While We Were Working: Your Weekly Small Business HR and People Leadership Podcast

How the 4-day Workweek Could Increase Employee Productivity

The 4-day workweek is an alternative work schedule that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Advocates of this schedule posit that it increases employee productivity and job satisfaction while reducing fatigue and employee turnover.
On the surface, the idea of a four-day workweek seems too good to be true: employees get more time for leisure activities and family obligations, while employers still get the same output as a traditional five-day workweek.
Proponents of the 4-day workweek cite various benefits. For one, they claim that when employees have more time to relax outside of work, they're more energized and motivated when they return to work, making them more productive.
From an employer's perspective, the 4-day workweek can lead to greater employee retention and engagement, which can ultimately increase revenue. Research shows that when employees are happy and engaged, they are more likely to stay with a company for longer and produce more work.
Employee morale is also increased when employers show that they value their employees' well-being by offering flexible work schedules and time off.
In this episode, Sommer and I are joined by Taryn Grey, a consultant at Jumpstart-HR, to explore the different flex hour arrangements and why employers should seriously consider them.  
In the Consultants Corner, we talk about performance management in the workplace.
At its core, performance management is about creating goals and expectations, managing performance against those goals, and providing feedback to employees.
It is also an opportunity for employers to improve the employee experience and set up their teams for success.
Performance management is essential for creating a successful and productive work environment.
Tune in as we share some actionable tips on improving the various aspects of performance management, such as performance review, onboarding, and employee experience. 
Key Takeaways
- The case for the 4-day workweek (02:32)
- How the 5-day workweek came into being (04:54)
- 4-day work week as a productivity and retention tool (06:27)
- Practical examples of flex hour arrangements (07:12)
- Complying with state-specific overtime laws (12:01)
- Onboarding and performance reviews (15:53)
- Improving the employee experience (18:50)
- Importance of the onboarding process (20:14)
- Set up your teams for success (22:43)
- Don't be afraid to work with experts (28:46)
Additional Resources 
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
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Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 -- 
📰 Article in question: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/four-day-workweek-gains-traction-kickstarter/
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monday.com | A new way of working: https://try.monday.com/wwww
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 Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

Why Background Screening is Crucial for Employee Retention in the Modern Workplace

Background screening has been an essential part of the hiring process for a long time. Companies used it to ensure that their potential employees had a clean record and were suitable for the job. However, with the changing times, background screening has evolved from being just a security tool to an employee retention tool as well.
Companies are interested in identity verification to make sure the person is who they say they are.
Perhaps based on societal changes as well, the landscape of background screening now involves online screening to get to know the type of person you are hiring.
This prevents instances where companies hire somebody only to find out later they have a history of workplace misconduct allegations or somebody likely to bring a toxic environment to the workplace.
In this episode, Sommer and I are joined by Ben Mones, Fama's co-founder and CEO, an AI-based solution that makes hiring great people easy. Fama automates candidate screening and due diligence to help organizations avoid workplace misconduct, prevent costly legal action, and improve the quality of hire.
We dive deep into the topic of online screening and how it can be used as part of a broader employee retention strategy, helping companies hire the right person who fits their culture.
In the Consultants Corner, we talk about "bad bosses" and "bad boss behavior" in the workplace.
Did you know the No. 1 reason why CEOs get fired?
You'd be forgiven if you guessed it's due to poor financial results, but that is No 2. The no 1 reason is workplace misconduct.
Research shows that the main reason why CEOs depart companies is unethical behavior, either sexual misconduct or ethical lapses connected to things like fraud, bribery, and insider trading.
It makes sense because workplace misconduct impacts everybody, right from your fellow employees, shareholders, management teams, and consumers.
Tune in to this episode as we tackle these two topics with our special guest today in an enlightening conversation.
 Key Takeaways
- Workplace misconduct (03:32)
- How background screening has evolved over the years (06:33)
- Online screening as an employee retention tool (09:51)
- Are you hiring the right person (13:47)
- Bad boss behavior (21:58)
- The main reason why CEOs get fired (24:16)
- Background checks on social profile (29:19)
 
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 
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📰 Article in question: https://www.npr.org/2019/05/20/725108825/top-reason-for-ceo-departures-among-largest-companies-is-now-misconduct-study-fi#:~:text=Thi[…]tudy%20found
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👉2023 Mid-Year Legislative & Regulatory Conference: https://thepbsa.org/events/2023-mid-year-legislative-regulatory-conference/
👉Ben's  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mones-45740a2a/
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Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in The Workforce

