Christine Richardson 
What does an engaged employee look like? Employee Engagement is a concept that describes the level of enthusiasm and dedication a worker feels toward their job. Engaged employees care about their work and about the performance of the company, and feel that their efforts make a difference. An engaged employee is in it for more … Read more
Equitable compensation comprises such elements as wages or salaries, benefits, union perks, employer-provided vendor discounts, work flexibility and paid time off. A company’s equitable compensation plan can promote employee engagement, performance and career development; thus, a thoughtful compensation plan boosts recruitment and retention efforts. Compensation is tied to critical business elements, including: Business goals and … Read more
Since the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed banning noncompete agreements in January 2023, followed by its Final Rule approval on April 23, 2024, the ban has faced significant opposition. What is the latest update? On August 20, 2024, Texas federal judge Ada E. Brown blocked the FTC’s proposed ban on most noncompete agreements, which was … Read more
The IRS has raised the contribution limit of FSAs for 2024 by $150 for these accounts. FSA participants can now contribute up to $3,200 through payroll deductions during the 2024 plan year. This is up from $3,050 in 2023. In some instances, the employer may also contribute to the employee’s account. Similarly, spouses of employees … Read more
Do you want to help your new employees have a positive experience, setting them up for long-term success? Employee onboarding is a comprehensive process that can last up to 12 months. How it’s handled is crucial to ensure high retention. In addition to sharing the job requirements and describing team dynamics, you can help new … Read more
How would you define an engaged workforce? You might say it’s an environment where everyone involved feels valued and supported. Workplace engagement is a crucial aspect of business success. In fact, it’s so imperative that employee engagement has been shown to affect metrics like productivity, retention, and customer service. However, unfortunately, recent statistics indicate that … Read more
First quiet quitting, now quiet vacationing. What is going on? This is a good question with complicated answers. Quiet vacationing, also called stealth paid time off, is the practice of taking time off without formally requesting it or notifying your employer. It’s a post-pandemic development, so to understand it, we need to recognize that the … Read more
Why isn’t it good enough to simply meet your forecast? Unless your company is doing absolutely everything right and there’s no room for improvement, why not try to exceed expectations? At some point, your company may face a rainy day. You may be convinced that your company is going to win a contract award and … Read more
Small businesses have different needs than individual investors, and banks have created a wide range of financial services and products to accommodate those needs. Consider these factors when choosing a business checking account to maximize one of your most frequently used financial tools. Considerations When Choosing a Business Checking Account Minimum balance Some business checking … Read more
Table of Contents Introduction Key Areas of HR Regulatory Compliance Hiring and Recruitment Wage and Hour Regulations Benefits Administration Workplace Safety and Health Recordkeeping and Reporting Staying Up-to-Date and Managing Compliance Trust BlueStone for Your Outsource HR Needs Key Takeaways Staying on top of HR regulations, laws and guidelines can be a daunting task for … Read more
