The new HR Benchmark Report is in! With over 1,000 businesses surveyed, the report aims to correlate HR best practices and revenue growth by asking binary questions about whether or not firms follow certain HR practices. Here to share insights is VP HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure Software, Mary Simmons!

The conversation revolves around optimizing new hire onboarding processes, emphasizing the critical elements of compliance, culture, and consistency. Discussing the importance of making sure your process is in compliance with the state laws. Their discussion underscores the strategic advantage of comprehensive onboarding processes in driving organizational growth and mitigating risks associated with non-compliance.

Takeaways:

• Fast growth firms (85%) outpaced zero growth firms (65%) in using onboarding checklists, showing a 20 percentage point difference. This basic step sets expectations and professionalism, aiding compliance and cultural integration.
• Essential for compliance, an updated handbook is crucial. Fast growth firms again led with 89% having updated handbooks compared to 76% of zero growth firms.
• Providing new hires with necessary paperwork electronically streamlines the onboarding process, improving efficiency and compliance.
• Orientations aligning new hires with company values, mission, and vision significantly impact culture and productivity. They advocate for authenticity and practicality in these elements, cautioning against superficial adherence that fails to resonate with employees or align with day-to-day practices.
• Proper training ensures legal compliance in hiring practices, crucial for avoiding penalties and fostering employee trust.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Ensure best practices as well as compliance, right?” - Mary Simmons

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marysimmonshrconsultant/
• Company Website: https://www.asuresoftware.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XThTdn7YC1lkAm0PgZUkj
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent/id1725890976
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/328dddd0-3c4f-4b07-a0d3-13bdcb418486/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent?refMarker=null
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mission-to-Grow-A-Small-Business-Guide-to-Cash-Compliance-and-the-War-for-Talent-Podcast/B0CS71KQFM?qid=1706208857&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=A1ME8MBECSVZ6K4D7CNT&pageLoadId=QBtg12mqKsuZPLGY&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mission-to-grow-a-small-busine-5591006
• Transistor: https://missiontogrow.asuresoftware.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AsureSoftware

The episode features a cybersecurity professional who helps keep businesses safe. Please welcome Vice President of Information Security at Asure, Josh Gohman. Josh joins the show to share what things businesses need to be looking out for. Josh shares why being smaller doesn’t necessarily mean you are safer, how to implement best practices, and some of the common methods attackers will use.

Takeaways:

• There are various phishing tactics, such as manipulating urgency to prompt immediate action and exploiting trust in familiar systems like Office 365. Phishing is not limited to large corporations but also impacts small businesses due to attackers' ability to scale.
• Attackers' methods range from tricking employees into divulging credentials to directly infiltrating payroll systems. Awareness and stringent security protocols are crucial in mitigating these risks.
• Internal staff are vulnerable to email hacks that compromise credentials, enabling hackers to impersonate them and alter bank account details in the payroll system, train employees to promptly identify and report suspicious activities.
• It’s important to have proper training in place to ensure that security risk is held to a minimum. Businesses should adhere to appropriate record retention policies, disposing of unnecessary sensitive information promptly to minimize liability.
• Discussing how establishing clear processes for managing exceptions such as out-of-cycle payments and unusual requests is essential to mitigate risks and keeping your data secure.
• A multi-layered approach to payroll security, encompassing employee training, vendor vetting, physical security measures, and robust process management, is crucial for any business, regardless of size.

Quote of the Show:

• “In some cases, you're smaller, you're more vulnerable.” - Joshua Gohman

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuagohman/
• Company Website: https://www.asuresoftware.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XThTdn7YC1lkAm0PgZUkj
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent/id1725890976
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/328dddd0-3c4f-4b07-a0d3-13bdcb418486/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent?refMarker=null
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mission-to-Grow-A-Small-Business-Guide-to-Cash-Compliance-and-the-War-for-Talent-Podcast/B0CS71KQFM?qid=1706208857&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=A1ME8MBECSVZ6K4D7CNT&pageLoadId=QBtg12mqKsuZPLGY&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mission-to-grow-a-small-busine-5591006

The new HR Benchmark Report is in! With over 1,000 businesses surveyed, the report aims to correlate HR best practices and revenue growth by asking binary questions about whether or not firms follow certain HR practices. Here to share insights is VP HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure Software, Mary Simmons!

