Human Resources For Small Business

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

Sit down with host Brandon Laws and guest Jon Krohn, Co-Founder & Chief Data Scientist of Nebula.io, to delve into the intersection of AI and HR technology. This episode’s discussion revolves around the recent surge in AI and its effectiveness in job searching, recruiting, and hiring the right fit. Been holding off on integrating AI tools into your HR strategy? It might just be the key to streamlining your HR operations and enhancing productivity.    TAKEAWAYS Deep learning, inspired by the human brain structure, is being applied in HR contexts to mitigate biases in decision-making. The recent surge in the effectiveness of artificial intelligence tools, including deep learning, is attributed to the availability of vast training data and increased computing power. Nebula.io offers a dynamic compensation benchmarking service, providing granular insights into salary trends and empowering HR professionals with actionable data. HR should be embracing AI tools as they have the potential to enhance produ

This ask-me-anything episode of Transform Your Workplace podcast features return guest Lacey Partpilo, Director of HR and Client Success at Xenium HR. She and host Brandon Laws discuss the invaluable and evolving role of HR in today’s business landscape. Lacey also dispels common misconceptions about HR and offers insights into fostering positive employee experiences and successful client interactions. Not sure if investing in HR is worth the price tag? Listen in and find out.   TAKEAWAYS As businesses recognize the strategic importance of HR, professionals in this field are now commonly seen as key decision-makers. The rise of hybrid remote work has added complexity to HR roles, expanding responsibilities to include aspects like compliance, inclusion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  Modern HR professionals must be "smarter, savvier, and true generalists" to navigate the multifaceted nature of their evolving roles. Meeting the diverse expectations of a multi-generational workforce is a ch

In the latest episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, guest Adam Weber offers insights into the evolving role of HR in response to changing workforce dynamics. The discussion covers how HR leaders can navigate evolving expectations, leverage data to substantiate initiatives, increase engagement, and foster psychological safety in the workplace. Tune in for fresh takes on navigating contemporary HR challenges and leading with authenticity.   TAKEAWAYS The COVID pandemic, social unrest, and generational values have dramatically reshaped HR. Today’s workplace places a growing emphasis on authentic leadership and company purpose. HR leaders face escalating challenges, with expectations outpacing budgets and resources, prompting the need for a reimagination of HR's role within organizations. Metrics for collective employee performance, quantifiable engagement aligned with company goals, and vigilance against regrettable turnover are essential components of HR's wheelhouse. In navigating HR chall

A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed how employees are no longer quitting at high rates. Guest Nicole Blevins unpacks this trend. A survey found 73% of workers now plan to stay at their jobs, up 12% from last year. Blevins notes some attrition brings new ideas and enables internal promotion. However, stagnation can occur if no one leaves. She advises that with low attrition, organizations should focus on performance management and career development to hold people accountable and continue growing top talent.   TAKEAWAYS Recent survey shows 73% of employees now plan to stay at their jobs, up 12% from last year Some attrition is healthy for bringing in new ideas and enabling internal promotion With low attrition, organizations should focus on performance management and career development to hold people accountable and continue growing top talent   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

Tune in as host Brandon Laws and guest CEO Coach Brad Zimmerman discuss the transformative power of purpose. Our guest explores ideas from his recently published book, The Great Engagement, including vulnerability, effective leadership coaching, and the role of emotions in the workplace. Overall, the episode provides insights into fostering an exceptional workplace culture by aligning individual aspirations with collective purpose.   TAKEAWAYS This episode highlights the transformative impact of aligning individual aspirations and organizational purpose. Leaders should be connecting daily activities, meetings, and initiatives to the broader organizational purpose, ensuring that each employee’s aspirations contribute to the company’s collective goals. Fostering a sense of purpose among employees counteracts disengagement. A purpose-oriented culture helps employees stay focused on fulfilling others rather than protecting themselves. Workplace vulnerability includes the constructive sharing of concerns

In this episode, Brandon Laws and Nicole Blevins discuss workplace trends to watch in 2024 according to a Gallup article. They talk about the ongoing high levels of employee stress, the erosion of organizational mission and purpose, declining leadership trust, manager burnout, the need for long-term hybrid work strategies, and the importance of fostering connection to combat isolation.   TAKEAWAYS Employee stress is at record highs and engagement is slowly recovering. Organizations need long-term hybrid work strategies to bridge the gap between employer and employee preferences. Fostering human connection is important to combat isolation in an increasingly remote/hybrid work environment.

