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How Can HR Play a Strategic Role in My Organization?

The days of transactional human resources departments are dwindling as the function must move to play a strategic role within the organization it serves. Involvement in strategic planning conversations leads to transformational change that is felt by all staff to meet companywide goals. In order to make sure these discussions are made with staff front of mind and driven by human capital data, human resources must be part of these conversations and included in the decision-making process.

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?

What Employers Need To Know About Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)

On February 21, 2025, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4002 into law, amending the state's Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). These changes have significant implications for employers operating within Michigan as they include revisions to accrual rates, carryover rules, and compliance deadlines.

How Can I Use Salary Benchmarking As a Recruitment Strategy?

HR Question: Like many companies, we're struggling with recruiting right now. I've been tasked with doing salary benchmarking to see if compensation is part of the problem, but I'm not sure how to go about doing it. Can you advise me on how to tackle the benchmarking process?

How to Manage Creditable Coverage Reporting and Notices

HR Question: I am getting ready to report “creditability” of my prescription plans in March of this year, but I just sent a notice in October. Are these the same notices? And if so, why do I need to send them out twice?

Barriers To Effective Training and Development

There are a number of factors that may cause a training session to be a triumph or a “try again next time.” Rather than becoming overwhelmed by all of the variables that create successful training, we'll break it down simply to identify the barriers to avoid during the planning stage, the delivery, and the follow-up of a training session.

How to Simplify Your Work Life

HR Question: I often feel in a state of overwhelm at work. It's frustrating to not be as effective and productive as I'd like to be. Can you recommend a good approach to simplify my work life?

NEWSLETTER DISCLAIMER

The recommendations and opinions provided by Clark Schaefer Strategic HR and its staff are advisory only and are based on general human resource management fundamentals, practices and principles, and are not legal opinions or guaranteed outcomes. This information is provided with the understanding that the user assumes the risk of verifying information used from this site when interpreting it for their own use. We strongly recommend, as part of a team approach to management, that companies consult with their legal counsel to address specific legal concerns related to human resource issues.