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been transforming various industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, and the workforce is no exception.
Not only does it disrupt the HR function, but it is becoming more common in traditionally human-driven processes.
To discuss this topic, Sommer and I are joined by a special guest, Alexandra Levit. She is a workforce futurist, which means somebody who looks at business and society and tries to make a determination about what has the greatest potential to cause disruption in the workforce.
One of the areas AI will transform the workforce is Talent Intelligence. AI Technology expands the opportunity for people to have more meaningful careers than we ever thought possible to a point where we can ascertain the roles that people can do based on what they've done in the past.
She has released a book, Deep Talent: How to Transform Your Organization and Empower Your Employees Through AI, a must-read for anyone looking to understand how AI platforms will impact the workforce in the coming years.
The book provides strategies and approaches that any business leader can adopt to reinvigorate their workforce.
In the Consultant corner, we tackle the topic of reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities in the workspace.
Reasonable accommodations for employees are essential to ensure that employees with disabilities are not discriminated against and are productive.
Employers should engage in an interactive process with employees to determine what accommodations are necessary and reasonable. By providing reasonable accommodations, employers can create an inclusive work environment, benefit from higher productivity from employees, and comply with the law.  
One reservation that small businesses have with providing reasonable accommodations is the fear of incurring additional expenses, but it's not the case.
Tune in as we go through some simple accommodations that don't cost anything for people with ADHD that you can implement. 
Key Takeaways
- Alexandra Levit's origin story (03:23)
- The role of AI in the workplace (07:04)
- The talent intelligence technology in practice (11:39)
- AI's role in diversity, inclusion, and belonging (16:16)
- Technology's role in exposing people to greater opportunities (20:21)
- Reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities (24:59)
- Remote work as an accommodation for people with ADHD (29:16)
 
Additional Resources 
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 -- 
📰 Article in question: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7037426704797077504/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
-- 
Connect with Alexandra Levit
Buy  Deep Talent Book: https://amzn.to/3YuwhAD
Website: https://alexandralevit.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandra.levit/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandralevit/
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 Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

Managers Have Bigger Impact on Employee Mental Health than Therapists and Doctors

A report by the Workforce Institute at UKG reveals that managers significantly impact their employees' mental health. In fact, the report found that managers have a greater influence on employee mental health than therapists or doctors and an equal influence to spouses and partners.
The report revealed that the quality of the relationship between managers and employees is critical to employee mental health. Managers who demonstrate empathy, respect, and support for their employees can positively impact their mental health. 
The major takeaway from this report is the importance of managers having the necessary training and resources to support their teams. Managers who are equipped with the tools and knowledge to support their employees' mental health are better positioned to foster a positive work environment and improve employee well-being.
In the ‘While We Were Working’ Segment, Sommer and Joey go through the eye-opening findings from this report and what it means for employers.
In the ‘Consultant's Corner’ segment, we tackle the tangled web of developing leave policies.
Workplace leave policies are essential to ensure that employees can take time off when they need it without risking their jobs or pay. 
In this section, we'll explore the best practices for developing workplace leave policies for employees scattered around different jurisdictions. 
We'll provide tips and strategies for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations while also creating fair and equitable policies for all employees.
Let's dive in!
Key Takeaways
- How managers impact mental health on their teams (03:58)
- Training managers to take care of the well-being of their teams (05:29)
- Toxic workplaces are a national hazard (07:37)
- Employees would prioritize mental health over higher pay (09:33)
- Tips for managers (10:47)
- The tangled web of developing leave policies (16:58)
- How to write fair and equitable leave policies (22:49)
 
Additional Resources 
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 -- 
📰 Article in question: https://workforceinstitute.org/research/
-- 
monday.com | A new way of working: https://try.monday.com/wwww
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 Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

