Author: Lin Grensing-Pophal, Contributing Editor

predictions

Workplace Culture Predictions for 2030

At the start of a new year, it’s common to make predictions about trends for the coming months. Predictions are based on emerging trends, sociopolitical and market factors, etc. Given that a new year isn’t usually that different from the previous year, these are often safe predictions.

How Entrepreneurs Use Flexibility to Attract Top Talent

We talk a lot about the importance of thinking beyond salaries and bonuses to attract top talent. Employees want to have top-notch benefits, as well as a comfortable, friendly work environment. Part of that includes flexibility, such as working from home, generous paid time off (PTO), and more.

Maryland Takes Step Toward $15 Minimum Wage

In a widely expected move, the Maryland General Assembly has approved a significant increase in the state’s minimum wage by voting for legislation aimed at increasing the current rate of $10.10 per hour to $15 by 2025.

Tesla

Customer Service Lessons Learned from Tesla

A challenge many companies face is providing a top-notch customer experience. The reason—particularly for business-to-consumer (B2C) companies with high volumes of customers—is that so many of their customer touch points come in the form of entry-level, low-paid staff, often with high turnover. Teaching these employees the basics, let alone the intricacies, of customer relationship management […]

work

How Entrepreneurs Use Flexibility to Attract Top Talent

We talk a lot about the importance of thinking beyond salaries and bonuses to attract top talent. Employees want to have top-notch benefits, as well as a comfortable, friendly work environment. Part of that includes flexibility, such as working from home, generous paid time off (PTO), and more.

Cannabis

Legal Cannabis Spurs Demand for Certain Skill Sets

Just a few years ago, it would have been almost unheard of for someone to list the ability to grow, identify, or recommend different strains of cannabis as a job qualification, but the times are a changin’!

Certifications

Benefits Trend: Employer-Provided Professional Certifications

For some roles, like human resources, specific credentials are required—think Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). For some industries, like finance and accounting, professionals need certifications that show they’re licensed to offer the services in those industries—for example, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) working with banks and lenders.  

Legal Cannabis Spurs Demand for Certain Skill Sets

Just a few years ago, it would have been almost unheard of for someone to list the ability to grow, identify, or recommend different strains of cannabis as a job qualification, but the times are a changin’!

Which Metro Areas Benefit from Best-Place-to-Live Rankings?

Despite the growing sophistication of telecommunications tools and employers’ increasing willingness to allow employees to work remotely, being located in a desirable location can be a draw for companies looking to attract top talent.