Human Resources For Small Business

Emily Etherington, an HR business partner at Xenium, discusses managing substance abuse in the workplace. She explains that with substance abuse affecting one in ten people nationally, workplaces need structured approaches to support affected employees. The discussion covers two main support frameworks: company assistance programs for employees who self-disclose, and last chance agreements for cases involving policy violations or performance issues.   TAKEAWAYS Organizations should balance zero-tolerance policies with supportive resources and structures for employee recovery Success requires both employer willingness to support and employee commitment to engage in treatment Using third-party management for cases helps maintain professionalism and protect sensitive health information   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

Sit down for a timely conversation between host Brandon Laws and guest Mitch Warner, co-author of Leadership and Self-Deception. Warner reveals how self-deception is often the hidden root of workplace challenges, and leaders who help their teams shift from blame to accountability unleash creativity and collaboration. Sharing insights from the fourth edition of his book, Warner emphasizes that true transformation isn’t about implementing more tactics but about changing the way people see one another and themselves.   TAKEAWAYS Most team challenges come from people dynamics, not technical problems, and resolving these is crucial for progress. Team members often struggle to recognize their role in problems, which keeps conflicts unresolved. Lasting transformation happens when people change how they view themselves and others. Understanding others’ perspectives strengthens relationships and promotes growth within teams. The need to be “right” often leads people to ignore their own contributions to probl

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Chris Deaver, a people leader at Roblox and co-author of Brave Together, shares his experiences working with some of the most creative teams at Apple, Disney, and beyond. He dives into how co-creation and collaboration are key to overcoming the impossible. Chris also touches on the importance of humility, creativity, and empathy in leadership, offering insights on how to shape the future by co-creating with others. Tune in to hear about turning pain into power, reimagining the mundane, and building a culture that sparks creativity and connection.   TAKEAWAYS Collaboration and co-creation are crucial for achieving challenging goals, especially within innovative teams. Traditional, siloed work structures can lead to friction and burnout. Humility and empathy in leadership help to build stronger, more connected teams. By transforming meetings into collaborative, question-led experiences, leaders can increase engagement and creativity within their teams.

Shastina Young has been heavily envolved with Xenium HR's equity team since its inception in 2018, starting with external consultants and evolving into an internal volunteer-based equity team structure. The organization operates through three main pillars: "Invest in Our People," "Look Beyond Our Four Walls," and "Cultural Belonging and Career Support."   TAKEAWAYS Xenium HR created a volunteer-based equity team with three focused subcommittees, each with specific missions and action items. Success comes from leadership buy-in combined with employee passion and ownership over initiatives. Regular, accessible programs like Zen Connects help maintain ongoing engagement with EDIB topics through voluntary participation and educational resources.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws interviews Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, diving into the idea of "intelligent failure" and the importance of fostering psychological safety within teams. Edmondson, author of The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, shares insights on how stepping into unfamiliar territory often brings failure but also opens the door to critical learning experiences. Tune in to discover how leaders can cultivate an environment where employees feel empowered to take risks, address mistakes openly, and drive ongoing growth and innovation.   TAKEAWAYS Failure can lead to valuable insights if approached thoughtfully. Creating an environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns and admit mistakes is essential for fostering innovation and improvement. Teams that embrace failure as a learning opportunity are more likely to develop new ideas, improve processes, and grow from their experiences. Encouraging employees to take calculated risks withou

Annie Oxenfeld discusses disaster preparedness for companies with multi-state employees. She emphasizes the importance of having contingency plans, flexible work arrangements, and support systems in place. The conversation covers communication strategies, employee assistance programs, and ways to maintain operations while prioritizing employee safety and well-being during natural disasters.   TAKEAWAYS Develop and regularly update disaster preparedness plans. Offer flexible work arrangements and support resources for affected employees. Integrate safety and disaster preparedness into company culture.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Josh Durham, founder of Gamut Project Solutions, to explore his leadership philosophy and the importance of relationships in the workplace. Durham shares valuable insights on building trust and empathy while fostering psychological safety in the workplace and beyond. Listen in for practical advice on building meaningful relationships and leading with purpose.   TAKEAWAYS Relationships are the most important element of effective leadership. Self-awareness combined with personal development is essential to building meaningful connections. Without mastering key leadership principles such as communication, trust, agreements, and ownership, relationships within teams and organizations will struggle. Positive transformation can only occur when basic needs for survival and belonging are met. Adopting a positive mindset and spreading goodwill often results in building positive relationships. Successful negotiations go beyond fac