When Remote Work Goes Too Far

California's at it again!
The 9th court of Appeal has struck down California's law that outlawed mandatory arbitration agreements that was changed just recently.
An arbitration agreement is a clause in an employment contract where an employee and an employer agree to settle their grievances out of court instead of going on trial.
Arbitration in the workplace is an area that is still not understood by many employers and employees.
In the 'While We Were Working' section, we look at the best practices to implement arbitration agreements in employment contracts and some things you shouldn't take to arbitration.
In the ‘Consultants Corner,’ we discuss a situation from a letter we received recently. An employee goes to another country for a medical procedure. The employer wants them to return, but the employee wants to work remotely from where they are.
We have even seen some destinations try to lure remote workers into relocating. This is definitely a problem that will only become bigger with remote working. Some employers offered remote working as a benefit without realizing the full consequences of such a policy.
Tune in to hear our perspective on this issue and how to strengthen your sick and remote working policies.
Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- What are arbitration agreements (04:55)
- Are arbitration agreements good or bad for companies? (06:06)
- The big myths about arbitration (07:27)
- Things that can't go to arbitration according to federal law (10:19)
- Can you compel an employee not to work remotely from another country (17:59)
- Take a look at your time off and sick policies (22:25)
- Clarity on remote working policies (23:02)
Additional Resources 
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
 Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
-- 
📰 Article in question: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/ninth-circuit-strikes-down-california-s-7773675/
-- 
monday.com | A new way of working: https://try.monday.com/wwww
------
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Diversity In The Workplace: Practical Tips to Build a More Inclusive Workplace

Did you know that 26% of Fortune 100 companies don't have Human Resources in their C-Suite?
That's right, over a quarter of the most successful companies in the world don't have an HR person in their top leadership team. These are the statistics released by a new BambooHR study on the state of HR leadership.
But why is that?
It's not because HR isn't important. After all, human resources are the lifeblood of any organization. And we know that having amazing people leadership should be at the core of a business strategy.
But maybe it's because HR has traditionally been seen as a support function rather than a strategic one.
But times have changed. HR is no longer just about payroll and benefits. It's about driving culture, talent management, and employee engagement. And in today's business landscape, those are key strategic imperatives.
The key takeaway from this study is that even though a quarter of Fortune 100 companies can cope without HR in the C-suite, this is not something that small and mid-sized businesses should try to do. 
Tune in to hear us talk more about the stats from this study and what it means for your business.
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner' we are exploring some of the things you need to do to have a more diverse workforce.
Often a time, companies will fill job positions through referrals. If your referral population only represents a specific demographic, it can create the unintended consequence of a less diverse workplace.
Joey and Sommer look at ways you can improve your retention and attraction of a diverse workforce through your recruitment efforts.
Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- 26 Fortune 100 companies don't have HR in the C-Suite (02:51)
- The diverse education backgrounds in HR leadership (05:09)
- Why your HR strategy needs to be at the center of your business strategy (10:08)
- Improving diversity in your workforce (11:37)
- Identifying gaps in your hiring (15:18)
- How to improve your diversity recruiting efforts (19:15)
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/26-of-fortune-100-dont-have-human-resources-in-the-c-suite-new-bamboohr-study-on-the-state-of-hr-leadership-finds-301729347.html
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Bamboo HR Link: https://rewards.bamboohr.com/mzseYaP
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Navigating Difficult Decisions: A Guide To Small Business Layoffs: https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/navigating-difficult-decisions
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
 
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

The Office Affair: How Love Contracts Are Protecting Employees and Employers

Just how well do employees in America love their jobs?
In this Valentine's edition episode, we are all about love in this episode.
Unfortunately, according to a Gallup poll, there is a downward trend in employees loving their jobs and an upward trend for employees who report hating their jobs.
The findings in this poll are surprising, and some staggering figures we should all take note of.
But what are those micro things that might result in people not having that love affair they once had with their employer?
Tune in as we dig deep into the 5 main things that will affect your employee engagement!
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner, 'and it being Valentine's Day week, what better time than now to brush up on some workplace romance policies that will keep your company safe? 
Joey and Sommer go through the intrigues of office romance and how to keep everybody safe and sane with a 'love contract.' Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- Employee engagement in the United States (02:28)
- Why people do not love their jobs (03:51)
- The 3 demographics falling out of love with their employers (06:13)
- What employees need to give their best (09:59)
- Nothing says ''I love you like a love contract (12:37)
- How Love Contracts protect employers and employees (13:01)
- How quickly workplace romance can turn messy (16:39)
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/468233/employee-engagement-needs-rebound-2023.aspx
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Quickbooks: https://refer.quickbooks.ca/s/jprice
 
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Navigating Difficult Decisions: A Guide To Small Business Layoffs: https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/navigating-difficult-decisions
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com
 

What Small Businesses Need To Know About California’s New Pay Transparency Law

On January 1st, California's new pay transparency law came into effect. The law requires employers with at least 15 workers to include pay ranges in job postings. 
Employees can now also ask what the pay range for their position is, and larger companies must provide more detailed pay data for California's civil rights department than previously required. So, how will this law impact small businesses in California and other states?
This week, Sommer and Joey discuss everything small businesses should know about the new pay transparency laws in California:
How they could affect the rest of the nation.
How it would affect your team and workplace dynamic.
Why small businesses should consider implementing pay transparency.
Tune in to find out more!
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner ', Joey and Sommer also share 4 tips on successfully getting your team out of 'work from home mode' back into the office. 
You'll learn the importance of getting feedback from your team, improving productivity, and a few strategies to make the transition as smooth and balanced as possible.
 
