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Is the Past Keeping You from Thriving in the Future?

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Old ideas could be dragging down your culture and hurting engagement, retention, productivity, and morale.

Are there elements of your culture that are sabotaging the health of your organization, costing good employees, and hurting productivity? Some of these may be leftovers from 10 or 20 years ago when they were considered acceptable, maybe even essential. However, the move to a more person-centered, tech-savvy workplace has rendered these ideas obsolete and, in some cases, dangerous. Read on to see what “landmines” your culture may be hiding.

NLRB Reviews Workplace Profanity Standards

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The confusing, controversial case of workplace profanity comes under new scrutiny.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) may be revising its standards for profane outbursts and offensive statements of a racial or sexual nature. On September 5, NLRB requested briefs to get public input on whether “to adhere to, modify, or overrule the standard applied to previous cases in which extremely profane or racially offensive language was judged not to lose the protection of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).”

NLRB chair John F. Ring said of the announcement, “The Board’s request for briefings on this important topic reflects its long-standing practice of seeking input from interested parties when the Board believes it can benefit from such briefings. We look forward to considering the views of all interested parties.”

How to Breathe New Life into Employee Loyalty

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If you think that your best employees aren’t dreaming of greener pastures, you could be facing a turnover nightmare.

Job loyalty may be on the downswing, according to a new survey. Of full-time workers who changed jobs in the past two years, 88% say they are willing to consider a new employment opportunity; and about a third say they are actively seeking a new job. These numbers are up about 8% from the same survey last year.

Embrace Seven Factors for Technology that Employees Use and Love

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Follow these steps to choose and implement technology that drives engagement and alignment.

When you’re looking at new computer systems, software solutions, and other technologies, don’t be blinded by the bells and whistles and cutting-edge capabilities. The real test for any tech purchases should be: Will our employees use it? If technology isn’t well-designed, intuitive, and integrated into workflows (instead of adding time-consuming steps), it can have a negative impact on morale, productivity, and retention. To choose technology that drives engagement and alignment, HR tech analyst Meghan Biro offers seven factors for success.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Use this opportunity to increase awareness, share resources; your actions could be life-saving.

Suicide is on the rise. Over 45,000 people die by suicide annually, and this is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. Although suicide prevention focuses mainly on identifying people with mental health conditions and providing appropriate interventions, there are many additional opportunities to educate and help people. September, which is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, is the perfect time to help break down the stigmas and stereotypes about mental health issues and increase awareness among your employees. The results could save lives.

New Report: In Midst of Growing Workforce Shortages, More Caregivers Live in Poverty

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Wages appear stagnant for home care workers and nursing assistants, despite their essential role in caring for the nation’s skyrocketing older population.

A new report from PHI International shows that wages for home care workers and nursing assistants in nursing homes remain low and that many of these individuals live in poverty. “Our research continues to show that despite their profound value to older people and people with disabilities nationwide, direct care workers struggle with low-paying jobs that threaten the stability of this sector,” said Jodi M. Sturgeon, PHI president. The data shows that the nearly 2.3 million U.S. home care workers earn an average $11.52 an hour and $16,200 per year, and 1 in 6 of these individuals lives in poverty. Wages for nursing assistants in nursing homes are slightly higher, with an average hourly rate of $13.38 and annual earnings of $22,000. However, 13% of nursing home workers live below the federal poverty line.

Brace for Changes to Federal Overtime Pay Rules

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Change is in air regarding FLSA and overtime pay; get upwind of it now.

Back in March, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule to update regular rate requirements under section 7(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule, setting a new salary threshold for white-collar exemptions to overtime pay, is expected to be announced soon; and employers should start planning now to comply.

Study: More Employers Exercise Well-Being to Keep Workers Healthy

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Increasingly, employers are taking a holistic approach to their wellness programs for workers.

According to a recent study from Optum, employers are increasingly engaged in efforts to keep employees healthy. However, more organizations are moving their focus from wellness to well-being and taking a holistic approach to employee health. Read on to learn about the latest trends and best practices.

Do Your Workers Have Technology, Amenity Envy?

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Survey: Don’t expect employees to settle for outdated tech and “dowdy” workspace.

Your employees may make do with limited or antiquated technology; but according to a new survey, they aren’t happy about it. Of those workers in organizations with state-of-the-art technology and modern aesthetics, nearly three-quarters say they are happy with their jobs and their employers. Of those in “dowdier” workspaces with outdated or older technology, only about half claim job and/or company satisfaction.

What amenities are joy-creating for employees? In the technology arena, the survey suggest that the happiest employees appreciate capabilities such as iPad sign-in, badge-less entry, and other technologies (28%). Elsewhere, respondents love conveniences such as a free beverage station (51%), company cafeteria (33%), the ability to control conference room temperatures (32%), and concierge services (26%).

Back-to-School Time: Do Your Employees Know Their Parental Rights?

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Supporting working parents can earn employers an A+ from employees and job seekers alike.

It’s back-to-school season, and it’s a hectic time for your employees with children. Their schedules are filled with pick-ups and drop-offs, soccer games, dance lessons, and choral concerts; and they may be wondering what will happen if they have to take time off for parental responsibilities or family emergencies. There’s never been a better time to review your parental leave policies and let employees know how you are there to support them.

Most businesses offer minimal leave for mothers and even less for dads. U.S. law doesn’t require paid parental leave. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), covered, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave during any 12-month period for family situations such as the birth of a child or the serious illness of a family member. However, this can be insufficient for workers living paycheck-to-paycheck; and it doesn’t help when there is a snow day or a child is sent home from school with a stomach bug or the flu.