ai

How Can AI Be Used in HR?

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By Kimberly Kafafian

 

Grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable, because we’re diving deep into the world of HR and AI. From simplifying onboarding to boosting employee engagement, there’s a lot to explore—and you’ll want to stick around for every insight. Let’s get started!

I am a huge proponent of AI. Why? AI has completely transformed the way I work. As someone with dyslexia, staying organized and productive has always been a challenge. However, AI tools like Grammarly and QuillBot for writing, MindMeister for project planning, Trello for workflows, and Evernote for organizing information have revolutionized my workflow. The biggest game changers for me have been tools like chatGPT dictation, Google Docs Voice Typing and Otter.ai, which allow me to express my thoughts naturally and convert them into written text. These tools make tasks more manageable, enabling me to focus on higher-level strategic work and dramatically improving my efficiency. They’ve been fundamental in better leveraging my super powers.

We hear about the potential impact of AI on our jobs, with concerns that AI and automation will take over many tasks that people currently do, especially in industries like manufacturing and customer service. The rapid advancement of AI also makes people worried that their skills might become outdated, and they could struggle to find new roles that require human judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Said differently, AI also brings new opportunities by enhancing human abilities and allowing us to focus on more complex tasks that require problem-solving, creativity, and interpersonal skills. The real challenge for HR professionals is ensuring people are prepared for these new opportunities by continuously enhancing their skills and knowledge and being adaptable in the face of change.

As organizations strive for greater efficiency and an enhanced employee experience, this emerging technology can be a powerful ally. At Monarch Consulting, we recognize the transformative potential of AI in HR and leverage it to help our clients streamline processes, bolster decision-making, and create a more engaged workforce. Utilizing AI applications allows us as HR professionals to shift focus from the more mundane tasks to strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and profits. 

Although it hangs in the ether, artificial intelligence is such a broad term that it leaves many companies confused as to how exactly integrating AI into HR can positively impact operations. Let me help you wade through the cloud of confusion so you can get a better idea of how incorporating AI into your company’s HR functions can not only keep you competitive in the marketplace, but take your organization to new heights.

8 Ways Your HR Team Can Use AI 

Recruitment and Hiring

As an HR company, one of the first places we’ve started adopting AI technology is within recruitment. AI can streamline one of HR’s most time-consuming tasks: recruiting. The right applications can automate much of the hiring process. For example, resume screening tools can analyze submissions and identify the best job candidates based on set criteria. They can scan thousands of resumes in mere minutes for keywords relevant to the position. By filtering out unqualified applicants, your HR team can concentrate on those who are a better fit. Additionally, chatbots can allow you to engage with candidates in real time – they can answer questions, provide information about the company, and schedule interviews – enhancing the candidate experience. Plus, AI’s predictive analytics enable HR to quickly identify skills and traits that correlate to high performance for more informed hiring decisions.

The AI Win: We will always keep the 1:1 interview process human centric, but AI helps us get the right candidates in front of hiring managers faster and more effectively. 

Onboarding

Technology can create a smoother onboarding experience, boosting retention and satisfaction. 

HR can direct AI to generate welcome emails, along with personalized onboarding plans customized with training modules and resources that meet the needs of new hires based on their background and skills. AI-driven virtual assistants can also guide new hires through the onboarding process, answering questions and navigating them through organizational systems.

The AI Win: We are reducing the administrative burden to better focus on maintaining a human-centered onboarding experience.

Learning, Development, and Training

By assessing employees’ skills, learning styles, and career goals, together with job requirements, AI can help HR teams design and deliver personalized learning, development, and training programs that align with their aspirations. These programs can be courses and webinars led by AI-powered chatbots or live training sessions. Such customization fosters a culture that prioritizes continuous personal growth, which is crucial for workforce satisfaction.

The AI Win: While maintaining a personalized approach to employee growth, AI allows us to deliver tailored learning and development programs faster and more efficiently, ensuring that employees receive the right training at the right time for continuous growth and success.

Engagement 

AI can play a key role in keeping employees engaged. Applications can analyze performance data, employee feedback, and communication patterns to garner insights into employee morale to identify areas where engagement is low so HR can devise a strategy to improve it. 

The AI Win: AI allows HR to proactively target areas of low engagement by analyzing large performance data sets and employee feedback. This allows HR to quickly implement strategies that boost morale and improve employee satisfaction.

