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

The Ultimate Recession Survival Guide For Small Businesses

While most of the jobs lost during the pandemic have been recovered, there's a growing concern for an impending economic recession among economists and organizations. Although the economy's future remains unclear, small businesses must prepare for the worst-case scenario.
In this week's episode, Joey and Sommer explore why recessions happen, their implications for small businesses, and a few strategies to successfully navigate an economic downturn. Tune in to find out more!
You'll also learn common mistakes small businesses make during recessions and the importance of maintaining perspective in uncertain times - all you need to know to make your business recession-proof.
Sommer and Joey also discuss stay interviews - what they are, why many small businesses fail to implement them properly, and best practices to improve retention and your workplace culture.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
How to protect your small business from a recession (02:06)
The one mistake small businesses make during recessions (06:27)
Why maintaining perspective is essential (10:16)
What is a stay interview? (13:42)
The main reason why conducting exit interviews can be so challenging (17:50)
Best practices to improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction (21:42)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/7-tips-on-how-to-recession-proof-your-business-from-leaders-who-have-been-through-it.html
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Do you have a question that you want us to tackle on the show?
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Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Will Roe v Wade Impact Your Small Business Health Insurance?

In the aftermath of Roe v Wade's overturn, companies are now facing difficult decisions regarding their employee's health plans and medical benefits. So, what is the best strategy small businesses can adopt to navigate this complex environment?
Sommer and Joey examine the implications of Roe v Wade's overturn for small businesses, what to expect in the future and some recommendations for proactively supporting your team and avoiding potential legal issues.
Joey and Sommer also discuss the top 4 benefits small businesses on a budget can offer their employees. You'll learn which benefits work best for you and how to create a benefits package plan that will significantly improve employee experience without affecting your business' profitability.
Tune in to find out more!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
The implications of Roe v Wade's demise for small businesses (03:39)
Recommendations for small businesses on how to navigate this issue (05:05)
How large organizations are tackling the challenges of Roe v Wade's overturn (08:10)
Potential legal issues small businesses should know about (11:36)
Top 4 employee benefits for small businesses on a budget (17:29)
The #1 benefit to offer employees as a small business (18:35)
The importance of creating developmental and promotion activities (22:43)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/24/roe-v-wade-abortion-decision-companies-forced-to-weigh-in-on-privacy-health-care.html
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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 -
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Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Office Romance Doesn’t Have To Be An HR Nightmare

Is office romance inevitable?
In today's episode of 'While We Were Working', Sommer and Joey discuss whether office romance is really an HR nightmare and how to tackle the challenges it entails.
You'll learn why relationships blossom so quickly in a work environment and the importance of setting expectations around workplace dating as a small business HR team.
Joey and Sommer also explore the best HR digital transformation strategies and how going digital can significantly help you improve employee and customer experience.
Tune in to find out how to quickly optimize your small business by adopting digital tools and streamlining existing processes.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Considerations HR teams should have around office dating (02:00)
The main reason workplace romance is on the rise (05:52)
When workplace dating could be risky for a small business (08:04)
The importance of setting expectations (10:04)
Painless HR digital transformation strategy (12:52)
The top benefits of going digital (17:45)
How a digital transformation can accelerate business growth (19:07)
Must-know HR technologies (22:19)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220228-the-inevitability-of-the-office-romance
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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
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Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

3 Ways Potential Overtime Law Changes Could Impact Your Small Business

On June 21, the U.S. Department of Labor announced its proposed overtime rule is planned for release in October. So, how does this potential law change impact small businesses?
In this week's episode of 'While We Were Working', Joey and Sommer explain all you need to know about the potential overtime law changes. You'll learn the importance of having a system for tracking and authorizing overtime and a few tips on remaining compliant.
Joey and Sommer also discuss whether startups really need HR in this episode's 'Consultant's Corner.' Tune in to find out!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Potential overtime law changes you need to know (02:13)
Why small businesses need to understand potential law changes (05:05)
How raising the minimum salary level could impact small businesses (07:27)
When you should be paying attention to these new law changes (12:57)
'Consultant's Corner': Do startups really need HR? (16:38)
The importance of hiring an HR advisor (19:29)
How HR can make your business more profitable (23:58)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/employment-law/pages/spring-regulatory-agenda-2022-proposed-overtime-rule.aspx
--
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

