Officium, LLC

A Guide to Inclusive Hiring Practices for 2025

In today’s workplace, inclusion is more than just a buzzword—its an essential driver for innovation, employee satisfaction, and business success. As we enter 2025, employers must evaluate their hiring practices to ensure they embrace candidates from underrepresented groups. Not only is this the ethical path forward, but it also brings measurable benefits to organizations and …

Transparency Policies For Morale and Business Success

With increasing regulatory requirements and growing employee expectations, most U.S. businesses have adopted pay transparency strategies to stay competitive and foster a positive workplace environment. Organizations are implementing various strategies to ensure fair and transparent compensation practices. These include analyzing job and pay structures, reviewing pay policies, conducting pay equity audits, and improving communication around …

When to Use PIPs and When to Skip Them

Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) can be a valuable tool in addressing employee performance issues, but they’re not always the best solution in every situation. Understanding when to implement a PIP and when to explore alternative approaches is key to fostering a productive and engaged workforce. Let’s dive into the nuances of using PIPs effectively. What …

What to Expect in HR Compliance for 2025: Preparing for Change and Growth

As we approach 2025, the landscape of HR compliance continues to evolve, driven by new regulations, changing workplace expectations, and advancements in technology. Staying ahead of these changes is essential for organizations aiming to maintain compliance, foster employee trust, and stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic market. Here’s what HR professionals can expect in the …

Voting Leave Laws and Required Notices

With Election Day fast approaching, now is the perfect time for employers to review voting leave laws and ensure that any mandatory notices are posted. Staying compliant with state-specific regulations will help your employees exercise their voting rights while keeping your workplace running smoothly. Most states require employers to provide employees with time off to …

Bullying in the Workplace May Be More Prevalent Than You Think

Studies show that nearly 30% of workers will experience bullying at some point in their careers, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. Workplace bullying isn’t just about minor conflicts or disagreements. It involves harmful, intentional mistreatment that can have severe consequences for individuals and the workplace environment. What is Workplace Bullying? Workplace bullying refers …

Quick Tip: “Work From Anywhere” Regulations

In the employment world, we’re seeing a trend in states addressing “work from anywhere” policies. Since the pandemic, many companies have been lenient on, or unable to track, the city/state/country that remote employees are working in. Many recent state regulations claim that once employees cross state lines, they are subject to the laws of that state, and …

Creating PTO Policies That Work For Everyone

If they haven’t already, many employees are gearing up to enjoy their well-deserved paid time off (PTO) this summer. However, a concerning trend is emerging within organizations: instead of fully disconnecting, many employees find themselves still tethered to work duties even during their vacations. PTO is highly valued by both employees and employers alike. According …

Harnessing the Talent of Older Workers

In today’s evolving landscape of workforce dynamics, companies are increasingly recognizing the value of older workers. As labor shortages persist across various industries, particularly in roles requiring specialized skills and experience, employers are turning their attention to the Baby Boomer generation, viewing them not just as a demographic nearing retirement, but as a critical talent …

New EEOC Guidance on Workplace Harassment

On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released updated guidance on harassment in the workplace, marking the first significant update in over two decades. Titled “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace,” this new guidance integrates feedback from nearly 40,000 public comments and reflects the latest legal standards and best practices …