldn't suck" and shares insights from her book. It’s time to own your story, leverage your strengths, manage your weaknesses, and find your niche in the workplace.   TAKEAWAYS More than a third of our lives are spent working, which means that organizations must prioritize creating work environments where their people can thrive. Understanding and embracing your personal identity and experiences is crucial for showing up authentically at work. Identifying activities that bring joy and align with your strengths can lead to greater career satisfaction. It's important to manage your weaknesses through structures or partnerships so that they don't hinder your su

In the latest episode of Transform Your Workplace, expert Scott Mautz reveals the secret to exceptional leadership: mental strength. Mautz, an award-winning, best-selling author and dynamic speaker, discusses how regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors can transform leaders from ordinary to extraordinary. Tune in to learn about the six core mental muscles and hear practical insights from Mautz’s book, The Mentally Strong Leader. It’s time to harness this leadership superpower to elevate your workplace and inspire your team.   TAKEAWAYS Mental strength involves the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to maintain productivity, even in challenging situations.  Exceptional leaders develop six core mental muscles — fortitude, confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal-focus, and positive messaging — which help them navigate adversity and achieve success. Developing mental strength requires forming consistent habits, ultimately enhancing overall resilience and performance. Leaders sh

The shift to remote work has drastically altered the professional landscape. While some employees have fully embraced remote work, others have adopted a hybrid model or returned to the office. Regardless of the setup, a distributed workforce can often lead to feelings of loneliness. If you’re a leader looking to help your employees navigate the isolation that comes with remote work, tune in and learn 5 strategies from host Brandon Laws and Nicole Blevins, HR Services Training Manager of Xenium HR.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In the workplace, respect and candor go hand in hand. If you’re ready to build a culture of transparency, humanity, and collaboration, don’t miss this conversation with Kim Scott, CEO coach and author of Radical Respect and Radical Candor. In this episode, you’ll learn some practical tips for embracing individuality over conformity while promoting collaboration over coercion. TAKEAWAYS A need for more awareness and action regarding the intersectionality of race and leadership in the workplace, in part, prompted Kim Scott to write Radical Respect. All people are deserving of respect and dignity based on their humanity. Radical Respect advocates for a culture that prioritizes collaboration and individuality.  Bias, prejudice, and bullying can undermine respect in the workplace and must be addressed individually to mitigate their impact. If we want to foster a respectful workplace, we must be persistent and patient in efforts to change and improve. When we witness disrespect around us, we can and mus

In this episode of 'Transform Your Workplace', host Brandon Laws engages with guest Ken Coleman, a prominent figure from Ramsey Solutions, to discuss the dynamics of modern workplaces, the essence of Generation Z, and the impact of effective leadership on talent management. Sponsored by Xenium HR, the episode shares the challenges and strategies related to HR, compliance, and building a thriving workplace. Ken shares insights on the hustle culture, the misconceptions about Gen Z's work ethic, and the potential benefits and realistic aspects of a four-day work week. Additionally, Ken emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptability, and leadership skills, discussing inflation's impact on younger generations and the significance of aligning personal values with the workplace. This conversation offers a comprehensive view on developing leadership strategies that cater to the needs of modern employees and fostering an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and satisfaction at work.   00:00 Welcome a

Dr. Tracy Brower discusses the secrets to happiness at work in this podcast episode. She explores choosing joy, aligning personal values with professional life, and finding purpose and fulfillment in one's work. Brower shares practical strategies for building meaningful relationships, embracing growth opportunities, and practicing self-care to enhance happiness, even in challenging situations.   TAKEAWAYS Cultivate gratitude, contribute to others, and seek opportunities for creativity to foster happiness at work. Prioritize building authentic connections, mentorship, and affinity groups to nurture fulfilling relationships. Embrace professional courage, say "yes" to growth opportunities, and find purpose in how your work impacts others.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

