In your toolkit for guiding your employees through difficult situations, there are two options. Both are designed to help your people grow and perform at their best. Depending on the specific issue, and how it affects the business, you might want to take one approach versus the other.…
You posted a job three weeks ago after an employee gave notice. You’ve interviewed several people. None of them feel like the right “one.”…
A strong handbook is living proof of how your business operates. It creates shared understanding between you and your team. And when everyone's on the same page, you spend less time putting out fires and more time growing.…
When a new hire leaves early, the first step is often to diagnose concerns about the person. "They weren't a good fit". "They couldn't handle the pace." "They didn't want to learn." But when you dig deeper, you might find warning signs buried in your process:…
You just spent two hours interviewing a candidate who looked perfect on paper. Fifteen minutes in, you knew it was a mismatch. They wanted a different kind of role. You need a different kind of person. Now you’re back to square one, and your team is still short-handed. This happens when job descriptions are written……
You've built something real. Your team has grown from your core four to 14 employees, and scrappiness has been your secret weapon. Late nights researching employment rules? Calling friends for HR advice? You've figured it out as you go — and it's worked.…
A high-five to a team member goes a long way. A system of recognition that makes sure everyone gets the high-five they deserve, when they earn it? That’s powerful. Employee Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of March. The timing works well, with two months of the new year – and a……
In honor of ESC’s 30th Anniversary, Liz Warren, ESC’s EVP and Chief People Officer reflects on how far human resources has progressed and how the company has grown and developed to meet the new challenges. Liz recently celebrated 25 years with ESC and has a unique perspective on how ESC’s depth and breadth of services have evolved from a more transactional approach in the past to today’s strategic focus. …
Succession planning is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of running a small business. As owners prepare for a transition, assembling a team of trusted advisors—including an HR consultant, attorney, and accountant—can make all the difference. These experts provide valuable guidance through the complexities of the process, ensuring that due diligence is thorough and effective. By addressing key HR and legal concerns early, business owners can strengthen their position in negotiations and increase the likelihood of achieving a favorable sale outcome. …