Mary joins host Mike Vannoy to discuss recruitment and hiring processes, such as job descriptions, background checks, job postings, and interview practices. Mary emphasizes the importance of compliance and consistency in these practices and how they contribute to business success.

Takeaways:

• Importance of Compliance: Fast growth firms exhibit higher compliance with HR best practices, which directly correlates with their success. Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance in job postings, interviews, and applications can significantly impact business growth.
• Role of Background Checks: Fast growth firms are more likely to conduct background checks (81% versus 65% in zero-growth firms). This demonstrates a commitment to hiring trustworthy, qualified individuals, even at a nominal cost.
• Consistency in HR Practices: Consistency in applying HR practices such as job descriptions, interview processes, and compliance checks reduces litigation risk and ensures fair comparison of candidates, boosting overall hiring success.
• Detailed Job Descriptions: Having detailed, compliant job descriptions is crucial for all job openings. It not only meets legal requirements but also helps in setting clear expectations and better performance management.
• Structured Interview Processes: Effective and compliant interview processes that focus on job-related questions help in assessing candidates' competencies and cultural fit more accurately. Behavioral questions can provide deeper insights into a candidate's potential performance.
• Regular Updates and Training: Regularly updating HR practices and providing training for compliance helps in keeping up with changing laws and standards. This is especially relevant for issues like salary transparency and preventing discriminatory practices in job ads.
• Investing in HR Pays Off: Companies that invest in proper HR practices, including background checks and thorough compliance, see better growth. Proper HR management contributes to hiring the right people, which is essential for business success.

Quote of the Show:

• “No company is going to be successful without the right people.” - Mary Simmons

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marysimmonshrconsultant/
• Company Website: https://www.asuresoftware.com/
• HR Benchmark Report: https://www.asuresoftware.com/2024-hr-benchmark-report/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XThTdn7YC1lkAm0PgZUkj
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent/id1725890976
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/328dddd0-3c4f-4b07-a0d3-13bdcb418486/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent?refMarker=null
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mission-to-Grow-A-Small-Business-Guide-to-Cash-Compliance-and-the-War-for-Talent-Podcast/B0CS71KQFM?qid=1706208857&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=A1ME8MBECSVZ6K4D7CNT&pageLoadId=QBtg12mqKsuZPLGY&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mission-to-grow-a-small-busine-5591006

Joining the show this week is a retirement processional with over 20 years of experience who helps people save for their futures. Please welcome to the show, Director of Plan Design Consulting at Vestwell, Kevin Gaston.

Kevin joins Host Mike Vannoy to dive into the benefits and effects of Secure Act 2.0. Kevin shares the different types of tax credits available to employers, the way to use vesting periods to your advantage, and why benefits are better for retention than pure salary alone.

Takeaways:

• Secure 2.0 modernizes retirement rules by making it easier for individuals to save by encouraging employers to implement 401k plans and offer matching contributions through tax credits.
• To maximize startup credits under Secure 2.0, ensure your company benefits from the increased credit of 100% of costs for companies with fewer than 50 employees and consider making contributions to employee accounts.
• For qualifying businesses, Secure 2.0 offers a credit for qualifying employer contributions. The first two years are matched at 100% through credits, the 3rd year is 75% match, the 4th is 50%, and the 5th is 25% before expiring.
• The primary concern for small businesses regarding automatic enrollment in a 401k is the potential for employee backlash. To avoid this, small business owners should proactively communicate any changes to payroll.
• To enhance employee satisfaction, shorten vesting periods to one to two years and consider offering end-of-year bonuses for immediate incentives. Streamlining these benefits can make them more appealing and ensure employees value them more highly.
• Employees with student loan debt can benefit from student loan matching, where repayments are counted as retirement plan contributions for matching purposes. This allows individuals to build their retirement savings while still making loan payments.

