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Culture Change Champions: Four Leaders Who Transformed Their Workplace

Culture isn’t a document or a mission statement at an organization—it’s how people behave when no one’s watching. Because it’s built over time, reshaping culture can feel like turning a cargo ship: slow, sensitive, and full of resistance. But it can be done. Here are four business leaders who faced the challenge head-on—and came out […]

Phantom Ownership: How to Use Phantom Units to Incentivize Star Employees

Businesses often face the challenge of attracting and retaining star employees. It can be tempting to offer star employees ownership in the business to prevent the hardship of losing star employees after investing time, money, and resources into training and onboarding. The main drawback of offering ownership is potentially relinquishing some control in the business. […]

rewards

Revisiting Your Recognition System? 5 Research-Backed Ways to Make It Actually Work

There are five common pitfalls that prevent well-meaning recognition programs from connecting with employees in meaningful ways. I explore that topic in Part 1 of this article series. Now it’s time to shift gears and explore what does work. Based on decades of research into motivation, emotional needs, and applied neuroscience, these five practices will […]

No Payout Needed If Unlimited PTO Is offered

Q           If we offer unlimited paid time off (PTO) and employees don’t accrue PTO, do we have to pay anything out at termination? Generally, the answer is no, but there is limited case law on this question, and the answer may change based on how the unlimited PTO is administered. Under Colorado and other state laws, […]

Closing the Engineering Skills Gap: Building a Sustainable Workforce

The engineering industry faces a critical challenge. Demand for energy and technology infrastructure solutions is rising, while skilled engineers remain scarce. This nationwide talent shortage risks firms’ ability to meet growing needs, making retention and engagement crucial. Human resources professionals, with support of and in collaboration with company leaders, must implement innovative strategies that go […]

Survey Shows Increase in Workplace Political Conversations

Political conversations at work aren’t new—but they are becoming more common, more complex, and harder to ignore. According to a recent Kickresume survey, nearly half of employees (49%) have noticed an uptick in political discussion at work, with 72% reporting interest in politics overall. The most commonly discussed topics? Taxes, corruption, and economic issues—subjects that […]

Retirement Ready: Building a Better Transition Through HR Leadership

As America’s workforce continues to age, HR leaders face an unprecedented challenge: supporting the psychological well-being of retiring professionals. While most organizations have robust financial preparation programs, retirement’s emotional and psychological dimensions often go unaddressed, leading to significant wellness concerns for retirees. My recent research with senior leaders who successfully navigated retirement transitions reveals a […]

3 Ways to Help Employees Manage Spring Health Needs With Tax-Free FSA/HSA Dollars

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and allergy season is in full swing. For individuals and families everywhere, that signals a change in healthcare needs. HR teams can help employees prepare for spring health needs, and help reduce how often they have to ask, “Is it a cold or is it […]

FMLA, Not ADA, Covers Leave for Medical Appointments

Question: We have an employee who’s asking to leave work early and use the last hour of her normal schedule to pick up her son and accompany him to therapy sessions that will take place two days per week for 12 weeks. Would this time off be covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) […]

Shopify Requires AI Assessment for Applicants 

Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke has made it clear: in the age of AI, traditional headcount justifications won’t cut it. In a memo recently shared with employees—and posted publicly— Lutke announced that Shopify staff must prove that they can’t accomplish a task using AI before requesting additional resources or headcount. This move reflects a broader shift […]