Performance Management

By analyzing employee performance data, AI can provide HR with valuable insights that help identify high performers and areas for improvement. This leads to better targeted training and development. AI can also help with setting realistic and achievable goals for employees, along with tracking progress in real time, helping to promote growth discussions. Automating performance management can also bring objectivity to the process.

The AI Win: AI provides real-time insights into employee performance, helping HR identify high performers and areas for improvement. Automating goal-setting and tracking promotes growth discussions and brings objectivity to performance management.

Retention

Employee turnover is costly and disruptive. AI can help companies proactively address retention issues by identifying at-risk employees and gauging workplace sentiment. By analyzing performance review, engagement scores, and attendance, AI can identify patterns that may indicate an employee who is at risk of leaving the organization. HR can then step in and devise a targeted retention strategy. AI can also analyze employee feedback and surveys to better understand how employees feel about their work environment, providing HR with insights to make changes to foster a more positive culture.

The AI Win: AI can identify at-risk employees by analyzing performance and engagement trends and attendance patterns, allowing HR to implement targeted retention strategies. By measuring workplace sentiment through employee feedback, AI provides insights to foster a more positive and supportive work environment, ultimately reducing turnover.

Compliance

AI can help HR with compliance in a number of ways. 

  • Monitoring HR activities in real time for potential compliance issues
  • Analyzing historical data to predict potential compliance risks
  • Generating compliance reports
  • Reviewing time and attendance records
  • Tracking changes in laws and regulations, then automatically updating compliance practices
  • Writing and reviewing compliant job descriptions, handbooks, and other policies
  • Identifying areas of inequity in pay, roles, or other areas
  • Noting violations of labor laws
  • Updating employees on policy changes 

The AI Win: AI improves compliance by monitoring HR activities in real-time, predicting risks, generating reports, and ensuring that policies stay up-to-date with legal changes. It also reviews records, identifies inequities, and alerts HR to labor law violations, helping to maintain a compliant and fair workplace.

Benefits

Benefits management can be complicated. AI can automate the process, from enrollment to processing claims. HR can use technologies to automatically enroll employees, as well as tailor benefits to individual workers. AI can send out reminders, chatbots can communicate key information on plans, and quick access to data can help the organization make better information benefits decisions.

The AI Win: The AI Win: AI simplifies benefits management by automating enrollment and claims, personalizing benefits, and providing timely information through reminders and chatbots, helping leadership, employees and HR make more informed decisions efficiently.

At Monarch Consulting, we leverage AI to enhance HR processes, improve decision-making, and create a workplace where employees thrive. Utilizing these innovative tools, we help organizations not only navigate the complexities of talent management but also build a resilient workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future.

What Is an HR Investigation?

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By Kimberly Kafafian

 

At Monarch, we understand the complexity of workplace challenges. Despite our best efforts to maintain a safe and fair work environment, incidents may occur.  Someone may claim harassment or discrimination. A worker may become injured because of a safety violation. Perhaps a bookkeeper helped themselves to some of the profits. Or maybe someone feels bullied or they are witnessing unprofessional behavior at work. Each situation requires a swift and impartial HR investigation to ensure fair treatment for all parties involved and to determine the appropriate actions to protect your organization. 

If your business is facing any of the situations mentioned, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough investigation – not only to maintain trust and ensure a fair outcome, but also to protect your organization from potential lawsuits or EEOC actions. As an experienced HR investigator, I understand how complex and overwhelming this process can be, as it requires balancing  protecting employee rights as you investigate. The information below will help you understand what triggers an investigation and provide guidance on conducting it effectively. 

Actions that Trigger HR Investigations

The human resources department is charged with examining allegations of misconduct, violations of company policies, or other issues that could affect the workplace. These investigations are typically triggered by complaints or concerns raised by employees, management, or other stakeholders.

HR investigations address a variety of issues, including but not limited to:

  • Harassment or Discrimination: Claims of unfair treatment or hostile work environments based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
  • Workplace Violence: Allegations of aggressive behavior or threats that jeopardize the safety of employees
  • Ethical Violations: Breaches of company policies or breaking of the law, such as fraud or embezzlement
  • Performance Issues: Situations where an employee’s behavior or performance deviates significantly from expectations
  • Safety Issues: A workplace accident or safety concern

The Process of an HR Investigation

While each HR investigation is unique, the general, structured approach outlined below helps ensure fairness and thoroughness.

