Embracing World Emoji Day: Boosting Team Development and Productivity in Small Businesses By Andrea Feinberg World Emoji Day, celebrated on July 17th each year, might seem like a lighthearted occasion marked by a barrage of colorful icons on social media. However, beneath the surface, emojis offer a […]

Harassment or Hostile Work Environment or Both? by Kim Keene Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA). Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on […]

How The Use of Personal Values Contributes To A Healthy Business Culture So often business plans revolve around numbers – market share, profit margin, revenue, increased productivity – that you may downplay or even forget the fact that a focus on personal values can significantly enhance company culture and strengthen team dynamics. And a strong team is the basis to make big changes in the […]

Summer Friendly Work Environment by Kim Keene Are you ready for the hot summer months? Are you an employer that has employees working outside? Creating a summer-friendly work environment involves several key strategies. Ensure a Cool and Comfortable Workplace: Utilize fans or air conditioning to keep the office temperature pleasant. Keep blinds closed to minimize direct sunlight. Embrace a More Relaxed Dress Code: If possible,[…]

How will your Company Honor and Remember those who Served? By Andrea Feinberg It’s Memorial Day this weekend, and, while so many look on it as the start of a summer season, its power is in its acknowledgement of those who gave so much for their country, our country. To show the importance of this event, and perhaps to honor family or employees on your team, here are suggestions that can improve company culture and productivity:

Best Employee Qualities by Kim Keene In today’s competitive business environment, having the right team can make all the difference. But what makes a great employee? Here are some key qualities that employers often look for:

Take your Kid to Work Day "Through the Eyes of a Child: Reimagining Your Business on 'Take Your Child to Work Day'" As a fractional Human Resources consulting firm, TogetHR Consulting has seen many strategies to improve a business's inner workings. However, 'Take Your Child to Work Day' offers a unique perspective to reassess your company from the perspective of someone whose only involvement is that mom or dad is one of your employees. Let's explore

Exploring Benefits That Encourage Retention of Older Workforce February 8, 2024 | Lin Grensing-Pophal As labor shortages persist in certain industries and job roles, there is a notable shift occurring in how companies perceive and appreciate older workers. Businesses are now

Spring into Action: Refresh Your HR Practices for Enhanced Productivity and Performance As the frost melts away and the first green shoots of spring break through the soil, there's always a palpable sense of renewal and rejuvenation in the air. This season, symbolic of growth and new beginnings, provides a perfect backdrop for your company to re-evaluate and refresh human resource practices. Just as nature blossoms, your organization can too, by implementing strategic HR initiatives designed to enhance productivity and performance. Here’s how:

Unsung Employee Heroes by Kim Keene In every team, there’s often an unsung hero, a mentor, a leader without the title, often referred to as the “unofficial” leader, the first whip, or the senior person. While formal leadership positions are crucial, it’s the individuals who naturally assume leadership roles that play a pivotal role in

Black History Month -DEI Initiatives: How will you build an inclusive culture and embrace a diverse team? By Andrea Feinberg DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It’s a framework aimed at promoting a work environment where differences are valued, everyone has equitable opportunities, and all individuals feel included and respected. More than that,

Navigating Workplace Expectations in 2024 by Kim Keene As we step into 2024, the workplace continues to evolve, shaped by technological advancements, societal changes, and the lessons learned from recent global challenges. Navigating this dynamic landscape requires a nuanced understanding of emerging workplace expectations. Here are key aspects to consider in meeting and managing expectations

January 31st – Annual Required Reporting ~ W2’s due to employees & 1099’s to Contractors By Andrea Feinberg Contractor vs. Employee: Choosing the Right Workforce W-2 forms need to be given to your employees and 1099s to your contractors by the end of January. This might be a great time to consider all the ways

Lawsuit and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Kim Keene The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its 2023 employment discrimination lawsuit filings, and there is more than a 50% increase over 2022. The EEOC’s goal is to advance workplace opportunity by enforcing federal employment discrimination laws. Many changes have taken place at the agency

December 10th – World Human Rights Day By Andrea Feinberg World Human Rights Day was observed on December 10th. Although we like the idea of practicing it daily, this date commemorates the United Nations General Assembly having adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This document proclaims the inalienable rights to which everyone

Planning for the New Overtime Rule… by Kim Keene HR pros should know whether they will reclassify workers or raise wages should DOL finalize its proposal. The Department of Labor which oversees the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is proposing a pretty large increase to the FLSA’s overtime threshold. The change was proposed in August,

November 25th – Small Business Saturday; Shop Local By Andrea Feinberg We know you’ve already figured out how to take advantage of Small Business Saturday, this year on November 25th. It’s an excellent opportunity for small business owners to boost sales, engage with your community, and foster a sense of unity within your team. Here

Understanding Generational Differences by Kim Keene Generational diversity refers to the differences in experiences, values, communication styles, and work preferences among various age groups. By understanding these differences, we can foster a culture of collaboration and appreciation within our organization. Key Generations in the Workplace Traditionalists (born before 1946): Values loyalty, hard work, and

Human Resources and Documentation by Kim Keene Thorough documentation ensures consistency, efficiency and standardization when managing employee performances. Keeping records of job descriptions, feedback and results may help managers guide and coach employees. It might also inform decisions about promotions and personnel changes. It can also benefit employees who want to learn more about their

National Working Parents Day By Andrea Feinberg During September we acknowledge “National Working Parents Day”. And, while you may have a number of employees whose role as parents show up in a variety of ways daily, this annual awareness can be a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation and support for those team members with children […]