Human Resources For Small Business

As a leader, do you find that you’re putting out fires instead of taking intentional steps toward the growth of your organization? If so, this is the podcast for you. While there’s no doubt that the post-pandemic business world has placed increasing demands on the business leader’s time and energy, this episode’s guest says that it’s possible to adapt and rise above the chaos. Listen in and learn from Dave McKeown, author of The Self-Evolved Leader, all about how to approach the faster pace, prioritize what matters, and elevate your focus above what doesn’t. TAKEAWAYS Even after we return to the workplace, the world will continue its rigorous pace, so our leaders need to learn to adapt to this “new normal.” When leaders see new information come in, they feel obligated to respond urgently, a demand placed on them from our clients, the industry as a whole, and the leaders above them. Many leaders end up leading through active heroism which, over time, builds learned helplessness in our people. A self-evolved l

It’s the 300th episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast! Celebrate with us as we hear from Anne Donovan, President of Xenium HR. Host Brandon Laws gets the candid truth about the challenges that Anne faces as a business leader during such unprecedented times, including what keeps her up at night, how she is approaching a hybrid return-to-work plan, and what she foresees over the next few months for her employees and Xenium as a whole. WHAT WE COVERED: Planning for and making nuanced decisions regarding the “return to work” Navigating employee dissatisfaction with the post-pandemic workplace Making changes to outdated performance evaluation and measurement methods Inventing a new playbook for inclusivity among at-home and at-work employees Dealing with employee compensation needs and expectations in a changing marketplace A NOTE FROM THE HOST When I started this podcast back in 2012, I never would have imagined that we’d reach 300 episodes. Over the years, our focus has moved from solely HR topics to

This episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast features Jay Schaufeld, Head of HR and People Operations at HqO, and his thoughts on the looming Great Resignation, the staggering attrition rate anticipated from tomorrow’s workforce. Host Brandon Laws and his guest discuss valuable retention strategies to combat this unprecedented shift and ways companies can engage employees by targeting what matters most. TAKEAWAYS Employees are engaged when they feel that their work is meaningful and purposeful, when they possess significant relationships in the workplace, when they believe in their organization's mission, and when their values align with company culture. Post-pandemic talent can no longer be valued by how many hours they stay in the office, but instead on contribution and performance. The pandemic has shed a light on what's really important to people — wellbeing and balance, having connection to the purpose of the organization, and loving their work.  To retain top talent, organizations must recogniz

Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You and recent guest on the Transform Your Workplace podcast, has a lot to say about the skills necessary for a successful and dynamic career. In today’s episode, Mark provides practical career-building tips to business leaders and rising talent alike. Give this episode a listen if you’re ready to hone your goal-setting (and attaining) skills for the future of your career. TAKEAWAYS   Knowledge and experience are important, but hiring managers should also look for, define, and zero in on other critical attributes, such as communication, negotiation, and team-building, in a candidate. A career plan typically begins by asking yourself what you want in a job and what you want in life. It’s about thinking ahead, not having perfect answers.  Your career plan isn’t etched in stone; expect to make improvements as you implement it. Assess your progress in your career plan at least once a year.  Any time a new job or role c

At this point, it’s impossible to avoid the convergence of technology, business, and human connection, but would we really want to if we could? According to Deborah Westphal — author, consultant, and futurist — there is a bright future ahead, and businesses should embrace the changes that technology will continue to bring. In this eye-opening episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon sits down with Deb Westphal to learn all about the role of technology in human connection, especially concerning its effect on the future of business. TAKEAWAYS Technology is allowing people to connect and communicate in ways that they never have before, so business would be wise to embrace this change. The purpose of business is to serve a broader spectrum of stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, communities, and customers. The network effect that technology allows will create even more innovation and more solutions. Future thinking resides in all of us, but it’s all about how much risk we’re willing to t

Has remote work got you feeling stagnant? Are you tired and unmotivated? If so, this is the episode for you. Whereas we’re already prone to a sedentary lifestyle, COVID only made things worse. So, how do we get our groove back? According to guest Lizzy Williamson, founder, and author of Two Minute Moves, it’s all about getting up and getting moving. Incorporating movement into our workday is critical to not only our physical health but to our mental health as well. To learn more about how you can get that blood (and productivity) flowing, give this episode a listen. TAKEAWAYS Our brains don't respond best to sedentary work, but it has become our “new normal.” One-third of people have reported that, since COVID, their mental health has suffered which inevitably leads to lower productivity in the workplace. The brain is built to detect and respond to change, not to engage with a task that goes on for hours and hours, so one of the best things you can do is to take a brief mental break, get up, and get moving.

