January 2025 TogetHR Times
January Blues in the Workplace
by Kim Keene
The post-holiday season can bring unique mental health challenges for employees returning to the workplace. After the festive cheer, January often feels like a reset button, accompanied by shorter days, colder weather, and the pressure to meet new goals. These factors, coupled with post-holiday blues, credit card charges and lack of motivation can significantly impact workplace morale and productivity.
For many, the holiday season is a time of connection, rest, and celebration. Returning to work after this break can feel abrupt, especially for those dealing with financial strain, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or unfulfilled personal expectations. It can also be a time of financial stress. Additionally, the pressure of New Year’s resolutions can create stress, particularly when work demands intensify.
How Can You Support Your Employees?
Create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their struggles. Regular check-ins and mental health resources can make a big difference.
For those financially strapped employees, think about a subscription to a savings app, have a finance expert speak during lunch. Talk about how your IRA or 401k is a really good idea.
Managers should promote flexible work schedules and discourage burnout. A balanced approach helps employees ease back into their routines.
Share information about employee assistance programs (EAPs) and ensure access to counseling or wellness programs.
Organize team-building activities to rebuild camaraderie and combat feelings of isolation.
Recognizing the mental health challenges that January brings is the first step toward a healthier workplace. By supporting employees during this period, organizations can foster a culture of resilience, empathy, and productivity year-round. Show your employees that you value and support them.
The Importance of Background Checks: Ensuring Safety and Trustworthiness
by John Wright
In today's fast-paced world, the importance of background checks cannot be overstated. In the context of hiring employees, background checks serve as a critical tool for ensuring safety and maintaining trust. Here’s how background checks can benefit your organization:
1. Enhancing Workplace Safety
One of the primary reasons for conducting background checks in hiring processes is to enhance workplace safety. Employers have a duty to protect their employees, clients, and customers. By verifying a candidate's criminal history, employment background, and educational qualifications, employers can identify potential red flags that may indicate a risk to the workplace environment. This is especially crucial in industries that involve vulnerable populations, such as healthcare, education, and childcare.
2. Protecting Company Reputation
A company's reputation is one of its most valuable assets. Hiring individuals without conducting thorough background checks can lead to scandals and legal liabilities if an employee engages in misconduct. By implementing background checks, companies can mitigate the risk of hiring individuals with questionable pasts, thereby protecting their reputation and maintaining trust with clients and customers.
3. Reducing Employee Turnover
Background checks can also play a vital role in reducing employee turnover. By ensuring that candidates possess the required skills and qualifications, employers can make informed hiring decisions that lead to a better fit for the role. This can result in higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates, ultimately saving the company time and money associated with recruiting and training new employees.
4. Complying with Legal Requirements
In many cases, conducting background checks is not just a best practice but a legal requirement. Certain industries, such as finance and healthcare, are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate background checks for employees. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and legal action.
5. Promoting a Culture of Transparency
Incorporating background checks into hiring and relational practices promotes a culture of transparency. It demonstrates that individuals and organizations value honesty and integrity. When background checks are standard practice, it sets a precedent that encourages ethical behavior and accountability among employees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, background checks are an essential component of employment. They serve to enhance safety, protect reputations, reduce turnover, build trust, comply with legal requirements, and promote transparency. As the world continues to evolve, the importance of background checks will remain a cornerstone in fostering secure and trustworthy working environments for individuals and organizations alike.
The Power of Micro-Resets: Building Goals That Stick
By Alison Bruns
Setting goals is a proven and powerful way to direct your life toward what truly matters. But let’s face it: staying on track with those goals is often easier said than done. Grand ambitions can quickly become burdens if the steps to achieve them feel overwhelming. That’s where the concept of micro-resets—small, actionable adjustments inspired by The 5 Resets framework for stress management—comes in. By leveraging the power of incremental progress, you can transform your goals from lofty ideals into tangible achievements.
Why Goals Often Fail
Many people start with enthusiasm but lose momentum because they set goals that are either too vague, too ambitious, or lack a clear action plan. For example, “Get fit” or “Write a book” sounds inspiring but doesn’t offer immediate direction. Additionally, stress—a constant in modern life—can derail even the best intentions.
The 5 Resets emphasize small, daily actions to combat stress and foster mental clarity. This same philosophy can be applied to goal setting. By anchoring your goals in micro-resets, you can create a structure that not only supports progress but also keeps stress at bay.
