Pay & Benefits

Bugle #65: Don’t Worry, Be You

Oh my March! We weren’t expecting you so soon.

If you want to slow time down a bit, take a glance at some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found from the last couple of weeks.

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Article of the Week: Need a Friday pep talk? YOU are enough. Learn how to be your biggest fan — and ditch the haters — by reading this Bugle’s highlighted article (look for the below).

Bugle #64: Leadership Blind Spots

It’s Friday – at last! If you’re struggling to get through the day, this is your gentle reminder that Valentine’s candy is now 50% off. Get it while it’s hot!

Once you’re all sugared up, why don’t you check out some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found from the last couple of weeks.

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Article of the Week: We don’t know what we don’t know! Bring your leadership blind spots into vision by reading this Bugle’s highlighted article (look for the below).

Bugle #62: Pick Up the Phone

Happy Thesaurus Day! There’s a day for everything, isn’t there? It’s starting to get a little excessive, extreme, inordinate, exorbitant, overdone, unwarranted…

Take a few minutes to browse some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found from the last couple of weeks.

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Article of the Week: This Bugle’s highlighted article (look for the below) allows for introspection and making amends. A little understanding goes a long way.

Bugle #60: Harness Your Anxiety

Holy moly; it’s the end of December! That means you’re reading the last Bugle of the year. Wipe that tear from your eye!

Think you’ll get to head home early today? Kill some time by perusing a handful of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found from the last couple of weeks. And we’ll see you in 2019!

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Article of the Week: This week’s highlighted article (look for the below) is a good reminder that anxiety doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Channel it into something productive!

Bugle #58: Making Kindness a Priority

Wait a second; it’s not Friday! We hope you enjoyed your weekend and are well on your way out of the tryptophan fog.

Though this is always a busy time of year, we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found from the last couple of weeks. You deserve a quick break!

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Article of the Week: We love this week’s highlighted article (look for the below)because, during a time of year in which life can get overwhelming, it’s important to remember that kindness is contagious.

Bugle #56: Making Hard Decisions (with Science!)

Happy Friday-before-Halloween! Have you picked out your costume yet? Or at least eaten some of the candy you bought for trick-or-treaters? Regardless, we hope you enjoy this edition of the BOOgle – er, Bugle.

Below you’ll find some of the best HR, leadership, and policy management articles we found from the last couple of weeks. They’re largely un-scary.

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Article of the Week: We love this week’s highlighted article (look for the below) because, with 35,000 decisions you’ll make today, we’re grateful you chose to open this email.

Bugle #22: Use Radical Candor to Be a Great Boss

Friday is today! You probably already knew that. I’m sure you’ve also been patiently awaiting this week’s Bugle. Well here it is – the week’s best HR, leadership and policy management articles just for you! Have a wonderful weekend.

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Article of the Week: This week’s highlighted article (look for the below) is a bit of an oldie but it’s more than a goodie – it’s a greatie. Did I just invent a new word? Anyways, if you read anything this weekend, READ THIS ARTICLE!!!

Change Company Culture With a Movement

Summertime, and the livin’s easy! Or so they say. What could be better than spending your first Friday of the summer with the week’s best HR, leadership and policy management articles? Don’t answer that, it’s supposed to be rhetorical. Have a great weekend!

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Article of the Week: We chose this week’s highlight (look for the below) so we could remind you to not forget about “loss” during change. Anytime a change happens, employees are losing what they’re used to. Helping them feel better about that loss will make change management easier for you!

Change is not just a business term; it affects employees on a personal level. It is essential to guide employees through transitions by acknowledging their feelings of loss. This approach enhances morale and fosters a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to a more adaptive organizational culture. For instance, when a company shifts to a new software, providing comprehensive training and support can alleviate the anxiety related to learning something new. Furthermore, open communication about the reasons for the change can help employees understand the bigger picture, making them more receptive to new systems and processes.

Show Employees You Care

In today’s competitive job market, showing employees that you care goes beyond offering just salary increases. It encompasses providing mental health resources, flexible work hours, and opportunities for professional development. For example, companies that implement wellness programs can significantly reduce stress levels among employees, fostering a healthier work environment. Furthermore, recognizing employee achievements, whether through awards or simple acknowledgments, can greatly enhance job satisfaction and loyalty.

Protect Your Company

Maintaining a strong company culture involves ensuring that all employees are aligned with the company’s values and goals. Identifying low performers is crucial; however, it should be done tactfully. Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions can help in this regard. For instance, a company might implement a 360-degree feedback system that encourages constructive criticism, which can motivate underperformers to improve. Creating a culture of accountability and support enables all employees to thrive, thus protecting the integrity of the company.

State Specific Protection

As state laws evolve, businesses must stay informed about regulations affecting company culture and employee rights. For example, Arizona’s mandatory paid sick leave law necessitates that employers adapt their policies accordingly to avoid penalties. Similarly, Delaware’s law addressing the gender pay gap compels organizations to reassess their pay structures and ensure equitable compensation. Being proactive in understanding these changes not only protects the company legally but also enhances employee trust and loyalty.

Become a Better You

Personal development is an integral part of company culture. Employees should be encouraged to pursue continuous learning and self-improvement. Offering workshops, mentorship programs, and resources can help individuals grow professionally and personally. For instance, a company could host weekly lunch-and-learn sessions where employees share insights on topics ranging from time management to technical skills, fostering a community of growth. This investment in employee development not only enhances individual capabilities but also strengthens the overall company culture.

In conclusion, transforming company culture is a multifaceted endeavor that requires commitment from leadership and buy-in from employees. By showing employees you care, protecting the company, adhering to state-specific regulations, and encouraging personal growth, you lay the groundwork for a thriving workplace. Remember, a positive company culture is essential in attracting and retaining talent, ultimately driving organizational success. Join the Blissbook movement and prioritize fostering a strong Company Culture.

Policies Are About People

new-dadJosh, a new dad, is suing his employer, Time Warner, for discrimination because they won’t give him the same 10 weeks paid leave that they give new moms and new adoptive parents (dads included). His claim is discrimination. If these other classes of people get that benefit, why not him?

What’s the Law Say?

The Family Medical Leave Act requires an employer to allow 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new child. If both parents work at the same company, those 12 weeks can be split any way the parents choose (but they’re still capped at 12 weeks). Employers may also require employees to exhaust paid leave options first before unpaid leave kicks in. Employees can elect to do this anyway if they so desire.

There is no law that says employers must provide paid leave to employees. That makes this case purely about discrimination. Or is it?

What is Obamacare and Why Don’t You Get It?

The Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace opened nationally today (well, it was supposed to), much to the chagrin of many men & women in Congress. No matter how you feel about health care reform, I think we can all agree that this engaging video breaks it down into simple enough terms that even our representatives in Congress would understand. Well… maybe. Watch it and judge for yourself!