The effects of mental exhaustion and burnout in the workplace are substantial. Employers are noticing a distinct and overwhelming change in behavior, both internally with workers and externally with customers. The ability to focus has been stalling, leading to procrastination and lower productivity. Digital overload, constant distractions, and extended screen time all contribute to feelings... View Article
For years, businesses have addressed workplace safety by focusing on the physical workplace. They’ve taken actions like correcting for and improving seating, lighting, and repetitive movements. Some of these implementations were voluntary, while others were legal requirements or medical accommodations. The focus, though, addressed physical injury and typically did not consider the impacts of mental... View Article
We can all think back to difficult conversations. Most of us have had dozens of them across professional, personal, and family relationships. When thinking about which of these conversations ended successfully, what factors come to mind? For me, the answer is “preparation.” Preparation forces us to critically consider why the conversation will be difficult, how... View Article
No matter the industry or company size, all business leaders and managers will have to have difficult employee conversations at one point or another. Whether it be for performance issues, misconduct, policy violations, or layoffs, difficult conversations come with the territory of running and managing a business. Having the right tools and knowledge is critical... View Article
Despite the push in recent years for increased gender equality in the workplace, many company boardrooms are still largely male-dominated. In June of 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed SSB 6037 into law in an effort to recognize the many qualified women in the Pacific Northwest. Developed by the Washington State Women’s Commission, the law aims... View Article
On July 1, 2020, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (“L&I”) updated the criteria for an exempt employee. These workers may include executive, administrative, and professional employees, as well as outside salespeople and computer professionals. Washington’s overtime exemption rules generally require these “white-collar” employees to meet a three-part test to be exempt: the... View Article
A common belief is that employees are the business’s greatest asset and greatest liability. While employees are critical to business success, being an employer is becoming more complex by the day. One area of concern, which can become very expensive if not done correctly, is employee pay. Failure in properly paying your employees can potentially... View Article
As civil rights protests have swept the nation, more companies are announcing initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within their walls. But in looking at the data, it is clear just how far we must go before our businesses are truly reflective of the makeup of our society at large. The benefits of diversity,... View Article
“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” are words that have been floating around the business community for many years, but it’s been primarily an effort of big businesses. Small companies typically have infrequent hiring needs and, therefore, feel they can have a limited impact on diverse hiring. In recent months, however, more small businesses are asking how... View Article