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Effective employee communication can have a positive impact on all aspects of a company. Likewise, poor employee communication can lead to workplace inefficiencies and create challenges for successfully engaging and retaining employees.  This HR Toolkit will provide an overview of employee communication, discuss the importance of employee communication and suggest a step-by-step process for developing or updating a communication strategy. Since employee communication can be both formal and informal, this toolkit will address formal communication strategies and informal communication tactics or initiatives. In addition, the Appendix offers supplementary resources, including an employee survey, infographic, planning checklist and more. Download your copy today . For additional resources regarding best practices the remote workspace or more information about employee benefits, our services and products , please contact HANYS Benefit Services by email  or by calling (518) 431-7735. This HR

The pandemic has resulted in thousands of employees working from their kitchen tables or living rooms rather than the office or other workplaces. However, as more Americans receive a COVID-19 vaccination and organizations develop or update their return-to-work plans, some employees may still be eager to continue working remotely, even if just for a few days each week. This article provides an overview of hybrid workplaces, the work model’s advantages and challenges, and tips for accommodating distributed employees. Overview of Hybrid Workplaces Work flexibility is consistently cited as a post-pandemic trend and some employers are already introducing hybrid work models in their reopening plans. In fact, a Mercer survey found that 73% of employers plan to implement a hybrid work environment. By definition, a hybrid workplace is a flexible model designed to support a distributed workforce of both on-site and remote employees. In some form, a majority of organizations are opting fo

As many organizations are adapting to newly remote teams, leaders are challenged with addressing the challenges of the remote environment. Many managers find themselves tasked with effectively leading remote employees and helping their teams adapt to the virtual workplace.  This HR Insights document features the top remote work HR Insights articles, all in one place exploring topics such as: adapting to the remote environment; empowering success; motivating and supporting remote employees; company culture; and legal considerations. Download the guide today . For additional resources regarding best practices the remote workspace or more information about employee benefits, our services and products , please contact HANYS Benefit Services by  email  or by calling (518) 431-7735. This HR Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.  © 2022 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.  

Many organizations are expanding remote work options to more employees than ever before. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to many employers expediting use of this practice—sometimes out of business necessity. Before expanding remote work options, employers often first address obstacles such as establishing expectations and ensuring all employees have the technology they need. Once initial challenges are addressed, employers have an opportunity to plan for best use of the remote workplace—including how to boost self-motivation for remote employees. Challenges of Managing Remote Employees Remote employees face unique challenges. While numerous studies show that remote employees can achieve levels of productivity that are the same as or higher than their non-remote peers, this isn’t without obstacles. According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, remote employees were less motivated than employees who work in an office, while employees who did

Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, more employees are working remotely than ever before. As management is challenged with leading effective remote teams, organizations may consider internal best practices and question whether any adjustments would help these teams succeed. By addressing the unique needs of employees in the remote workplace, employers can set the stage for effective and productive teams. While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an all-time high of employees telecommuting, remote work had previously been growing steadily, and likely will continue to expand in the coming years. While many of the same principles of leading effective teams remain in place, organizations can take steps to ensure that remote teams are performing at a high level and employees are feeling engaged in their remote roles. Challenges of Leading Remote Teams Managers should be prepared to face a set of challenges that are unique to remote teams. According to the Harvard Busi

Currently, many workers juggle work and caregiving responsibilities, thanks largely to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, according to a survey from Boston Consulting Group, 60% of U.S. parents report that they’ve had no outside help with child care during the pandemic. With that in mind, it’s safe to assume there are employee caretakers within virtually every workplace. Thus, employers may want to consider expanding employee offerings that can assist these working families. Here are some methods that can help: Encourage employees to request flexible work arrangements that allow them to balance work and personal responsibilities. Reassign job duties that employees are unable to perform because of caregiving responsibilities. Post employee schedules as early as possible for positions with changing work schedules. Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities can be difficult and contribute to decreased productivity, poor mental health and increased stress among employees. But, with meanin

Employees are walking away from their employers in record numbers; some are calling it the “Great Resignation.” A Prudential survey conducted toward the end of 2021 found that 46% of workers were actively seeking or considering finding a new job, and labor statistics backed those findings. According to the U.S. Labor Department, approximately 4.5 million workers quit their jobs in November 2021, setting a new record. This might appear like welcome news for employers looking to hire—greater unemployment means more potential job candidates. However, confoundingly, there were still around 1.5 available jobs for each unemployed person near the end of 2021, according to USA Today. And, for the last six months of the year, job openings posted by employers topped 10 million, according to the U.S. Labor Department. This information helps illustrate the key problem employers face right now: Workers are willing to quit jobs—and turn down open positions—that don’t satisfy their needs. Expanding e

As the second year of the pandemic came to a close, the looming threat of COVID19 continued to drive volatility across global markets. Despite the dual economic headwinds of the omicron variant and inflationary pressure, U.S. markets saw a strong fourth quarter to end a headline-centric, but robust 2021.  As investors look forward to 2022, there appears to be more uncertainty compared to the vaccine optimism felt just a year ago. As the omicron variant’s effect on global markets becomes more apparent, investors who have ridden previous waves have been rewarded with seemingly irrepressible markets. However, this may be tested in early 2022. Read the  Retirement Market Recap  to learn more about the Q4 market performance. If you have any questions about  retirement plan services , or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by  email  or by calling (800) 388-1963.

By 2025, almost 23% of the U.S. workforce is expected to work fully remote, according to Upwork. That’s nearly double the percentage of people who were working remotely full time prior to the pandemic. As more organizations embrace long-term remote or hybrid workplace models, employers will continue to compete for their industry’s top candidates. Remote work is quickly becoming one of the most desirable benefits an employer can offer in today’s tight labor market. This article discusses unique qualities of strong remote workers and best practices for attracting and recruiting them. Qualities of Successful Remote Workers Employers want to appeal to remote workers, but that doesn’t just mean any remote worker. Employers, especially those cash-strapped by the COVID-19 pandemic, cannot afford to hire just any applicant, so it’s important to be able to spot the best performing remote workers. In addition to industry- or role-specific skills and competencies, there are some qualities unique