Tune in for a discussion revolving around Aflac’s most recent Workforces Report from its Chief HR Officer, Jeri Hawthorne. Learn about the challenges facing today’s intergenerational workforce and best practices for helping your people feel heard and supported amidst this ever-evolving workplace. Interested in ramping up your customer service? According to our guest, it starts with taking care of your people.   TAKEAWAYS Leaders must stress employee well-being and engagement to create a supportive work environment, as stressed employees are more likely to seek other opportunities. If employers seek employee feedback, they must be prepared to act on it, as disregarding employee input can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. Today, employees face ongoing challenges with financial wellness, so employers should address these concerns to maintain productivity and attendance. A comprehensive benefits package that addresses mental well-being can attract and retain talent. Gen Z employees are par

Tune in for some shared insights into proactive planning, strategic positioning, and casting a compelling vision to your people. In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws delves into the transformative power of vision with guest Tony Frazier, the Center Director of the Salem Kroc Center in Oregon. Throughout the episode, Frazier offers key strategies for fostering trust, maintaining the mission, empowering leadership, and making tough decisions. Be encouraged by this inspiring story of innovation during unprecedented and uncertain times.    TAKEAWAYS Frazier emphasized the importance of proactive planning in times of uncertainty rather than waiting for opportunities to pass. By casting a clear vision and rallying his team, Frazier successfully attracted funding, demonstrating the power of vision in mobilizing resources. Organizations can better navigate challenges by fostering trust, maintaining mission alignment, and empowering leadership at all levels. Developing leaders within

Join a timely discussion about emotional intelligence in the workplace with renowned psychologist and author Dr. Steven Stein. The episode delves into the vital role of EQ in shaping a positive and productive workforce. Amidst the evolving dynamics of remote and digital work environments, Dr. Stein emphasizes the heightened importance of EQ in the modern world of work, stressing its indispensable role in effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making. Listen in and learn how Dr. Stein's expertise provides a compelling narrative on harnessing emotional intelligence for workplace success.   TAKEAWAYS Emotional intelligence is critical in fostering effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making within organizations. Dr. Stein outlines three fundamental elements of emotional intelligence: awareness of one's own and others' emotions, the adept management of these emotions, and the strategic utilization of emotions to enhance focus and productivity.  Amidst the pandemic, leaders exhi

Sit down with industry expert Josh Durham, founder of Gamut Project Solutions, as he delves into the critical aspects of leadership in his Foundational Five program. This timely discussion focuses specifically on the aspect of personal leadership. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Durham emphasizes the power of making thoughtful decisions, delegating effectively, and fostering trust, collaboration, and transparency among those you lead.   TAKEAWAYS Effective leadership starts with leading oneself before leading others and focuses on self-awareness and personal development. Purpose-driven leadership stands in contrast with detrimental masked leadership, which prioritizes power and title over transparency and collaboration. Purpose-driven leadership fosters honest communication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among team members, ultimately leading to higher performance and efficiency. Effective leaders should consider the ripple effects of decisions before jumping into initiatives

The modern workforce needs modern leaders, but what soft skills are key when it comes to effectively leading a team? In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Nicole Blevins, the Senior HR Services Manager at Xenium HR, shares insights on the 5 key attributes that leaders must have to meet the evolving demands of today's dynamic workforce.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

It’s time to settle the debate: is DEI dead? Listen in as Dr. Sandra Upton, Founder and Chief DEI Strategist of Upton Consulting Group, unpacks key insights from her newly released book, Make it Last: A Roadmap and Practical Strategies for How to Do DEI Work. The discussion stresses the importance of data-driven strategies and prioritizing mental health in navigating the complexities of DEI work. With practical advice and actionable steps, Dr. Upton offers a comprehensive guide for organizations seeking to create lasting and meaningful change.   TAKEAWAYS Collective DEI success is achievable when approached with integrity and diligence. Misinformation and political influences contribute to the backlash against DEI efforts, so DEI leaders must dispel myths and educate individuals on the true objectives of these initiatives. Organizations should adopt data-driven approaches to DEI work, focusing on outcomes and measurable progress rather than mere activity.  Organizational complacency is a major roadblo