Key Takeaways
What small businesses need to know about California's new pay transparency law (00:00)
The implications of California's new pay transparency and reporting obligations (05:47)
What is the goal of this new law? (08:36)
The main reason California employers need to build these pay bands (10:50)
Why you should consider adopting pay transparency (12:24)
How to get your team's opinion on working in the office (19:13)
Working from home vs. working at the office (22:30)
How to make the process a win-win situation (23:53)
 
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
 
--
📰 Article in question:
https://calmatters.org/economy/2022/12/california-pay-transparency-law/
--
NordVPN is the best way to protect your online privacy and avoid cyber threats. Click the link below to get a special offer! 
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Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Big Tech Layoffs: The Top Talent Acquisition Opportunity For Small Businesses In 2023?

During The Great Resignation, countless tech workers left their jobs searching for higher pay. But as the wave of tech layoffs keeps accelerating, tech employees are rethinking whether to leave their job and face a highly competitive search. So, what does this mean for small businesses, especially regarding talent acquisition?
This week, Joey and Sommer discuss the implications of Big Tech's layoffs on small businesses:
Why the job market changed so quickly.
Why it's a unique opportunity for employers to hire top talent.
How to upgrade your talent acquisition strategies. 
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner,' Sommer and Joey share their views on employees' mental health and productivity. Discussing mental health and medication management challenges can be an uncomfortable and tricky topic, especially when there are performance issues. So, as a manager, what is the best way to balance productivity and an employee's mental health?
Tune in to find out!
 
Key Takeaways
The best talent acquisition opportunity in 2023 (00:00)
What is 'The Great Recommitment?' (06:09)
Best talent acquisition strategy for hiring managers (07:43)
What to look for in candidates (11:25)
How to manage employees' mental health and productivity (14:33)
The dos and don'ts of discussing mental health and performance (18:48)
What employers must know about reasonable accommodations (22:39)
 
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
 
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/it-is-an-employers-market-tech-layoffs-may-have-turned-the-great-resignation-into-the-great-recommitment-11674511211
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Verified First provides quality pre-employment screening, criminal background checks, verifications, and drug testing for businesses. Get better hires and ensure the safety and security of your workplace!Learn more at: https://partners.verifiedfirst.com/aspx/referralpage?refer=OgzlxC3x02ogiSx7hU1pu4hlfn5z3HBbqZZMN2o7Bcc1
 
Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

The Truth About Southwest Airlines’ Holiday Meltdown & Their Shocking Employee Memo

If you've been watching the news lately or traveled for the holidays, you've probably heard about Southwest Airlines' catastrophic holiday meltdown, especially what happened with the controversial memo they sent to their employees on December 21, 2022.
Southwest is known as the love airline, and they have a strong reputation for caring deeply about their passengers and employees. So, what the heck happened?
Today, Joey and Sommer share their thoughts on Southwest's infamous employee memo:
Why it could be detrimental to company culture.
What their biggest mistake was.
What small businesses can learn from this story.
Tune in to learn more!
Sommer and Joey also discuss the rise of HR scams and what small businesses can do to avoid them. As scammers multiply and develop more creative techniques to steal your sensitive data, it's crucial to know what common HR scams look like and be familiar with cybersecurity best practices. Fortunately for you, we've got you covered!
 
Key Takeaways
The truth about Southwest Airlines' holiday meltdown (00:00)
Southwest's internal turmoil (03:06)
Best practices on how to deal with illness (07:05)
The main problem with Southwest's approach (08:48)
What's next for the airline? (12:14)
HR scams small businesses should know about (15:24)
What scammers are doing to trick you (18:00)
Additional Resources
Check out our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@jumpstarthr
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
👉 Learn more at: https://jumpstart-hr.com/
Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show? 
📧 Email us at: hello@jumpstart-hr.com
--
📰 Article in question:
https://twitter.com/ruthschmidt/status/1607460985861988352
--
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Hosts: Joey Price & Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC 
www.Jumpstart-HR.com