  1. Assess the Nature and Severity of the Complaint. HR will determine whether the issue warrants a formal investigation, and if so will outline its scope.
  2. Plan a Course of Action. The HR investigator will define clear objectives, identify key witnesses and evidence, and establish a focused, efficient timeline to ensure a swift, complete, and accurate investigation.
  3. Gather Information. This involves conducting interviews with the person who made the complaint, the accused, and any witnesses. In this phase, HR will also review any pertinent documents, emails, and other materials.
  4. Analyze the Evidence. Once all the information has been culled, HR will analyze it to corroborate accounts, evaluate credibility, and identify patterns to understand the context and implications of the issue.
  5. Determine Findings and Conclusions.
    Based on the evidence gathered, HR will determine whether the complaint is substantiated or not. This requires objectivity, ensuring all facts have been considered without bias. If the investigation uncovers misconduct or policy violations, HR will document the findings clearly.
  6. Recommend Corrective Actions.
    If the complaint is substantiated, HR will recommend actions to address the behavior or issue. These could range from disciplinary action, policy changes, or additional training, depending on the severity of the findings. The goal is to correct behavior and prevent future issues.
  7. Communicate the Outcome.
    HR will share the findings and next steps with the involved parties. While confidentiality is key, both the complainant and the accused should be informed of the conclusion and any actions that will be taken. In some cases, certain details may be withheld to protect privacy.
  8. Document the Entire Process.
    A comprehensive report will be compiled that outlines the entire investigation from start to finish. This documentation should include the complaint, investigation steps, evidence gathered, findings, and final decisions. Proper documentation is critical in the event of future legal or compliance concerns.
  9. Monitor and Follow Up.
    Following the investigation, periodic follow-ups may be conducted to ensure the workplace remains safe and compliant.
  10. Reporting. After completing the investigation, HR will prepare a detailed report that summarizes the findings. This report usually includes recommendations for any disciplinary actions or other measures to address the issue.

​​Monarch Consulting is pleased to announce the formal launch of our HR Investigative Services Division. We’re passionate about creating safe, respectful workplaces, and we know that HR investigations are a vital component of maintaining a positive and engaged workforce. Addressing issues thoroughly and fairly fosters a culture of respect and trust, and mitigates risks – plus it improves the organization’s reputation as an excellent place to work. 

Need assistance with an investigation? Our unbiased, third-party HR investigations team can help. Call or message us to schedule a consultation.

trust puzzle pieces

Lack of Trust in the Workplace Can Impact the Bottom Line

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By Kimberly Kafafian

 

You’ve heard the saying, “A business is only as good as its people.” While this usually connotes skills, it also relates to how well your employees work as a team, which requires trust among every member from the top down and bottom up. Lack of trust can negatively affect productivity, create a toxic environment, and increase turnover – all of which are intertwined with your profits. Recognizing actions that can erode trust and proactively taking steps to build it is crucial for sustaining your business and growing it. As a fractional human resource professional, I can look at People Operations with a fresh view, identifying trust roadblocks, devising strategies for overcoming them, and suggesting ideas for preventing them from popping up again. Hopefully, the insights I’ve gained over the years and the actions I’ve found effective, outlined below, will help you boost trust among your team members.

Examples of Lack of Trust

When leaders, employees, and co-workers don’t have faith in each other, it can show in a variety of ways, including:

  • Micromanaging every task and decision
  • Refusing to delegate
  • Blaming others when issues arise
  • Hoarding knowledge rather than sharing it 
  • Showing favoritism

Each of these actions hinder productivity, damaging the business overall.

Common Causes for Lack of Trust

With trust being a key underpinning of company success, it’s important to determine if your company has a faulty foundation. Here are some common actions that erode trust in the workplace that you should avoid:

  • Poor communication
  • Lack of transparency  
  • Micromanagement
  • Failure to consider new ideas
  • Being biased

Benefits of Fostering Trust

Investing in building trust brings a host of incredibly valuable benefits. People that feel like they are trusted are more engaged, which leads to greater creativity and innovation. Demonstrating trust in teams also enhances decision-making and problem solving, saving time and money. Plus, trust leads to loyalty, boosting retention rates – trust is a powerful motivator.

Tips for Building Trust

Communicate Openly and Often. Don’t leave workers in the dark. Be transparent and honest so they know they can count on being told the truth. Provide constructive feedback and help them improve.

