While We Were Working: Your Weekly Small Business HR News and Strategy Podcast

Are College Degrees Still Relevant For Hiring The Right Talent in 2022?

Companies have long used college degrees as a proxy for job competency and career readiness. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic labor shortage and the rise of remote work, numerous companies, especially in tech, are reconsidering their prerequisites for successful hires.
In today’s episode, Joey and Sommer discuss whether college degrees are still relevant when hiring the right talent. You’ll learn how to tackle this challenge as a small business and what to expect from this trend in the future.
Joey and Sommer also share their views on the pros and cons of drug testing and background checks. Should they be a part of your standard hiring process?
Tune in to find out!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (01:41)
WWWW: Are college degrees still necessary? (06:49)
Why companies are eliminating college degree requirements (10:01)
What to expect from this trend in the future (12:57)
Should drug testing be a part of your hiring process? (19:56)
The pros and cons of drug testing (21:27)
What to consider before adding drug testing to your hiring process (27:14)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/25/companies-eliminate-college-degree-requirement-to-draw-needed-workers.html
--
Do you need HR consulting for YOUR small business? We got you covered!
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Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show?
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Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
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Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

The 4 Keys To Choosing The Best HR Outsourcing For Your Small Business

When hiring an outsourced HR company, what should we be looking for?
In this week's episode, Joey breaks down the four essential keys to successfully identifying and evaluating an HR partner that can work for your company.
You'll learn the difference between outsourcing as a small business compared to a large organization and some red flags to watch out for when considering candidates.
Joey also discusses the paradigm shift that's been happening recently around office attire. After three years of living and working in a hybrid environment within a pandemic, we've seen some realignment of perceptions around professional clothing. And that begs the question: Does dressing for success still matter?
Tune in to find out!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (02:30)
Does dressing for success still matter? (04:29)
The importance of self-discipline (07:11)
What to consider when choosing a professional attire (08:41)
Why the diversity component is essential for this topic (11:35)
What to look for when hiring an outsourced HR company (14:29)
The four keys to identifying a good outsourcing partner (17:30)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220429-does-dressing-for-success-still-matter
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Should You Be Monitoring Your Employees’ Social Media?

Right off the bat, the idea of snooping through your employees' social media accounts might sound dubious. However, it also makes sense to ensure that what your employees post online isn't harming your business. So, what's the best strategy here?
In today's episode, Sommer and Joey share the pros and cons of monitoring your employees' social media, when you should avoid it, and when it could actually benefit your business.
Joey and Sommer also discuss whether gift cards are taxable in today's Consultant's Corner' - the answer might surprise you!
Tune in to learn common legal misunderstandings regarding gift cards and how to remain compliant with IRS tax rules when awarding gift cards to your employees.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (02:19)
The one social media platform employers should monitor (07:23)
When is it ok to look through an employee's social media? (08:53)
Should you follow or friend colleagues on social media? (14:19)
'Consultant's' Corner': Are gift cards taxable? (17:19)
How to remain compliant when awarding gift cards (22:03)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.hcamag.com/asia/specialisation/corporate-wellness/should-hr-monitor-employees-social-media-accounts/402675
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Remote Jobs Are Here to Stay! What Can Small Businesses Do About It?

According to a CareerBuilder survey, jobs that allow employees to work from home saw a substantially higher application rate than in-person jobs.
Remote work has undeniably become a more desirable option for a considerable part of the workforce, so organizations need to develop new strategies to attract and retain the right talent.
In today's episode, Joey and Sommer share some tips on how to tackle this challenge as a small business, plus some of the unexpected benefits companies can get from remote work.
Additionally, Sommer and Joey discuss the legality of make-up time. Since regulations around make-up time vary from state to state, this topic can get very confusing very quickly. Tune in to learn some of the misconceptions around make-up time and a few overtime management strategies to help you avoid mistakes that could put your company at risk.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (01:52)
WWWW: Why remote jobs are here to stay (07:11)
What companies can do about remote work (09:33)
The advantages of remote work for small businesses (12:15)
Consultant's Corner: Is make-up time illegal? (16:13)
The difference between exempt vs. non-exempt employees (22:44)
Overtime management strategies for employers (25:39)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/04/flexible-jobs-are-attracting-7-times-more-applicants-than-in-person-jobs.html
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

The Great Resignation 2022: Could It Be Beneficial For Small Businesses?

Many of the most common questions HR consultants get have to do with when to hire an HR advisor. Do you need to have a certain number of employees before starting an HR department? Do small businesses need HR at all?
Sommer and Joey discuss the importance of developing an effective HR strategy early on and a few tips on starting an HR department as a small business or startup.
Joey and Sommer also talk about The Great Resignation in today's 'While We Were Working' section. We're still in the midst of employees quitting their jobs searching for better opportunities and higher salaries. The economic impact of this trend is undoubtedly significant, but could it also be an opportunity for small businesses?Understanding the forces behind The Great Resignation will help you manage your business better and stay ahead of the game.And that’s exactly why we’re so happy to invite you to join this week’s online event called ‘Get Into It’, with Jill Schlessinger and Joey Price.
Join the conversation on April 21st at 2 pm ET!
Register here: https://bit.ly/3v5rxVm
Now let's dive into this week's episode!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (01:29)
What does The Great Resignation mean for small businesses (07:08)
Consultant's Corner: When does a company need HR? (12:30)
Why you should develop an effective HR strategy early on (14:42)
Why not having an HR advisor could mean trouble for startups (16:21)
The importance of having a positive work culture (21:34)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/299522
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart: HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Why You Might Need To Reevaluate Your Remote Work Policy