What Are Micro-Resets?
Micro-resets are simple, manageable actions that you can incorporate into your day to create lasting change. Instead of overhauling your entire routine, you introduce small, intentional habits that align with your larger objectives. These resets are designed to reduce overwhelm, enhance focus, and build momentum through consistent effort.
For example, consider the five categories of resets:
Physical Reset: A brief movement break, like a 5-minute stretch, to energize your body.
Emotional Reset: Practicing gratitude or checking in with your feelings to boost emotional resilience.
Mental Reset: Taking a mindful pause, such as deep breathing, to clear mental clutter.
Relational Reset: A small act of connection, like sending a kind message to a friend.
Environmental Reset: Tidying up your workspace to create a more productive atmosphere.
Each of these actions takes just minutes but can have a profound impact when practiced consistently. They’re also perfect building blocks for achieving bigger goals.
How to Apply Micro-Resets to Goal Setting
Here’s a step-by-step approach to integrating micro-resets into your goal-setting process:
1. Start with Clarity
Define your goal in clear, specific terms. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” try, “I want to exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week.” Clear goals make it easier to identify the small actions that will move you forward.
2. Break It Down
Divide your goal into smaller milestones. For instance, if your goal is to write a book, start with a micro-reset like writing for 10 minutes daily. This bite-sized commitment is less intimidating and more likely to become a habit.
3. Tie Resets to Your Goal
Incorporate micro-resets from The 5 Resets to support your progress:
A physical reset might be a quick walk before starting your writing session to boost creativity.
A mental reset could involve a 3-minute mindfulness exercise to focus on your priorities.
An environmental reset might be clearing your desk before beginning work on your goal.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Recognize and reward yourself for completing your micro-resets and milestones. Celebrating progress—no matter how small—reinforces your commitment and builds motivation.
5. Reflect and Adjust
Set aside time weekly to review your progress. What worked? What didn’t? Use this reflection to tweak your approach, keeping in mind that consistency beats perfection.
The Benefits of Micro-Resets for Goal Achievement
When you approach your goals through micro-resets, you’re not just making incremental progress—you’re also building resilience and reducing stress. Here are some key benefits:
Reduces Overwhelm: Breaking goals into smaller steps makes them feel more achievable, lowering the mental resistance to starting.
Builds Momentum: Consistently completing small actions creates a sense of accomplishment, which fuels motivation.
Fosters Habit Formation: Repetition of micro-resets helps ingrained habits form naturally, paving the way for sustained change.
Enhances Focus: By integrating mental resets, you maintain clarity and stay aligned with your priorities.
Improves Well-Being: Incorporating emotional and physical resets ensures you’re not sacrificing health for productivity.
Real-Life Example
Imagine your goal is to run a 5K. Here’s how micro-resets can support your journey:
Physical Reset: Start with a 5-minute walk every morning.
Mental Reset: Visualize crossing the finish line to maintain motivation.
Environmental Reset: Lay out your running clothes the night before to remove barriers.
Emotional Reset: Reflect on your progress each week and express gratitude for your body’s capabilities.
Relational Reset: Join a local running group or invite a friend to train with you for support.
By focusing on these small, manageable actions, you’re more likely to stay consistent and enjoy the process.
Final Thoughts
Big goals often feel daunting, but micro-resets offer a pathway to success that’s both achievable and sustainable. By aligning your goals with the principles of The 5 Resets, you can make progress without burnout, turning your ambitions into lasting realities. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about persistence. Start small, reset often, and watch your goals unfold one step at a time.
Reference:
Dr. Aditi Nerurkar M.D. The 5 Resets. HarperCollins, 16 Jan. 2024.
Comparing QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, and Wave Accounting
by Dan Rodriguez
In the world of accounting and bookkeeping, choosing the right software is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Among the most popular accounting software solutions are QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, and Wave. Each of these platforms offers unique features, pricing structures, and functionalities, which can cater to different types of businesses. Understanding the differences between these tools is essential in selecting the best option for a business’s specific needs. This essay will explore the key differences between QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, and Wave Accounting.
QuickBooks Online (QBO)
QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a cloud-based accounting solution, allowing users to access their financial data from anywhere, at any time, provided they have an internet connection. This makes it particularly attractive to businesses with remote teams or owners who are frequently on the go. As a subscription-based software, QBO offers different pricing tiers, allowing businesses to select the plan that best fits their needs.
