Technology is no substitute for experience.
As many of you know, I run. What you may not know is that my son is a runner too. Over the last five years, he’s steadily increased his weekly mileage, completed several marathons, and decided to take on an ultramarathon. If you’re not familiar with the term, a marathon is 26.2 miles. An ultramarathon […]
Why Employee Down Time Matters More Than Ever
Highlights Employee down time has become increasingly important as today’s workplace grows more demanding and unpredictable. When employees rarely have the chance to disconnect from work, concentration and performance begin to suffer. Recent research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) underscores these challenges. In its 2026 State of the Workplace findings, SHRM identifies […]
Eileen’s HR Lesson: How do you handle workplace mistakes?
Happy Summer Solstice! The days are longer, the nights are shorter, and somehow, that makes it shockingly easy to lose track of time entirely. I remember one summer when my kids were at camp and got dropped off by bus each afternoon. Parents had to meet the bus at the stop. Easy enough because the […]
Why Employee Engagement Surveys Are Only Part of the Story
Highlights Employee engagement surveys remain one of the most widely used tools for gathering workplace feedback. They can provide valuable insights into communication, workplace culture, leadership, job satisfaction, and other factors that influence engagement. But many organizations are facing a new challenge: it’s becoming harder to uncover what people are really experiencing at work. Not […]
Job Application Abandonment: An Unintended Consequence of High-Volume Hiring
Highlights Job application abandonment is a growing concern for employers, with many candidates starting applications but never completing them. The causes vary but the issue highlights a broader reality: today’s hiring process can be frustrating for both employers and job seekers, but often in different ways. Employers have access to larger talent pools than ever […]
Flexibility in the Workplace: The New Standard for Stability
Highlights Flexibility in the workplace has evolved from a perk into a core business strategy. Today’s employees value flexibility in many forms, including scheduling, leave policies, autonomy, and hybrid work options. Organizations that embrace thoughtful flexibility often see stronger retention, engagement, and performance. Flexibility and adaptability in the workplace help employers navigate uncertainty while supporting […]
Eileen’s Lesson: Are your policies Pope-proof?
Have you all heard the latest about Pope Leo? He recently tried to call his bank’s customer service line. Assuming it was fraud, the bank representative hung up on him. True story. I have a similar story. While in college, I worked for a bank and was presented with a check for deposit made payable […]
The Nonprofit’s Guide to HR Outsourcing: 7 Ways to Build the People Infrastructure Your Mission Needs
Highlights Many nonprofits rely on informal HR, often handled by leadership or administrative staff. Risk increases as compliance, hiring, and documentation grow more complex. Outsourced HR fills the gap between basic support and a fully staffed department. Strong human resources systems improve retention, stability, and growth. External HR support helps leaders navigate board expectations with […]
Eileen’s Lesson: Is it better to let your clothes sour?
When our son was a college junior, he came home for a few days during spring break —without his laundry. He almost always brought his laundry home with him, so we suspected something was up. The day before he was due to return, we asked him, “Where’s your laundry?” It was his first year in an apartment, […]
In-House vs. Outsourced HR Functions: Which Model is Right for Your Business?
Highlights In-house human resources supports culture, relationships, and day-to-day connections. Outsourced HR functions provide specialized expertise, compliance support, and scalability. External partners bring stronger data, technology, and policy development capabilities. Cost is one factor, but capability and consistency often matter more. Many organizations use a blended approach to balance internal connection with external expertise. Choosing […]