Old Ben was more right than he knew. The phrase is usually credited to him because he used it in an essay (Advice to a Young Tradesman, 1748). The actual phrase was recorded in 1719 in the magazine The Free-Thinker.   No matter who originated it, your employees only have so much time every day, so it behoves you to make sure they know how to use it wisely. They may have every good intention, but if their communication skills are not up to par, they may be providing you less than ideal return on investment.   Whenever your employees engage in a conversation, whether...

Apply the Pareto Principle to your Organization   What is the absolute, best investment you can make in 2022? What single thing could you invest in that will guarantee a significant ROI? Plastics? No, that is so 1967. Pocket calculators? Go back to the 1970s. The compact disc? You’re still living in the 80s. Pagers? Oh my gosh no – they ruined the 90’s for everybody.    You get the idea. All great investments at the time, but they quickly became money pits. “So, you might ask, tell us what’s your great idea for guaranteed RIO for 2022?”   Your people.  That’s right, your employees. Invest in them. “What you talking about Willis?” (Sorry, 1980 flashback.) I’ll tell you what I’m...

Adopted from Axios, Bryan Walsh, Author of Future   A New Industrial Revolution May be Hitting the Reset Button on Work   The endgame of the pandemic is giving both employers and workers a chance to create a more humane relationship — both in the office and out of it. The big picture: Companies need workers, but many employees aren't ready to go back to the way things used to be. A hybrid setup could provide the best possible way forward, if both sides are willing to give.   What's happening: As the most acute stage of the pandemic draws to a close, American companies face a new challenge:...

Adopted from an Article by Partridge, Snow & Hahn, LLP   On On July 6, 2021, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee signed Pay Equity legislation (the “Act”) (H 5261A, S 0270A) into law. The Act is a broad piece of legislation that applies to all employers. While the Act does not go into effect until January 1, 2023, given the penalties and damages available under the Act, and the safe harbor for employers to eliminate those penalties and liabilities, employers should be familiar with the Act and the safe harbor and other requirements well in advance of the Act’s effective date.   As originally drafted,...

Adopted from an Article by Dan Niepow   There is a real labor shortage. It's unclear where, exactly, all the workers have gone, but experts are divided on what will motivate them to return.   A drive on just about any highway reveals dozens of “Now hiring” signs from desperate employers, some offering hundreds of dollars in signing bonuses. Manufacturers, restaurant chains, agribusinesses, and health care organizations are among the many companies that say they’re in dire need of workers. “Help Wanted” signs hang from windows of independent restaurants, cafés, auto repair shops, and countless other businesses.   It’s a remarkable about-face from a year ago,...