Be Consistent. Instill fairness by creating criteria for decision-making and sticking to them.

Encourage Sharing of Ideas. Foster a culture that encourages the free flow of ideas and thoughts.

Provide Opportunities for Autonomy. Don’t micromanage but rather let your team take on new challenges.

Promote the Value of Working as a Team. I’ve found that team-building activities go a long way to help build trust.

Building trust takes effort, from self-audits to training management to employee seminars. But the results are well worth the resources. Teams that trust each other collaborate better, innovate, and are more engaged – which all benefits the bottom line.

worker in middle of street wearing ghost costume

Ghosting Job Applicants is Bad for Business

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By Kimberly Kafafian

I am mindful that I sit on this side of the desk. We review hundreds of resumes each year, so we see firsthand how much work is involved in the pre-employment phase of the employee lifecycle. That being said, one of my loved ones is changing careers. Each time a recruiter connects with him, his excitement is palpable. He gets more eager with each passing interview, and then bam!, crickets from the recruiter and the hiring managers. He reaches out politely and uses the “thank you so much for your time” approach, but still nothing. I am mindful of how heartless it feels sitting on that side of the desk.

In today’s hiring market, suddenly stopping all communications with job candidates after the interview process, hoping they will get the hint rather than letting them know they are no longer being considered for the position, has become commonplace. Applicants submit a resume, go through the initial interview, and then meet with more people moving up on the prospect list. Their excitement grows with each step and the increased possibility of being chosen. There is radio silence from the hiring team. They aren’t returning calls, emails, texts, or LinkedIn messages. This unofficial “sorry, but you are now out of the running” communication – or rather, lack of one – leaves the applicant confused and angry. And let’s be honest, it’s insulting and incredibly rude. 

This action is what is referred to as “job applicant ghosting” and while hiring teams may think this is saving them time or from having to handle those dreaded I’m sorry calls or emails, it is very bad for business as it can affect how applicants and job hunters view your brand.

Ghosting Can Impact Hiring Potential and Culture

Failing to have the common courtesy to even send a form rejection letter is unprofessional and inexcusable given the technological capabilities to send out form communication. But on top of that, it is also a bad reflection of your brand. If you can’t have open communication with applicants, what kind of culture are hires walking into? Applicants may share their frustrations on social media and on sites like Indeed and GlassDoor for all future applicants to find. Ghosting silently sheds light on what it may be like to actually work for the company, which can prevent the applicants you need to sustain and grow your business from applying in the first place. And what if those applicants were referred by existing employees? Once word spreads about the disrespect that was shown, employee referrals may cease and feelings of betrayal and displeasure may start to erode your culture.

Follow Acceptable Recruiting Etiquette 

As an HR professional, I’m extremely angered by the ghosting trend. It’s our job to ensure a smooth and effective recruiting process – for both the benefit of the applicants and the organization. I understand first-hand how the sheer volume of applications can be overwhelming, but if you have the right processes in place, you can handle communications in a courteous and professional manner. Here are some tips to help you streamline and save your brand’s reputation.

Automate

Set up an automated response process for the early application stages. This can be done using a candidate relationship management (CRM) software or through your applicant tracking system (ATS). Leverage these platforms to let candidates know you received their applications, send rejection letters, request additional information, etc. 

Outline Your Hiring Process

Formalize the steps of your hiring process and let candidates know what to expect, including when they should expect to hear from you. Having a formal process in place, with timelines, will help streamline communication. 

Directly Communicate in the Late Stages

For those job applicants that are far along in the interview process, stay in touch through phone or email with personalized communication. Let them know where they stand. If they are not moving forward in the hiring process, let them know you enjoyed meeting them, that the decision was difficult, and encourage them to apply for open positions in the future. Give them the courtesy of knowing they are no longer being considered. 

Your hiring team should be focusing on the candidate experience and making it the best possible so you can attract and retain the right workers for your organization. Don’t let your team think job applicant ghosting is acceptable. Commit your company to open communication – that is what is good for business.

employee and manager talking

Employee Struggling with Mental Health:

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How to Help

By Kimberly Kafafian

 

You’ve picked up on the signs: showing up late to work, looking tired, missing deadlines, difficulty managing multiple tasks, easily frustrated, unable to accept feedback. Everything indicates that the employee may be struggling mentally and needs support. You want to help, but are unsure of what you should do. You aren’t alone. With mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and stress so common, chances are managers everywhere have a worker who is struggling. As an HR professional, I can tell you that addressing mental health issues in the workplace can be very complex. They need to be carefully navigated, but there are some things you can do to help.

