Officium, LLC

Resources For Supporting Employee Mental Health This Year

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on an aspect of our lives that profoundly impacts everything else – our well-being. In the workplace, supporting employee mental health isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s smart business. A team that feels supported and valued contributes to a more positive, productive, …

Identifying and Avoiding Hidden Threats in Remote Hiring

Remote work offers incredible flexibility, but can also present unique challenges, especially in hiring.  Imagine discovering that a seemingly legitimate remote employee, hired through your standard process, was actually an operative stealing your company’s confidential data. It sounds like science fiction, but according to recent FBI alerts, it’s a real and growing threat. Understanding the …

Level Up Your Summer: How Small Businesses Can Attract Stellar Interns

Summer is approaching, and for many businesses, it’s time to source interns! While large corporations often have well-established internship programs and brand recognition that naturally draw in applicants, small businesses possess unique advantages that can attract ambitious and talented interns. The key is to highlight these strengths and create an experience that’s both meaningful and …

Legality and Fairness: Navigating Short PTO for Exempt Employees

Managing Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees, who are salaried and evaluated based on their job duties rather than precise hours worked, presents unique challenges for employers. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) dictates that exempt employees must receive their full predetermined salary for any week in which they perform work, making the handling …

Turning Career Setbacks Into Stepping Stones & How Employers Can Help

Career setbacks—whether missed promotions, layoffs, or burnout—can feel like major obstacles. However, they also offer opportunities for growth, resilience, and redirection. Success often depends on perspective and proactive steps toward recovery. Embracing a Growth Mindset A growth mindset—the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed—helps turn challenges into learning experiences. Rather than dwelling on …

Identifying and Avoiding Employment Scams

In today’s digital age, employment scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting not only job seekers but also businesses. Fraudsters often impersonate reputable companies to deceive candidates, leading to financial loss, identity theft, and reputational damage. Employers must be proactive in protecting their company’s identity and ensuring job seekers can trust their hiring process. Recognizing Common …

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 …

7 Traits Employers Should Look For in Potential Candidates in 2025

Finding the right talent in 2025’s competitive job market requires a keen eye for candidates who possess not only technical expertise but also the soft skills and strategic thinking that drive success. To make informed hiring decisions, employers should focus on these key attributes and behaviors that indicate a strong potential fit for their team. …