Where are your employees working from?
Having employees working in different states where you're not legally registered to be conducting business could cause many compliance and tax issues for your business.
And as the volume of remote work increases, small business HR teams need to keep track of where their employees are working from. So, what does a successful remote work policy look like?
Tune in to this week's episode of 'While We Were Working' to find out!
Joey and Sommer also discuss what small companies can do to enhance or create their employee benefits policies. You'll learn which benefit portfolio is the best for your company, how to set up a contribution arrangement plan for your employees, and more!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (02:11)
WWWW: Where are your employees working? (06:20)
The problem with remote work (08:25)
How to set up an effective remote work policy (11:26)
Consultant's Corner: Where to start if you want to offer benefits (14:07)
The top benefits small businesses should be offering (19:19)
How to choose the right contribution plans (22:02)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
While We Were Working:
https://hrexecutive.com/hr-tech-number-of-the-week-where-are-your-employees-working/
American Payroll Association's Multi-State Taxation Report:
https://www.americanpayroll.org/compliance/compliance-overview/hot-topics/multi-state-taxation
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

How The Metaverse Will Shape The Future Of HR Technology

What does the metaverse hold for small business HR?
As mega brands are starting to explore the metaverse’s potential in retail, small companies need to ensure they’re not getting left behind.
Small business owners should leverage not only the opportunities the metaverse will offer in terms of sales and marketing but also in HR technology.
In today’s episode of While We Were Working, Sommer and Joey discuss what small business HR teams should know about the metaverse and how it could drastically improve processes such as job applications, interviews, training, and development.
Joey and Sommer also explain all you need to know about background checks - how they work and why they’re an essential part of the hiring process. Tune in to learn about the legal aspects of background checks and why there might be good reasons for improving that practice.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (02:26)
How small businesses can benefit from the metaverse (07:39)
The metaverse’s impact on HR technology (11:11)
Can I conduct a background check before an offer is made? (17:28)
The benefits of conditional offers (19:56)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherineerdly/2022/03/18/the-retail-metaverse-is-heating-up-heres-how-small-businesses-can-benefit
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Should Small Businesses Worry About Inflation’s Impact on Employees’ Wages?

The Consumer Price Index rose 7.9%, year-over-year in February- its highest point in more than 40 years, and it's steadily increasing. Should employers be worried about its effects on workers' wages?
Sommer and Joey discuss how exactly inflation can affect small business, especially regarding talent acquisition and retention. Tune in to learn more about the key tactics companies are developing to offset inflation and what small businesses can do to keep up.
In today's 'Consultant Corner,' Joey and Sommer share their views on the blind hiring process: what it is, how it works, and why companies should utilize it.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (01:42)
WWWW: How does inflation affect small businesses? (08:06)
What companies can do to counterbalance inflation (13:30)
Consultant's Corner: The blind hiring process (21:21)
Why companies should adopt blind hiring (25:19)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
While We Were Working:
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/inflation-continues-to-surge-affecting-wage-and-benefits-planning.aspx
Consultant's Corner:
https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/blind-hiring-process/
--
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
Check out Michael C. Bush's Course 'The 8 Factors' on Udemy - https://www.udemy.com/user/michaelbush2/
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

How to Protect Your Business From Ransomware Attacks

With the recent proliferation of cyber attacks, businesses need to act proactively to protect their data. But what is the best way to achieve this?
Today, Sommer and Joey discuss why small businesses are an ideal target for ransomware attacks, how to detect them, and the action steps organizations need to take in order to protect their information.
Joey and Sommer also share their views on pay transparency. Should salaries be transparent within the organization? What are the pros and cons of pay transparency?
Tune in to find out!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (03:04)
How to protect your business from ransomware attacks (10:23)
Why ransomware attacks have increased (14:40)
The pros and cons of pay transparency (19:32)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/business/smallbusiness/2022/03/04/small-business-ukraine-russia-ransomware-attack/9379667002/
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

The Truth About Performance Improvement Plans

We have a very special episode for you today!
To recognize Women's History Month, we thought it would be fun to give Joey the day off and have an all-women hosts episode.
Maria Thorpe, an HR Consultant at Jumpstart HR, joins Sommer today to discuss the new IRS guidelines for family leave under the FFCRA. You'll learn how these updates might apply to you and the importance for small businesses to be proactive when filing taxes.
In this episode's 'Consultant's Corner,' Maria and Sommer share their views on Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). Small business HR teams and managers usually think of PIPs as a way to fire employees. But it doesn't have to be that way!
Tune in to find out how HR teams can create effective PIPs to help employees grow and succeed instead of letting them go.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
High, low, buffalo (02:14)
Examining the new IRS compliance for family leave (05:07)
Why do so many HR teams get PIPs wrong? (10:05)
How to create a successful PIP (12:11)
Giving your PIPs a human voice (18:54)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.hrmorning.com/articles/faqs-tax-credits/
--
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
Java With Joey (Monthly Small Business CEO Mastermind) - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/mwka2AyB/checkout
👉 Join our Empowered People Leaders Community [FREE Access] - https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/MwchLoyL/checkout
👉 Join our Student and Early Stage HR Pro community -
https://community.jumpstart-hr.com/offers/pWTbD2Ue/checkout
Hosts: Maria Thorpe and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com