Arrange for a Meeting

Meet with the employee in a quiet space where you can ensure your discussion will be discreet. I recommend starting by asking how they are doing. This open-ended, non-judgmental question allows the employee to explain in their own words what they are going through and the support they may need. If the employee doesn’t really open up, share your observations and express your concern. Do not be accusatory or try to diagnose, but rather keep the focus of the discussion on work performance as is required by law. You don’t have a right to know their private struggles. Follow the employee’s lead. If they admit they are struggling, work with them to adjust their responsibilities and tasks as needed. Let them know that they are valued and that you will provide the tools and/or the time they need to recuperate. If they deny any issues, advise that they can come to you at any time if they find they need help, and reassure them that what they say is confidential. 

Practice Empathy and Show Compassion

Actively listen to what the employee is saying. Let them know you understand, and if appropriate, relate to their struggles on a personal level. Encourage them to seek support, and let them know you are there to help them. 

Make Necessary Accommodations

Develop an action plan that makes adjustments for how the employee performs their role. Changes can include:

  • Where and when the employee works
  • Additional break times
  • Quiet spaces to decompress
  • Relaxed absence rules
  • Providing leave at short notice
  • Reallocating tasks
  • Modifying job duties
  • More frequent monitoring of workload
  • Extra training or coaching
  • Assigning a mentor

Know Your Legal Duties

Once you are aware of a health disability, you have certain duties to consider when making accommodations and adjustments. It’s important to speak to your HR team or legal counsel to ensure that you are following the law and providing your employee with any mandated support beyond what you are already doing.

A manager’s support and compassion can make all the difference. If you notice something off about your employee, take the time to check in with them.

yoga activity in the workplace

Mental Health Activities in the Workplace

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By Kimberly Kafafian

 

With January being Mental Wellness Month, it’s the perfect time to promote employee wellbeing with activities designed to reduce stress and foster a healthy mindset. While I encourage you to offer such activities throughout the year, highlighting them during this month is a great way to let your workforce know that you care about their mental health, which goes a long way in boosting morale and engagement. 

Choosing the Right Activities for Your Workers

There are many types of mental health boosting activities. In order to resonate with your workforce, it’s important to take the time and choose the activities that best suit it. When devising mental health strategies, I like to incorporate a variety of activities in order to connect with, and benefit, all types of personalities. For example, while some workers may appreciate a yoga session, others would much more prefer a book club or a chair massage. The goal is to help employees prioritize mental health so they can recharge and refresh, so you want to offer an activity for everyone. 

Mental Health Activities for In-Person and Remote Teams 

Yoga Class

Schedule a beginner yoga class that encourages employees to breathe and stretch, reducing tension and fatigue and improving mental clarity and productivity. It’s OK if you don’t have a large space to hold the class, many yoga studios can teach desk classes.

Mindfulness Session

Whether an in-person workshop or a virtual lunch and learn for remote workers, a guided mindfulness session can bring calm, boost creativity, and teach stress resilience.  

Walking Club

Walking provides a host of health benefits from improving mood and increasing energy to reducing stress levels. Creating a club will encourage employees to get outdoors and join in the camaraderie. 

Book Club

Reading is a great way to escape from the daily stressors and relax. In fact, it’s been shown to reduce stress by up to 68%. Pick a location, schedule a date and time, have employees vote on book selections, order the books, and get started. Remote workers can join in virtually.

Mental Health Workshops

Bring in guests who will talk about mental health and stress management topics. Experts are best equipped to provide strategies and share resources for meeting life’s challenges and improving work-life balance.  

Team Building Activities

Simply taking a break from daily tasks is a stress buster. Organize team building activities such as a game, virtual happy hour, cooking class, or volunteering for a local organization.

Art Classes

Immersing oneself in art is a great mood booster. Organize a drawing or painting class for artists of all levels. You can hold it during work hours or opt for an after hours sip and create.

Gratitude Challenge

Expressing gratitude can transform your mindset. Set up a gratitude challenge where workers journal three things they are grateful for each day.