3 Reasons Why Gen Z Workers Struggle with Burnout The Most

By 2023 Gen Z is expected to make up around 30% of the workforce. However, not unlike the Millennial Generation, Gen Z workers are already reporting high levels of burnout.
A recent survey revealed that 46% of Gen Z staff felt that they were constantly stressed out and anxious. So, what is causing Millennial and Gen Z workers to struggle with burnout?
Jumpstart HR Consultant Maria Thorpe joins Sommer to discuss the three main contributors to burnout symptoms in the younger generations and a few workplace wellness tips for small business HR.
Maria and Sommer also share their views on team accountability. Tune in to learn why so many small business owners fail to hold their team accountable, why it’s detrimental to your business, and the benefits of implementing it properly.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Why Gen Zs are the mot burnt-out generation (00:53)
The main reasons younger generations struggle with stress at work (05:16)
The importance of promoting a healthy work-life balance (10:06)
Why keeping your team accountable can be so challenging (14:56)
Building accountability as part of your workplace culture (19:36)
The two categories of accountability issues (23:44)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2022/06/17/gen-z-is-growing-up-and-burning-out
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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 -
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Hosts: Maria Thorpe and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

The Great Regret? The Problem With The Great Resignation

The Great Resignation, also known as The Big Quit, is an ongoing economic trend in which employees quit their jobs in search of higher pay and a promise of better opportunities. But has this actually been the case?
Jumpstart HR consultant Devin Fruzyna joins Sommer to discuss why many employees currently regret quitting their jobs and how small businesses can adjust their recruiting process to remain competitive and hire the best talent in this new environment.
Sommer and Devin also share their thoughts on the pros and cons of assessments during the recruitment process. Tune in to learn when employment assessments are appropriate, their impact on the talent acquisition process, and how to set your hiring team up for success.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Why so many employees regret quitting their jobs (03:13)
How to adjust your recruitment process to hire the best candidates (06:07)
Talent acquisition strategies for small businesses during The Great Resignation (11:44)
The pros and cons of assessments in the recruitment process (19:35)
One important thing to consider when doing assessments for candidates (26:30)
Potential compliance issues to consider when issuing assessments (29:00)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/mar/20/great-resignation-great-regret-employees-quitting
--
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: Devin Fruzyna and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

Everything Small Business HR Should Know About Unions (2022 Update!)

Since the pandemic, there has been a drastic shift in the number of union petitions - in March of this year, the NLRB union petitions increased to a staggering 57%.
While historically, unions have been essential in advocating worker safety and fair treatment, they can bring about significant complications, especially for small businesses.
So what can small business HR teams do about it?
In today's episode of 'While We Were Working,' Sommer and Joey discuss all you need to know about unions: the main reason companies unionize, how they affect small businesses, and some strategies you can adopt to avoid these situations.
Sommer and Joey also share their views on the importance of taking care of your team's mental health. Tune in to learn how to address your team's needs and train your employees on building deeper connections.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
WWWW: Are labor unions beneficial for small businesses? (01:54)
Why many public companies are unionizing (05:24)
The main reason employees are leaving their jobs (09:51)
What small business HR can do about unions (16:29)
'Consultant's Corner': Mental health in the workplace (17:44)
What companies can do to support their employees' mental health (19:40)
The best strategy to address mental health and wellness at work (24:46)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://fremonttribune.com/business/investment/starbucks-union-are-labor-unions-good-for-public-companies/article_08613877-0c27-5a81-b09b-69b5dab81abc.html?mode=comments
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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 -
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Hosts: Joey Price and Sommer Ketron
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com

What Viral TikTok Series ’Salary Transparent Street’ Revealed About Pay Transparency and Equality