In the most recent installment of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws talks with Sarah Adler, the CEO and Founder of Wave. The discussion revolves around the recent decline in mental well-being, heightened by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah shares valuable perspectives on how leaders can navigate and respond to the changing needs of employees in today's work environment. The episode provides a deep dive into key workplace issues such as screen time, communication strategies, generational differences, and effective leadership practices, all within the context of mental health. Tune in to gain insights into the pressing matters shaping modern business.   TAKEAWAYS The recent decline in mental well-being can be attributed to both pre-existing personal and workplace trends and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders must adapt to evolving employee needs in the modern workplace, especially within the context of mental health. Digital Natives are accustomed to a new t

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, our host sits down with corporate wellness expert and speaker Kristel Bauer. The two discuss Kristel’s 2021 TED Talk on work-life balance amidst COVID-19 and the profound impact of the pandemic on the modern workplace. From finding flexibility to being present both on the job and at home, tune in for valuable tips for navigating the challenges of the modern workplace.   TAKEAWAYS The COVID-19 pandemic prompted businesses to reassess their priorities, challenges, and values. In a hybrid workplace model, optimizing communication is crucial to fostering trust. The pandemic has led to a heightened awareness of mental health in which companies are urged to reassess their approaches and actively support employees facing challenges. Rituals or practices such as walks or clothing changes can help people smooth out the transition between work and home life. Leaders who offer workplace flexibility allow employees to fine-tune their practices for self-support.  Le

In this bonus episode, Nicole Blevins discusses the concept of "catfishing" employers who misrepresent jobs and company culture to candidates during the hiring process. This leads to disappointment and distrust when the reality doesn't match up. She shares a personal anecdote of friends calling her about mismatching expectations and work conditions. The key takeaways are: employers should accurately portray roles and culture to align candidate expectations, provide transparent communication, and focus on improving internal culture and employer branding consistency.   TAKEAWAYS Employers sometimes "catfish" candidates by misrepresenting jobs and culture during hiring. This leads to disappointment when reality doesn't match up. Transparent communication and accurately portraying roles and culture is key to setting proper candidate expectations. Employers should focus first on improving internal culture consistency before external employer branding and recruitment marketing efforts.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws talks with Josh Merrill, the CEO and Founder of Confirm, an innovative people platform utilizing Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) for performance reviews. Josh shares the transformative journey of integrating this new methodology into performance evaluations. Tune in to learn the truth about your distribution of talent, the importance of eliminating bias in performance reviews, and how to use ONA to get a pulse on your company’s top talent.   TAKEAWAYS Talent distribution follows a power law rather than the commonly assumed bell curve which means that a few employees are creating a disproportionate impact.  Since 60% of manager ratings are influenced by biases, businesses should adopt ONA to provide a more objective evaluation that focuses on network dynamics. ONA, like the wisdom of the crowd, provides accurate insights by considering collective perspectives. Business leaders should implement periodic evaluations to identify impactfu

In the latest episode of Transform Your Workplace, bestselling author Daniel Strode provides valuable insights into fostering corporate culture and navigating the pace of change in the modern workplace. He shares practical tips from his book, The Culture Advantage, highlighting the role of culture in driving innovation, the significance of a growth mindset in leadership, and the importance of putting your people first.   TAKEAWAYS Culture is "the way we do things around here, especially when no one is looking or listening." The rapid change in the modern workplace is driven by societal and technological shifts, making adaptation crucial for any business’s survival. It's not just about the amount of money, time, or resources a company has, but rather the culture of innovation that sets successful companies apart.  Building a culture that encourages and supports innovation is key to staying competitive. Changing a company's culture is a process that requires both immediate action and patience.  Effe

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, the Chancellor's Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Rogelberg shares insights from his book, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings, exploring topics such as the managerial role in effective 1:1s, the wide-ranging benefits, and practical implementation strategies for this foundational aspect of effective leadership.   TAKEAWAYS In his book, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings, Dr. Rogelberg emphasizes the transformative potential of one-on-one meetings in organizations and for leaders. While the agenda should be driven by the employee, managers play a vital role in creating an infrastructure to ensure the effectiveness of 1:1s. 1:1 meetings improve employee engagement, retention, team performance, and contribution to inclusion efforts. The blueprint for effective 1:1s focuses on building agendas, involving the direct report, and maintaining continuity