The above are just some examples of mental health boosting activities you can do in the workplace. I encourage you to create activities in which your workforce will want to participate. Reach out to management teams for their suggestions. Remember, the goal is to incorporate activities that will connect with all types of personalities.

person sitting on top of a mountain

PTO for Mental Health:

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How to Encourage Employees to Use It

By Kimberly Kafafian

 

Stress in the workplace is nothing new, but until the pandemic, employee mental health was a topic rarely discussed or addressed. Now, thank goodness, it’s at the forefront of the employee experience – as it should be. A recent American Psychological Association survey found that 71% of workers believe their employer is more concerned about employee mental health now than in the past. With 81% of workers wanting to align themselves with companies that support their mental health, organizations that aren’t focusing on cultivating a mentally healthy workplace need to make it a priority. If this statistic isn’t enough to spur action, companies should take note that doing so can also benefit the organization overall, as stress can cause productivity, creativity, and performance to dip.

One way of supporting your workers’ mental wellbeing is to encourage them to utilize PTO as a way to decompress. HR teams can take the lead here. I work hand-in-hand with leadership on developing strategies promoting the importance of mental health days. Below are some of the steps I recommend for pushing employees to take their PTO to recharge and refresh.

Promoting PTO for Mental Health 

Remove the stigma, fear, and guilt associated with using PTO for non-vacation purposes by creating a culture where employees are encouraged to take time off for self-care or to spend with their families.

Build the Importance of Taking PTO into Communications

In newsletters, email blasts, webinars, town halls, and staff meetings remind workers to utilize their allotted time off to rest and renew. Share information on the benefits of enjoying time away from the workplace, along with fun snippets of what co-workers are doing with their PTO to inspire others to follow suit.

Have Management Lead by Example

One of the best ways to encourage employees to utilize their PTO is by having management take time off themselves. This demonstrates that you understand the importance of downtime and that your team will not be judged for taking time away from work.

Create a Well-Defined PTO Policy

In addition to outlining how many days off are allowed, you should also:

  • Stress that there is no requirement to say why need day off
  • Formalize that there is no employer contact during PTO – the whole point of time off is to take a break from work
  • Define PTO as more than vacation days so workers feel free to use them as they need them
  • Highlight that using PTO for mental health days is welcomed

Employees need time to recharge and refresh. It is up to management to encourage them to take time off – for the sake of their team’s mental health and the financial health of the company.

happy employees in the workplace

Benefits of Good Mental Health in the Workplace

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By Kimberly Kafafian

 

The state of an employee’s mental health can impact many aspects of an organization, from productivity and collaboration, to safety and turnover. Simply put, the mental health of a workforce plays a key role in a business’s bottom line. So placing mental wellbeing at the heart of workplace policies is just good business. As U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD noted, a mentally healthy workforce is the foundation for thriving organizations. 

Throughout my career, I have noticed first-hand the benefits businesses reap when they develop strategies and policies with a mental health focus. If you’re still on the fence about how much energy to put in this area, hopefully, the list below will sway you to make mental health initiatives a priority. 

The Rewards of Prioritizing Employee Mental Health

Improved Productivity and Innovation

Mentally healthy workers tend to be more productive, communicative, and creative. Good decision-making, effective collaboration, and innovative thinking requires the ability to focus. Someone who is burned out or struggling with a mental health challenge is more likely to be distracted and withdrawn, which can result in lackluster contributions, missed deadlines, poor communication or miscommunication, mistakes, and lower performance – all of which impact profits. 

Lower Turnover

Today’s workers want a better work-life balance. Since the pandemic, employees are placing a greater emphasis on working for companies that care about their mental health. Employees who don’t feel consistent mental health support from their employer are 5.5 times more likely to have plans to quit their job. By demonstrating your commitment to workplace mental health, you are boosting retention rates.

Decreased Risks & Liabilities

When businesses invest in mental health, they experience lower absenteeism, better engagement, and higher performance. This, in turn, reduces errors and safety violations related to inattention or failing to put full effort into tasks, which decreases risks and legal exposure.

Reduced Costs

According to a Gallup survey, poor worker mental health costs the US $48 billion per year. This is attributed to collective missed days. The number does not distinctly reflect decreases in productivity and innovation, increases in turnover, or greater liabilities that result from poor workplace mental health. Effective mental health initiatives help curb such losses.