One of the key features of QuickBooks Online is its integration with a wide variety of third-party apps and services. It integrates seamlessly with payroll systems, bank accounts, and a wide range of other software tools, enabling automatic synchronization of data. QBO also provides robust reporting and dashboard features that allow users to track income, expenses, taxes, and profit margins. The interface is user-friendly, even for non-accountants, with drag-and-drop functionalities and an intuitive layout.
QBO is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that require cloud access, automated features, and easy collaboration. While the pricing is more expensive than some other solutions, it offers flexibility and scalability that growing businesses can benefit from.
QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Desktop, as the name suggests, is a desktop-based solution, which means it is installed on a computer and data is stored locally. Unlike QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop requires users to manually update and back up their files. While this may seem outdated in an increasingly cloud-based world, many businesses prefer this version due to its powerful features and functionality.
QuickBooks Desktop offers advanced features like inventory management, job costing, and industry-specific editions (such as for contractors, retail, manufacturing, and professional services). It also allows for more complex accounting needs, such as handling large volumes of transactions, customized reporting, and the ability to create detailed financial reports.
However, QuickBooks Desktop lacks the flexibility and mobility that QuickBooks Online provides. Since it is not cloud-based, users cannot access their financial data remotely unless they invest in additional tools like remote desktop software. This can be a drawback for businesses that need to work remotely or collaborate with others in different locations.
QuickBooks Desktop is best suited for businesses that have more complex accounting needs, such as large enterprises or companies with high-volume transactions. It is also a good option for those who prioritize detailed, customizable reporting over cloud access.
Xero
Xero is another cloud-based accounting solution, offering a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online. Like QuickBooks Online, Xero provides access to financial data from anywhere, making it ideal for businesses with remote teams or owners who travel frequently. Xero’s pricing is based on subscription tiers, with plans designed for small businesses and more advanced options for growing enterprises.
Xero’s standout feature is its user-friendly interface, designed with non-accountants in mind. It is known for its easy navigation, simple setup, and clean dashboard. Xero supports automated bank feeds, invoicing, payroll, and a variety of financial reporting options. One of its strongest features is its strong integration capabilities, particularly with over 800 third-party apps. This enables users to tailor the platform to their specific needs and enhance its functionality with additional tools.
Xero is especially popular in international markets, offering multi-currency support, which is a key advantage for businesses operating globally. It also allows for unlimited users on any plan, which makes collaboration easy without incurring additional costs.
Xero is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need a cloud-based solution with global capabilities and strong integration options. It is also a good choice for businesses that plan to scale rapidly and need an affordable, flexible accounting solution.
Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is a free, cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers. Unlike QuickBooks Online and Xero, which are both subscription-based, Wave offers its core accounting features without charge. Wave generates revenue through add-on services, such as payroll and payment processing, which can be purchased as needed.
Wave’s accounting features are relatively basic compared to QuickBooks Online and Xero, but they are more than adequate for small businesses with straightforward financial needs. It includes tools for invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting. Wave also supports multi-currency transactions, though it is not as robust as the features offered by Xero or QuickBooks Online.
While Wave is an excellent option for very small businesses or freelancers who have limited budgets, its simplicity can be a limitation for businesses with more complex accounting requirements. Wave lacks the depth of reporting and customization available in QuickBooks Desktop and Xero, and it does not offer some advanced features such as inventory management or detailed payroll capabilities.
Wave is best suited for freelancers, solopreneurs, and very small businesses with simple accounting needs and limited budgets. It’s a good starting point for entrepreneurs who need basic accounting tools but do not have the resources to invest in more expensive solutions.
Conclusion
When choosing between QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, and Wave Accounting, businesses must consider their specific needs, size, and budget. QuickBooks Online is ideal for businesses seeking cloud access, automation, and scalability. QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, is suited for larger businesses with complex accounting needs and who do not require cloud access. Xero is a strong competitor to QuickBooks Online, offering international capabilities, a user-friendly interface, and extensive integrations. Wave, being free, is perfect for freelancers and small businesses with basic accounting needs.
Ultimately, the choice between these tools comes down to the complexity of the business’s accounting needs, its preference for cloud or desktop solutions, and its budget. Each of these platforms has its strengths and weaknesses, so businesses should weigh their options carefully to make the best decision for their unique circumstances.
