Communications Questions of the Week

Clark Schaefer Strategic HR's wheel of HR Services, including HR Strategy, Recruitment, Training & Development, Benefits & Compensation, Communications, Employee Relations, Recordkeeping, and Health, Safety & Security

Do I Have to Provide Employees Time Off to Vote?

Voting is a basic right in the United States, but do employers have to provide time off to allow employees to exercise that right? As with many answers in human resources, “It depends.”

Free Speech in the Workplace: Navigating Rights & Respect

HR Question: In an era of polarized opinions, instant communication, and frequent social media interactions, HR professionals face the challenge of balancing employees’ free speech with maintaining a respectful workplace. How do we handle these sometimes-conflicting aspects in employment?

Workplace Bullying

How do you address bullying behavior in the workplace?

Empathy First: A Modern Guide to Nonprofit Layoffs

Layoffs are never easy. For not-for-profits (NFPs), where mission-driven cultures and tight-knit teams are the norm, the impact of workforce reductions can feel even more personal. Although consideration for the necessary legal concerns related to a layoff is necessary, conducting a layoff with empathy and safeguarding your organization’s reputation and honoring the people behind the positions is equally important.

How to Create an Effective HR Communication Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

We are getting ready to roll out a new employee handbook and I've been asked to create a Communication Plan. I'm not a marketer, what does such a plan entail?

Unleashing Employee Potential Through Competency-Based Job Descriptions

Dr. Linda Gravett describes the value of competency-based job descriptions and how they can help employers.

How Can I Prevent Tension Between My Remote Team and On-Site Team?

HR Question: Some of my team members are able to work from home. However, I have other team members that I need to be present in the office. This has understandably caused some frustration for those that need to be on-site, as they may feel that the situation is unfair. How can I prevent tension between my remote team and my on-site team members?

Why Do I Need An Employee Handbook?

Learn how your employee handbook can protect your employees and your organization. Plus how to avoid common pitfalls.

Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?

It’s easy to get caught up and forget the reason behind some of our national holidays. So, let's explore why we celebrate Labor Day.

What Are Stay Interviews and What Questions Should I Ask?

Stay interviews can be effective retention tools if they are managed well. Here are tips and sample questions to set you up for success.

Designing a Modern Dress Code for Today’s Workplace

Do you think your organization has a modern dress code? How have you allowed inclusivity and self-expression to play a role?

How Can You Teach a Manager to be a Good Listener?

Do you know a manager who needs to learn to be a good listener? Listening is a skill that CAN be taught, and here's how you can do it!
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Dealing With Workplace Gossip

Communicate proactively with your team, address the behavior with offenders, and be a good example, are ways to deal with workplace gossip.

What is the Value of Job Descriptions?

What's the value of job descriptions? We'll explain what to include in job descriptions and how they can help with your HR HR Compliance.

Tips For How To Have Difficult Conversations With Employees

Managers often need to have difficult conversations with employees to address sensitive topics. Here are tips to handle these with ease.

Candidate Experience: How Small Tweaks Can Make a Huge Impact

If you're trying to hire talent and haven't assessed the quality of your candidate experience, you're missing a key piece in your process!

Happy and Positive Thinking Is a Choice

Positive thinking makes a difference. If we put more energy to a positive outlook , the impact on our work environment can’t help but improve.

What Should I Consider Before Doing a Reduction in Force?

Review these eight recommended steps when considering a reduction in force (RIF) within your organization.

Why You Should Always Be Networking

Understand the value of networking and how to easily network in less formal ways - easily and with little time.

English-Only Policies in the Workplace

When working with a diverse group of employees, in what instances is it legal for employers to require their employees to speak English-only?

Should I be worrying about employee retention?

Turnover can cost your business 50-150% of an employee's salary if they leave. Take these steps to retain your staff.

Writing a Winning Employee Newsletter

Tips on what information to include in an employee newsletter that will motivate and engage your employees.

Communication During the Holidays

It is important to complete work during the holidays. How can I communicate my expectations while keeping a friendly tone to employees?

Gauging Employee Engagement

Engaged employees are more productive and creative on the job and tend to stay longer. Surveys help you evaluate their level of engagement.