Core values define what’s important to your business and govern how you conduct it. As part of building your brand, it’s critical to identify and communicate your company’s core values to attract customers and motivate employees. We’ve provided a list of 25 core values from top-performing organizations that will resonate with customers and staff alike….
Employment Probation Period: Definition, Template & How to Implement
An employment probation period, referred to as a probationary period, is a time frame used to determine whether a new hire will work out. If set up incorrectly, however, a probationary period can violate labor laws and employer rights. For instance, some states make it illegal to postpone sick leave until after the probation period….
5 Best HR Outsourcing Options for Small Businesses
HR outsourcing lets small businesses delegate employee management tasks, such as benefits administration, payroll, recruiting, or training, to a professional HR firm instead of hiring internal HR staff. We looked at five common options—an HR consultant, HR firm, HR software, HR service provider, and a professional employer organization (PEO)—that cover the range of options for…
How to Make a Business Organizational Chart in 3 Steps
An organizational chart (or org chart) is a visual aid used to clarify who reports to whom and who is responsible for what in your organization. It typically shows the business owner or department head at the top with subordinates below, in the format of a drawing, diagram, flow chart, or picture. Thank you to…
Top 19 Workplace Safety Tips from the Pros
Every business should have its safety standards outlined in its policies and procedures. But no amount of planning can completely avoid the risk of accidents occurring. In fact, the most recent count of employer-reported workplace injuries reached 2.9 million in the private sector alone. This demonstrates the importance of reinforcing your guidelines to ensure that…
35 Small Business Human Resource (HR) Tips From the Pros
A business can’t thrive without reliable staff, so regardless of how small your business is, human resources (HR) will remain a crucial part of your journey to success. If you’re still unsure where to begin with establishing your HR practice, then this article is for you. We’ve asked the experts to give us guidelines on…
Top 25 Employee Recognition & Appreciation Ideas from the Pros
Looking for ways to motivate and reward your employees? Here are our top 25 employee recognition and appreciation ideas gathered from human resources (HR) professionals and small business owners. Many of these employee recognition ideas will put a smile on your employees’ faces without putting a strain on your budget. When employees are recognized for…
The 6 Best Business Coaching Services
Business coaching is a service in which business leaders, often owners or executives, engage in one-on-one dialogue with a business expert or coach to grow their business and improve interpersonal and professional skills. We looked at the most popular business coaching services that covered the range of options for small business, including one-on-one and group…
Top 15 Employee Discipline Tips from the Pros
When employee behavior does not meet company standards or expectations, it directly affects profitability. There are a number of ways to maintain your employees’ focus and prevent counterproductive behavior, but not all measures work for all businesses. If you feel uncertain on what to do when facing behavioral issues with employees, then this article is…
360 Degree Feedback: How It Works & Should You Do It?
360 degree feedback, also known as a 360 performance review, includes feedback not only from the employee’s supervisor, but also from the employee’s customers, vendors, peers, and/or direct reports. The benefit is that managers gain insight into an employee’s performance from multiple perspectives. This article will explain how to conduct 360 degree reviews, when to…
Should You Offer Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)? Pros, Cons, & Pitfalls To Avoid
An unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy differs from traditional PTO by allowing employees to take as much vacation time as they want with virtually no limits. Some companies are experimenting with unlimited PTO to improve work culture, give exempt employees more work/life balance, and allow senior staff more vacation and travel time. A recent…
Everything You Need to Know About Finding and Hiring a Business Coach
A business coach, or corporate coach, is a trusted advisor with industry management experience who can guide you through start-up challenges like hiring staff and paying taxes, as well as help you plan your growth strategy, make sound marketing decisions, and recommend software. Most also provide coaching to help you grow your personal leadership skills….