Nicole Blevins discusses key voluntary benefits trends for 2025. The conversation covers supplemental health benefits, legal plans, identity theft protection, life insurance, long-term care, and pet insurance. They emphasize the importance of offering diverse benefits to meet employee needs and retain talent, noting that 63% of employees would consider changing jobs for better benefits.   TAKEAWAYS Supplemental health benefits are gaining popularity due to increased awareness of health risks post-COVID, helping employees cover gaps in traditional insurance. Identity theft and cybersecurity protection are becoming more critical as data breaches increase, with employers considering adding these benefits to address employee concerns. Pet insurance is a rising trend, with many employers already adding this option to support employees who view pets as family members and want to ensure their care.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, entrepreneur and Speakers Alliance co-founder Terry Beard opens up about his journey from avoiding public speaking to becoming a confident leader in the speaking community. Terry shares how confronting his fear of the spotlight changed his life, helping him build the communication skills and confidence that have since empowered him to guide others on a similar path. Tune in for valuable insights into the transformative power of finding your own voice.   TAKEAWAYS Facing fears like public speaking can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Discovering and using your voice is the key to expressing yourself authentically and effectively in all areas of life. Authentic leadership means empowering others to face and conquer their own challenges. A support system is critical on their journey to overcoming fears.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this episode, host Brandon Laws sits down with Dr. MH Pelletier, a leading expert in workplace psychology, to discuss insights from her new book, The Resilience Plan. Dr. Pelletier explains how burnout develops gradually, as exhaustion, cynicism, and declining performance set in. That’s why we must stay self-aware, recognizing early signs of overextension before it impacts our well-being. By creating a personalized strategic resilience plan grounded in individual values, we can proactively manage stress, preserve our mental health, and optimize workplace performance. Listen in to find out how fostering resilience at both the individual and organizational levels can lead to healthier, more effective teams and workplaces.   TAKEAWAYS Recognizing early warning signs like exhaustion, cynicism, and declining performance is key to preventing full burnout. High performers often overlook signs of overextension, but staying mindful of physical and emotional cues can help prevent long-term negative impacts on me

Sit down with Scott Young, author of Get Better at Anything, to explore best practices for achieving mastery in the workplace. In this conversation, Young shares unconventional strategies for accelerating learning in today's tech-driven world, highlighting the importance of externalizing knowledge and prioritizing progress over perfection. Tune in for insight on ditching old habits and adapting to the ever-changing demands of a modern workplace.    TAKEAWAYS Young highlights the importance of leveraging technology and innovative methods to accelerate the learning process in today’s fast-paced workplace. Sharing what you know with others is essential for growth and improving efficiency within teams and organizations. Focusing on continuous improvement, rather than striving for perfection, leads to better long-term results. Letting go of outdated practices is crucial to adapting and thriving in a rapidly changing work environment. Flexibility and openness to new approaches are key to navigating the ch

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, entrepreneur and Gen Z expert Kat Walsh sheds light on how organizations can better attract and retain Generation Z talent in a fast-evolving workforce. She debunks common Gen Z misconceptions and illuminates their desire for work-life balance, personal development, and purpose in the workplace. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Gen Z so that, ultimately, you can realize further innovation and engagement in your business.   TAKEAWAYS Organizations often focus too much on skill-based job postings and overlook the importance of aligning their values with those of Gen Z. Gen Z places a high value on personal development, with 84% prioritizing learning and growth over job titles or promotions. Gen Z is known for seeking careers that align with their lifestyle and values. Innovation thrives when organizations encourage collaboration between Gen Z and older generations and leverage the unique strengths of each. Gen Z is known for their straightforward c

Linda Cohen, known as the kindness catalyst, discusses the importance of kindness in the workplace and how it can transform organizational culture. She shares her journey into this field, which began with a personal project of performing 1000 acts of kindness (mitzvahs) in memory of her father. Cohen now works with various organizations, including credit unions, senior living communities, and healthcare institutions, to implement kindness strategies and improve workplace cultures. She emphasizes the impact of small acts of kindness, the need for recognition and communication, and the benefits of creating a culture where kindness is a core value.   TAKEAWAYS Kindness is a smart business strategy that improves employee retention and customer service. Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, significantly impacting morale and workplace culture. Direct, honest communication is a crucial form of kindness in the workplace, especially during conflicts.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In a recent episode of Transform Your Workplace, Dr. Yasmin Davidds, a negotiation and leadership expert, delves into the transformative power of gracious communication in the workplace. The episode emphasizes the importance of leading with humanity, gratitude, and empathy because, according to our guest, true leadership emerges when we prioritize understanding and kindness over aggressive tactics. Tune in for a compelling reminder that the journey to becoming a better leader is founded on becoming a better human being.   TAKEAWAYS Gracious and empathetic communication fosters better relationships and outcomes in the workplace. True leadership is rooted in humanity, where empathy, gratitude, and kindness are prioritized. The energy a leader brings into the workplace is reciprocal, creating an environment of emotional safety and transparency. Effective leaders must be clear about their values, guiding their decisions not just by profit but by what benefits humanity and others. Leaders should offer em