Should you share how much you make?
In today's episode, Joey and Sommer welcome Hannah Williams, a 25-year-old content creator in the DMV area, to share her views on a major issue in the United States: salary transparency.
With her viral series, Salary Transparent Street, Hannah challenges strangers across the country to share what they do and how much they make in order to fight discrimination opportunities in the workforce and further close the gender pay gap.
Hannah discusses how she uses her platform to educate her community and shares ways to strategize your career to reach your professional goals and build generational wealth.
Tune in to find out more!
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Why Hannah believes companies should adopt pay transparency (03:01)
How Hannah started Salary Transparent Street (05:20)
The reason companies have negative perceptions around pay transparency (11:40)
The link between pay transparency and talent strategies (14:16)
Hannah's advice for business leaders on pay transparency (24:37)
Additional Resources
Follow Salary Transparent Street on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet
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

All You Need To Know About Independent Contractors vs. Full-Time Employees

While there are certain advantages to hiring independent contractors, converting those contractors to full-time employees is crucial for business growth.
But when is the best time to convert a contractor to an employee?
In this week's episode of 'While We Were Working', Joey and Sommer discuss the transition from contractor to employee as you look to build your team. Tune in to learn the pros and cons of hiring contractors and the benefits of having your first full-time hires.
Sommer and Joey also share their thoughts on Roe v. Wade and its impact on the workforce. You'll learn how to manage sensitive topics as a small business leader and how this news could impact your workforce.
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
WWWW: Should companies discuss Roe v. Wade at work? (01:57)
How did large organizations react to Roe v. Wade? (06:45)
How to communicate and manage sensitive topics as a small business leader (11:18)
When should I convert independent contractors to employees? (18:19)
What to consider before hiring your first employee (22:41)
What the IRS states about independent contractors vs. employees (25:37)
The advantages of hiring employees vs. contractors (29:57)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsegal/2022/05/09/why-companies-may-not-speak-out-about-the-future-of--roe-v-wade/?sh=637910c127e2
--
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

Skyrocket Your Hybrid Work and Talent Strategies with Gusto’s New Features

A recent data report by HR platform Gusto shows that the share of fully remote workers has increased by 240% since the pandemic began.
There is no doubt that flexibility has become a crucial factor in whether or not people will take a new job - so it's critical for growing businesses to adapt and develop new HR strategies.
This week, Joey welcomes Gusto's Liz Wilke and Eric Schuchman to discuss the new trends around remote and hybrid work and how Gusto can help small businesses tackle these HR challenges.
Tune in to learn how to boost your hybrid work and talent strategies to attract and retain the right kind of talent into your business.
About the Guests
Eric Schuchman, Head of Product, Gusto
Eric Schuchman is head of product at Gusto, where he leads product management for their core payroll, benefits, and HR products. During his time at Gusto, Eric has helped scale the company and product from serving thousands of growing businesses to hundreds of thousands, from tens of employees to thousands, and from a payroll product to a full people platform. He is passionate about building products people love.
Prior to Gusto, Eric led product teams at Location Labs and Microsoft. Eric holds a degree in electrical computer engineering and biomedical engineering from Duke University, where he graduated magna cum laude, Phi Betta Kappa, and Tau Beta Pi.
Liz Wilke, Principal Economist, Gusto
Liz Wilke is a Principal Economist at Gusto, researching the state of work and business in the modern economy. Prior to Gusto, Liz led Future of Work research at LinkedIn. She is a veteran of both the technology and government sectors, where she directed research programs and public spending that supports dynamic, resilient companies and workers across the globe. Liz holds a dual BA in Economics and Government from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.Phil and PhD in Public Policy from the Pardee RAND Graduate School.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwilke/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eschuchman/
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Liz's and Eric's background and role at Gusto (02:16)
WWWW: Takeaways from Gusto's new report on remote and hybrid work (05:20)
How small businesses can adapt to remote and hybrid work trends (11:03)
How Gusto can help you improve your remote work and talent strategies (19:01)
Tips on how to create a better onboarding experience (30:41)
Additional Resources
📰 Article in question:
gusto.com/whilewewereworking-data
gusto.com/whilewewereworking
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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
This show is powered by Jumpstart:HR, LLC
www.Jumpstart-HR.com