Can introverts lead well? If so, what makes an introvert a good leader? According to our guest, Berry Kruijning, approximately 30% of workplace leaders in North America are introverts, and their unique approach to leadership is something to be recognized and maximized. Instead of adjusting to a one-size-fits-all standard of expectations, Berry believes that introverted leaders should embrace their introversion and tap into the unique qualities that set them apart as effective leaders. Give this episode a listen, and learn more about introversion in the workplace from Berry Kruijning, leadership development and communications coach, teacher, and founder of Crowning Communications. TAKEAWAYS Introverts like to become prepared, so you can make virtual meetings more introvert-friendly by sending out an agenda in advance.  Introverts can stay in control during “tough conversations” by coming prepared, listening, and asking probing questions. Quality, excellence, and productivity are motivating factors for introve

In this eye-opening episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws talks with guest Cris Grossmann. He’s the CEO and Co-Founder of Beekeeper, a company committed to connecting non-desk or “frontline” employees through technology. Cris believes that a digital transformation of frontline workers, who make up 80% of the global workforce, can give companies a significant competitive advantage. In this episode, you’ll learn how to invest in your frontline workers through relevant, usable, all-in-one technology. TAKEAWAYS Only 1% of all the venture capital goes into desk-less or frontline worker solutions, yet 80% of the global workforce is made up of these types of workers. Digitizing the frontline is no walk in the park, but rather a necessary process that requires careful planning.  Frontline workers need one companion app: one single point of contact for the frontline worker to get everything they need to be well-informed, engaged, and productive at work. A companion app for frontline workers mu

In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, we talk with guest Vince Molinaro about his latest book, Accountable Leaders: Inspire a Culture Where Everyone Steps Up, Takes Ownership, and Delivers Results. When it comes to best practices for effective leadership, Vince has the experience and track record for results. If you’re ready to learn more about leadership accountability methodology that won’t get lost in translation, give this episode a listen. TAKEAWAYS Most organizations never set clear and measurable expectations for their leaders only to be frustrated when those leaders don’t perform. To maximize leadership accountability, companies should create explicit contracts for leaders so that they can read, understand, and sign their names to their roles and responsibilities.  Just because a leader has signed the contract, that doesn’t mean they've got the capabilities they need to be successful; support for these leaders is essential to success. Companies must demonstrate zero tolerance for l

What does a good leader do when the team is overwhelmed with anxiety, burned out, or depressed? Responsible leaders must recognize the signs of declining mental health in their employees and empower them to take hold of help. In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, guest Lacey Partipilo addresses the timely and relevant topic of mental wellness with practice tips for business leaders. Lacey is a veteran when it comes to providing solid wisdom and insight to the Transform Your Workplace podcast audience. TAKEAWAYS Instead of trying to take on the burden of their team’s mental health, leaders should work to understand the benefits that the organization offers for mental wellness and encourage employees to take advantage of them. Leaders need to take care of themselves before they can care for their team.  Leaders must recognize the challenges that employees face and strategize how the business will play an active part in addressing them. Leaders should help break the stigma by not only talking

In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws interviews Meghan Gerhardt, author of Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce and expert in how to effectively implement age diversity in the workplace. You’ll learn how to connect with, teach, and learn from those both older and younger than you. The result? Instead of working against each other, employees can finally bring their varied skills and experience to the table, all for the betterment of the team. It’s all about building a team poised for whatever the next generation has to offer. TAKEAWAYS Employees of all ages have insight to offer, so those of different age ranges should have a seat and a voice at the table. Age bias has been called one of the last socially acceptable biases, but bias of any kind in the workplace is a hindrance to a team’s success. Studies show that, despite differences in approach, Boomers, Gen Z, and Millennials share the same core values. If leaders want to foste

Let’s face it. We’re all busy. We pack our calendars, pour ourselves into work, volunteering, and family affairs, and then crawl into bed drained at the end of a jam-packed day. This is our norm. But is busyness something we just have to accept? Is it even possible to become (un)busy and still be successful? These questions and more are answered in this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast. Dive into a discussion about busyness and get some tips about how to create some space in your calendar (and your mind) with Garland Vance. TAKEAWAYS The problem: we not only think that being busy is a good thing, but we believe that when we're not busy, that something is intrinsically wrong with us. When we compare our true selves to our ideal selves, we conclude that we’re not good enough, so we need to do more which drives us into this non-stop culture of being busy, a feeling like we have to be productive all the time. Getting (un)busy starts with taking inventory of our commitments and deciding which of th

Having worked with over 100,000 leaders in 35 countries, Carolyn Taylor knows what it means to affect change in the workplace. She brings her experience as a culture and accountability advisor, author, speaker, and podcast host. Here to discuss her latest book, Accountability at Work: How to Make and Keep Promises and Have Others Do the Same, Carolyn is a dependable source of inspiration and practical advice for any leader hoping to transform their workplace.  TAKEAWAYS The relationship and communication between two roles, the asker and the giver, is critical to establishing accountability. The asker wants something and the giver is in a position to deliver it. To establish and reach a goal, communication between the asker and the giver must be clear and open. Research has shown that there is a strong link between accountability and psychological safety.  An ideal scenario is one in which the asker gets what they're looking for, and the giver feels that the promise was built on their word. ABOUT THE GUEST H