In a captivating episode of Transform Your Workplace, award-winning children's authors and entrepreneurs Alysson Foti Bourque and Lori Orlinsky share their inspiring journeys from corporate careers to the world of publishing, both of whom found new purpose through writing books that resonate deeply with children and families. Together, they've built Expound Publicity, a thriving PR firm, all while balancing the demands of business with their passion for storytelling and family life. Join us for this heartfelt exploration of the courage it takes to pursue one's true calling and the lasting impact of a powerful story.   TAKEAWAYS Entrepreneurs can pursue their callings, but they must also balance the demands of business with the responsibilities of family life. Expound Publicity focuses on tailoring marketing strategies to fit the unique needs of each client rather than the one-size-fits-all methods common in the corporate world. Our podcast guests’ books aim to empower children, tackling important topics

In the latest episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws dives deep into corporate wellness with Dr. Monica Vermani, a clinical psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas. Dr. Vermani sheds light on the vital role of self-awareness in understanding our symptoms and seeking the right help. With the rise in workplace stress and anxiety, made worse by the pandemic, Dr. Vermani's insights advocate for a holistic approach to mental health, both at home and at work. Tune in for practical advice on overcoming burnout and finding peace, no matter where you are in your professional or personal life journey.   TAKEAWAYS Self-awareness helps us comprehend how our symptoms impact our own lives and the lives of those around us. Many individuals struggle with articulating their mental health issues, which can hinder proper care. Employees are often confused about which mental health professionals to consult for various issues, so understanding the roles of d

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, seasoned executive coach and leadership strategist Sarah Schneider explores how societal, cultural, and family influences shape leadership. Sarah highlights the human side of leadership, stressing that in an increasingly impersonal world, embracing vulnerability and authenticity is crucial for success. Listen in to learn how leaders can not only craft their unique styles but also bring their true selves to the workplace.   TAKEAWAYS Societal, cultural, and familial influences significantly shape how leaders show up in their professional lives. Recognizing and embracing the human side of leadership is crucial in today's increasingly impersonal world. Leaders must be open and genuine to foster a more effective and relatable leadership style. By acknowledging and incorporating human elements into their leadership, leaders can create more compassionate and productive workplaces. Self-reflection is an uncomfortable but critical aspect of learning how to lead e

In the latest Transform Your Workplace podcast episode, Brandon Laws explores the changing landscape of HR with Kathi Enderes, Senior VP of Research and Global Industry Analyst at the Josh Bersin Company. Enderes, coauthor of The Definitive Guide to Human Resources, introduces the transformative concept of Systemic HR and its critical role in addressing modern challenges such as hybrid work, AI, and leadership development. Thinking about revamping your company’s HR? Give this episode a listen and learn how Systemic HR can have a profound impact on your business success.   TAKEAWAYS HR has evolved from a compliance-oriented function to a key player in business strategy, dealing with complex issues like hybrid work, company culture, and leadership development. The Systemic HR model emphasizes HR's role in adding value to the business by understanding multiple domains and the overall mission of the business. HR is now "the most important function" within organizations, playing a crucial role in adaptin

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws sits down with Josh Durham, Founder of Gamut Project Solutions and a seasoned expert in the construction industry. With over seventeen years of experience managing billion-dollar projects, Josh dives into the principle of agency in leadership and its critical role in professional success. Durham offers valuable insights that can help elevate your leadership skills and workplace dynamics. Don’t miss this essential discussion on empowering yourself and others through agency.   TAKEAWAYS Understanding and embodying the principle of agency is crucial for effective leadership and team cohesion. Focusing on what you can control helps to reduce anxiety and improve your personal and professional life. Leaders who promote agency within their teams create a high-performing and engaged workforce. Believing in your own agency and taking ownership of your actions is vital for professional success and overcoming challenges. Feeling a sense of control helps