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws catches up with Josh Durham, Founder of Gamut Project Solutions and a veteran in the construction scene. Drawing from his extensive experience managing billion-dollar projects for over seventeen years, Josh shares insights on genuinely exchanging thoughts and ideas versus falling for the illusion of communication. The episode doesn't just talk the talk — it serves up practical strategies to amp up your professional communication. Tune in if you're serious about boosting this crucial workplace skill.   TAKEAWAYS All humans share an inherent desire for survival, belonging, and personal growth. Fear triggers defensive reactions, hindering direct and clear communication. Active listening is the cornerstone of quality communication, and listening with empathy is the key to fostering understanding. Leaders must cultivate a workplace where employees feel psychologically safe to voice concerns and ideas, and doing so minimizes explosive conversations a

In this episode, host Brandon Laws interviews Nicole Blevins about the importance of making meaningful connections with coworkers, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. They discuss how transactional don't foster quality relationships. Instead, being vulnerable and authentic, giving your full attention, and actively listening help create trusting bonds that allow for better collaboration, communication, and ability to handle conflicts.   TAKEAWAYS With the shift to hybrid/remote work, employees lose the “water cooler moments” for making connections and must be more intentional about relationship-building. This requires vulnerability, active listening without distractions, and making space for deeper conversations. Employers play a role in enabling connections by allowing small talk time in meetings, organizing activities like virtual lunches or book clubs, supporting employee resource groups, and providing questions to spark meaningful dialogue. High-quality connections build trust critical for w

This episode of Transform Your Workplace features a deep dive into insights from Curtis Bateman’s co-authored book, Change: How to Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity. The episode explores the most common reactions to change — Move, Minimize, Wait, Resist, and Quit — and the leader’s role in understanding and managing these reactions as they move forward. Don’t miss this timely discussion on how leaders can spearhead positive change in a constantly evolving workplace.   TAKEAWAYS Move, Minimize, Wait, Resist, and Quit are all natural and common reactions to change in the workplace.  Leaders must recognize and manage these diverse reactions instead of moving forward without employee buy-in. Each reaction has its strengths and limitations, and leaders can effectively tap into and leverage the strengths during times of change. A well-crafted case for change facilitates alignment and engagement throughout the organization. Leaders need to discern where their team members are in their journey through chang

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, guest Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks, shares insights into the power of play. And while we may think of play time as exclusively for kids, adults can also learn a lot about themselves and others through play. Tune in to find out how our guest was inspired to champion the cause of play and how play can make a difference in your relationships, your perspective, and ultimately, your business.   TAKEAWAYS While it's evident that kids benefit from play, adults can also learn valuable lessons through play in the areas of team building, socialization, and overall personal development. Play is a crucial avenue for learning teamwork, curiosity, and conflict resolution.  Adults, especially leaders, should actively participate in play to break down barriers and build trust in the workplace. Opportunities for play cannot be forced; instead, players should be invited to participate of their own accord.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

In this bonus episode of the Transform your Workplace podcast, we're joined by returning guest Nicole Blevins. Nicole and Brandon discuss pay transparency and how being open about compensation can reduce workplace drama and help employees focus on their jobs instead of worrying about what others make. They talk about regularly reviewing market data to keep pay structures current, addressing pay compression when needed, and being thoughtful about overall compensation philosophy. Consistency, fairness, and clear communication are key.   TAKEAWAYS Pay transparency reduces drama so employees can focus on work instead of compensation comparisons Regularly review compensation data to keep pay structures competitive and address compression Clearly communicate comp strategy so employees understand philosophy and consistency   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

There’s no better time than the present to talk about AI. In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, guest Jennifer Dulski, CEO of Rising Team, offers insights on the recent and transformative role of AI in the modern workplace. Jennifer shares her firsthand experiences, emphasizing how AI, when combined with human passion and connection, becomes a powerful tool in shaping compelling visions and driving business success. Although it can be scary to embark on the unknown, embracing AI today is key to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape.    TAKEAWAYS AI, when combined with human passion, can be an enormous asset in shaping a compelling vision. While AI excels in various tasks, leaders must focus on what AI can’t do: foster empathy, deep trust, and connection with their teams. Leaders don't need to be tech-savvy to leverage AI; they just need to be trained on prompting. AI's ability to suggest alternatives by considering a vast amount of data can be invaluable in decision-making.  While A