Quote of the Show:

• “Benefits on a dollar basis buy more goodwill than dollars do.” - Kevin Gaston

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevingaston/
• Company Website: https://www.vestwell.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XThTdn7YC1lkAm0PgZUkj
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent/id1725890976
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/328dddd0-3c4f-4b07-a0d3-13bdcb418486/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent?refMarker=null
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mission-to-Grow-A-Small-Business-Guide-to-Cash-Compliance-and-the-War-for-Talent-Podcast/B0CS71KQFM?qid=1706208857&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=A1ME8MBECSVZ6K4D7CNT&pageLoadId=QBtg12mqKsuZPLGY&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mission-to-grow-a-small-busine-5591006

In this episode, we welcome Mary Simmons to discuss the latest developments in workplace violence prevention laws in California. Mary and Mike sit down to discuss the impacts of the law, and how businesses can best prepare. Mary gives advice on how employers should best construct their plans, the need to get feedback from employees, and the risks employers face by not complying with the new law.

Takeaways:

• To ensure effective employee engagement and adherence to safety policies, it's crucial to encourage staff to provide suggestions and feedback during the creation and review of these policies.
• Your policy should clearly outline actions to take when individuals feel threatened, regardless of whether the threat is explicit, or more subjective. Emphasize the necessity of having a predefined plan to address these situations as required by law.
• It's crucial to ensure employees know they can provide feedback and find the policy easily. Additionally, thorough training and clear communication channels will help facilitate questions, comments, and suggestions about the plan.
• Ensure transparency by providing feedback on suggestions, explaining why they were or were not implemented. This fosters trust and acknowledges the importance of each contribution.
• Given the urgency and the need for interaction, live virtual training is the most effective approach. While e-training is an option, it lacks the real-time feedback and interaction that in-person or live virtual sessions can provide.
• Employers need to maintain a comprehensive log of all workplace violence incidents, including detailed information without personal names in order to stay compliant with California OSHA.
• When preparing workplace policies, ensure they are documented, easily accessible to all employees, and kept for a minimum of five years to comply with California’s legal requirements.

Quote of the Show:

• “You don't want employees to be scared to bring a concern forward because then you're going to hear about it too late.” - Mary Simmons

Links:

• CAL OSHA doc: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/WPV-General-Industry-for-employers-fs.pdf
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marysimmonshrconsultant/
• Company Website: https://www.asuresoftware.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XThTdn7YC1lkAm0PgZUkj
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent/id1725890976
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/328dddd0-3c4f-4b07-a0d3-13bdcb418486/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent?refMarker=null
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mission-to-Grow-A-Small-Business-Guide-to-Cash-Compliance-and-the-War-for-Talent-Podcast/B0CS71KQFM?qid=1706208857&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=A1ME8MBECSVZ6K4D7CNT&pageLoadId=QBtg12mqKsuZPLGY&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mission-to-grow-a-small-busine-5591006

On this episode of Mission To Grow, we’re featuring a presentation delivered by Mike Vannoy at the 32nd SHRM Long Island annual conference. The presentation dives into the transformative impact of AI on the HR landscape and how HR professionals can adapt. Key topics include the intersection of AI and revenue growth, labor supply shifts, evolving HR laws, and the rapid technological advancements reshaping HR. The episode also addresses the profound demographic changes affecting the workforce and provides actionable insights on how HR can strategically align with revenue growth amidst these tectonic shifts

Takeaways:

• HR professionals need to look beyond immediate crises like politics and economic bubbles; the true driving forces are deeper shifts in labor supply, HR laws, and technology.
• Employees now hold more power and are making choices based on workplace flexibility and policies. Employers must adapt by offering competitive leave policies and remote work options to attract and retain talent.
• The rapid adoption of modern technology, like ChatGPT's meteoric rise to a hundred million users in just two months, underscores the need for businesses to stay vigilant. Companies must be ready for technological disruptions to avoid being caught off guard.
• HR professionals need to embrace AI technology to free up time from administrative compliance tasks for more strategic initiatives. By doing so, they can significantly enhance employee cultures and talent development.
• HR best practices strongly correlate with revenue growth, and HR must align itself with revenue generation to gain a respected seat at the senior table. Focusing purely on compliance will keep HR as a necessary but not strategically critical part of the business.
• Incorporating HR best practices significantly correlates with business growth, even if the practices are not perfectly executed. The key is that these practices indicate to employees the intent to improve and value their contribution.

Quote of the Show:

• “Technology is going to change HR. It just is. And so you can get run over by it, or you can embrace it and lean into it and use it.” - Mike Vannoy

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikevannoy/
• Company Website: https://www.asuresoftware.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XThTdn7YC1lkAm0PgZUkj
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent/id1725890976
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/328dddd0-3c4f-4b07-a0d3-13bdcb418486/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent?refMarker=null
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mission-to-Grow-A-Small-Business-Guide-to-Cash-Compliance-and-the-War-for-Talent-Podcast/B0CS71KQFM?qid=1706208857&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=A1ME8MBECSVZ6K4D7CNT&pageLoadId=QBtg12mqKsuZPLGY&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mission-to-grow-a-small-busine-5591006

In this episode of Mission To Grow, Host Mike Vannoy is joined by Principal at Jackson Lewis P.C., Brian Shenker to discuss the recent FTC ban on non-competes.

They discuss the implications for businesses, including the broad ban on non-competes, enforcement mechanisms, and the limited exceptions for senior executives and the sale of businesses. Brian also offers practical advice for business owners to navigate the rule changes and protect their interests.

Takeaways:

• In April 2024, the FTC issued a rule banning non-compete agreements for employees at all levels, effective from September 4, 2024, unless delayed by legal challenges. Employees should prepare for possible legal actions that might impact the rule.
• Non-compete agreements can stifle competition, which is why the FTC views them as problematic. Eliminating non-competes could open up opportunities for new business creation and greater competition for positions, benefiting around 30 million people.
• While non-compete clauses are banned, there are other documents employers can still take advantage of. Non-disclosure and non-solicitation agreements can still be used effectively within the new regulations.
• Employers should recognize that the new rule broadly bans non-compete clauses in any form, including those found in handbooks and policies. Employers should review all of their documents to ensure proper compliance.
• While new non-compete agreements are prohibited from the effective date, existing ones with senior executives earning over $151,000 who are in policy making positions can still be enforced.
• Despite the general ban on non-compete clauses, exceptions exist for bona fide business sales to protect the buyer's interests. This rule allows even minority owners to be subject to non-compete clauses when selling their stake.
• The FTC may still apply its final rule to nonprofits, particularly in healthcare, if they engage in profit-making activities. Nonprofits should prepare to address challenges regarding the extent of the rule's applicability to their operations.

Quote of the Show:

• “Use this time wisely, 120 days is not that much time to prepare.” - Brian Shenker

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-shenker-53708712/
• Company Website: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XThTdn7YC1lkAm0PgZUkj
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent/id1725890976
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/328dddd0-3c4f-4b07-a0d3-13bdcb418486/mission-to-grow-a-small-business-guide-to-cash-compliance-and-the-war-for-talent?refMarker=null
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mission-to-Grow-A-Small-Business-Guide-to-Cash-Compliance-and-the-War-for-Talent-Podcast/B0CS71KQFM?qid=1706208857&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=A1ME8MBECSVZ6K4D7CNT&pageLoadId=QBtg12mqKsuZPLGY&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mission-to-grow-a-small-busine-5591006