Human Resources For Small Business

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

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