Tips for Supporting Workplace Mental Health

  • Be Flexible – Allow employees to work flexible hours, work from home, or follow a hybrid working schedule.
  • Provide for Routine Check-Ins – Require leaders to routinely meet with team members to gauge how they are handling work loads, if assistance is needed, whether feeling overwhelmed, etc.
  • Offer Mental Health Benefits – Be sure that your benefits packages include accessibility to robust mental health services.
  • Encourage Utilizing PTO – Promote mental wellbeing by pushing employees to take PTO to recharge and refresh

By centering workplace policies around mental health, businesses can boost employee potential and the bottom line.

employee at desk with holiday decoration

Keeping Employees Engaged During the Holidays

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By Kimberly Kafafian

 

While the holiday season is a festive time of year, it’s also when workforce productivity tends to take a dip. Between shopping, coordinating travel, and planning for gatherings with loved ones, employees’ minds may be on anything but business. Plus, the pressure to meet year-end goals can cause workers to burn out resulting in them checking out mentally. As an HR specialist, I’ve found that managers who make an effort to keep employees engaged during December see a higher level of overall performance in their teams. Here are some activities to help your employees stay focussed on the tasks at hand as the year comes to a close.

How to Boost Employee Engagement in December

Offer Extra Time Off

The holidays are hectic. Show employees you care by being flexible with PTO requests and offering time off to handle all those to-do lists. Employees may be hesitant to ask for personal time, so be proactive and encourage them to take the time they need. Providing this perk will help employees be more focused when they are at work.

Host a Holiday Celebration

Events outside the confines of the office let your employees know that you value more than just the bottom line. Plan a gathering that allows everyone to relax, unwind, and enjoy themselves with their colleagues. This will create a more festive atmosphere in the workplace overall. 

Acknowledge Achievements

It may sound simple, but an acknowledgement has a powerful effect. A hand-written note, phone call, or email expressing appreciation for a job well done can miraculously boost morale. For significant achievements, consider bonuses or other monetary awards, team lunches or dinners, and team activities. When you value your employees and show them that their work matters, you inspire them to be even more productive.

Encourage Self-Care

Although the holiday season is stressful and exhausting, people tend to put self-care on the back burner as there is just no time to fit it in. Organize activities to help fend off employee burnout, such as meditation exercises, chair massages, yoga classes, or breathing workshops. 

Set Reasonable Expectations

Now is not the time to focus on impossible goals. Be realistic and set more attainable aspirations so that employees stay motivated to achieve them.

Promote a Work-Life Balance

An overworked employee will not optimally perform. Encourage your workforce to take breaks, unplug at the end of the day, and prioritize their mental health.

Looking for help keeping your workforce engaged throughout the year? Schedule a free consultation.

bunch of matches with one burned out

How to Deal with End of the Year Burnout

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By Kimberly Kafafian

If you’re living in a state of overwhelm during the month of December, you’re not alone. Although the holiday classic claims it’s the most wonderful time of the year, for many people it’s extremely stressful and anxiety-ridden. You’re juggling work duties, holiday to-do’s, normal responsibilities, end of year deadlines, and a jam-packed social calendar – there just isn’t enough time to tackle everything on your plate. All of the stressors can start to build up, leading to burnout – but you don’t have to let it overtake you. Here are some ways to help you deal with the end of the year chaos.

Tips for Tackling Burnout

Prioritize Projects

Assess your workload and organize the tasks based on importance. Figure out which items need to be completed immediately and those that can be pushed off until the new year. If you aren’t sure which projects are more critical, arrange for a meeting with your manager. And if you can delegate some of the work, do so – but just make sure you aren’t piling too much onto the person to whom you’re delegating.

Take Time Off

Sometimes you just need to refresh and recharge. Although last minute requests for a long vacation may not be approved, use as much of your PTO as you can. Decompressing outside of the workplace can help provide the calm that your body and mind are craving.

Focus on Self-Care

Just as you put everything else on your calendar, set aside time to care for yourself. Take frequent breaks, get enough sleep, and do things you enjoy. Make time to go for a walk or do some breathing exercises. All of this will help you to destress during this hectic time of year.

Set Work-Life Boundaries

Don’t let the line between work and life become blurred. Set boundaries to preserve your sanity. Stop checking email after hours and let work know you do not want to be contacted during your PTO unless it’s an emergency. If you work from home, take lunch breaks and close the office door after you’re done for the day. 

Ask for Help

If you’re experiencing burnout, it’s important to seek help. Ask your manager to adjust your workload or reassign tasks. Meet with HR to find out what kind of mental health benefits your company offers. Let your family and friends know what you are going through so they can offer their support.