Brandon Laws interviews Patty Beach about the art of getting employees aligned behind a good idea and leading them effectively toward a vision or goal. The two discuss leadership best practices for setting direction, creating “clockwork,” and empowering employees. Learn how to give your employees a voice and use the “wisdom of the group” to correct misalignments and move forward as a united front. TAKEAWAYS Unlike traditional top-down leadership, alignment in the workplace is analogous to interlocking gears turning together. If leaders create a psychologically safe environment, employees will be empowered to voice their thoughts, concerns, and questions. Tapping into “the wisdom of the crowd” not only allows leaders to make more informed decisions but also keeps employees engaged in the plan to move forward. After “setting direction,” leaders should have regular conversations with employees to increase buy-in, alignment, and ultimately, forward progress. ABOUT THE GUEST Patty Beach is a leadership developme

Get ready for an incredible story of what it really means to “seize the day.” In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Caroline Boudreaux recounts an evening in May of 2000 where she visited an orphanage in India. Caroline was struck not only by the poverty but also by the untapped potential that she witnessed in the over 100 orphaned children. That very evening, Caroline decided to found the Miracle Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing access to education, nutrition, health, and protective services to children in need. This is Caroline’s compelling story of sacrifice, heartbreak, and fulfillment — a story that is still being written. Sign up for the Xenium Beyond Compensation Survey - Deadline May 15, 2021 ABOUT THE GUEST After leaving a career in advertising, Caroline decided to take a trip around the world. What she found there led to her decision to found the Miracle Foundation, a non-profit that, since its inception, has improved the lives of over 15,000 children in need. Carol

Brandon Laws interviews Xenium’s own Sara Bradley, an HR Account Representative and solid resource for learning how to pursue a life of wellness. The two cover topics such as self-care, work-life balance, and workplace initiatives to promote wellness in the lives of employees. Your busy schedule doesn’t have to dictate your wellness. Listen in to learn how to balance it all with no burnout. TAKEAWAYS Wellness isn’t just related to our physical well-being. We must be willing to take stock of all areas of our lives if we want to experience holistic wellness. Employers do have a critical role in promoting employee wellness, but employees must hold themselves accountable for it as well. Finding work-life balance starts with identifying priorities and setting boundaries. If employers want to promote wellness among their teams, they must be willing to give employees space and time to take advantage of wellness services. Sign up for the Xenium Beyond Compensation Survey - Deadline May 15, 2021 ABOUT THE GUEST The

In this unconventional episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, we take on a topic frequently requested by our audience: best practices for onboarding new employees. Brandon Laws interviews our latest new hire, Gabrielle Cohen, to get her take on her onboarding experience with Xenium. We cover the good, the bad, the tried, and the true so that you can take what worked (and avoid what didn’t) as you hone your new-hire onboarding experience. Sign up for the Xenium Beyond Compensation Survey - Deadline May 15, 2021 A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

It’s all in the name of growth, and sometimes the only way to grow is to challenge the status quo. This episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast features guest Lilith Christiansen, Chief Strategy and Product Officer of SilkRoad Technology, and her reflections on the transformative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on unsuspecting businesses. There’s no doubt that the pandemic exposed workplace weaknesses, but what better response than to learn from the challenge? Listen to learn how you can make the right changes for the future of your business, no matter what obstacle arises next. TAKEAWAYS: If we want to be the best business leaders we can be, we must reflect on the weaknesses that the pandemic exposed and learn how to remedy them. Employees across the board reported that the pandemic resulted in a significant increase in job responsibilities. Employees stated that role confusion and unanswered questions were also common in the weeks and months following the onset of the pandemic.  Despite the many c

In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws talks with Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications and the Workplace Wellness Insider. They dig deep into COVID-19’s effects on important issues like mental health, workplace connection, and the employee-employer alignment of values. Wondering what changes are coming? Tune in to learn what new workplace developments are right around the corner. TAKEAWAYS: COVID-19 has a silver lining: it has effectively destigmatized open discussion of mental health. In the post-COVID era, employees will expect employers to allow them to cultivate a healthy work-life balance. Employees want to work for an organization that has values that align with their own.  The future of the workplace includes a hybrid model that incorporates in-person collaboration and at-home individual projects. ABOUT THE GUEST: Diane Schwartz is the Chief Executive Officer of Ragan Communications, a media event company, and Ragan's Workplace Wellness Insider, “an online public

What if there were time-tested methods that could help us truly maximize our time? According to Karen Leland, President of Sterling Consulting and Marketing Group, it’s possible to get the most out of the day as long as we’re willing to make some simple changes. Author of her new book, No Nonsense: Time Management: 50 Tips to Hack Your Time and Get Everything Done, Karen gives podcast listeners the scoop on time management techniques that will truly make a difference. Takeaways: Most of us aren’t conscious of the many ways in which we waste our time, and we don’t see the consequences either. One way to realize better time-management is to take stock of where your time is spent; keeping track and labeling your activities will show you where your priorities are. Working toward a goal isn’t always “sexy” work; sometimes it means committing to completing mundane tasks until you see progress. Narrow your to-do list down to two achievable priority items so that you don’t end up overwhelmed by a list of unattainab