RESOURCES
HR RESOURCES
TOOLS, TIPS & INSIGHTS
Stop by frequently to stay in the know about the latest trends in HR processes, crisis management, recruiting, and employment law updates. Read our articles for more insight on just about every HR topic imaginable. We’re your go-to for any and all HR resources!
TOOLS
Recent Video Posts
June 2026 HR Hot Topics: A DOL Update and Free HR Resources Every Leader Should Know About
In this month's episode, Jodi Schafer provides an important update on the Department of Labor's recent rescission of the proposed 2024 exempt salary threshold increases and explains what it means for employers.
She also takes a deep dive into the extensive collection of free HR resources available through the HRM Services website, including:
✅ HR Articles and Blogs
✅ HR Hot Topics Video Archive
✅ HR Assessment Tools
✅ Interview Questions
✅ Onboarding Resources
✅ Employee Records Retention Guides
✅ Difficult Conversation Tutorials
✅ Michigan ESTA Toolkit Resources
✅ Upcoming Training Opportunities
Jodi also introduces the new Thriving Leader Collaborative (TLC), a leadership development program currently being built for launch in 2027.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Welcome to HR Hot Topics
01:20 DOL Rescinds Exempt Salary Threshold Increase Rule
03:50 Why HRM Resources Matter
04:20 HRM Website Resource Center Overview
04:40 Articles and HR Guidance
05:20 HR Hot Topics Blogs
05:38 Video Archive Access
06:14 HR Tools and Templates
07:46 Michigan ESTA Toolkit
08:24 Training and Events
09:04 Introducing the Thriving Leader Collaborative (TLC)
12:40 Closing Thoughts
Need help with HR, leadership development, compliance, or employee relations?
Contact HRM Services:
🌐 WorkWithHRM.com
#HRHotTopics #HumanResources #LeadershipDevelopment #MichiganEmployers #HRCompliance #ESTA #EmployeeManagement #LeadershipTraining #SmallBusinessHR #HRMServices
HRHTShould You Outsource HR? | Benefits, Costs, and When It Makes Sense | HR Hot Topics
If HR is eating up your week—or you’re worried something might be falling through the cracks—this episode is for you.
In this month’s HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer is joined by new team member Terese Dragonetti to break down:
What outsourced HR actually means
What HR functions can be outsourced
The biggest benefits for growing companies
When outsourcing makes sense
How to choose the right HR partner
This episode also introduces HRM’s new outsourced HR service line for 2026.
Timestamps
00:00 – Why outsourcing HR matters right now
00:19 – Welcome + introduction of Terese
01:06 – What outsourced HR actually means
02:02 – Common HR functions you can outsource
04:05 – Manager support and real-time HR guidance
05:38 – When companies start to feel the HR strain
06:31 – Cost vs. hiring in-house HR
07:22 – Redundancy and risk reduction
07:56 – Process improvement and efficiency
09:02 – Technology and workflow advantages
10:05 – When outsourcing makes sense
11:08 – How to choose the right HR partner
13:06 – How to get started with HRM
13:41 – Event: Fractional professionals panel
If you think outsourcing HR might be right for your organization:
👉 Use the QR code in the video
👉 Or schedule a call directly with the HRM team
What Michigan’s National Championship Can Teach Leaders About Teamwork at Work | HR Hot Topics
What does a national championship teach us about teamwork at work?
In this month’s HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer breaks down what leaders can learn from Michigan’s men’s basketball championship run—and how those same teamwork principles apply in the workplace.
This episode covers:
Why teamwork is a real business advantage
How role clarity improves performance
Why communication matters more than personality
Five5 practical ways leaders can build stronger teams
How to improve collaboration, accountability, and trust at work
If your team is struggling with communication, burnout, or performance, this episode is for you.
Timestamps
00:00 – What Michigan’s championship teaches us about teamwork
00:38 – Welcome to the April edition of HR Hot Topics
01:19 – Why teamwork was the real difference-maker
02:27 – Leadership lessons from a championship team
03:43 – Teamwork is a business advantage, not a soft skill
04:56 – Why role clarity matters
06:01 – Teamwork issues are often clarity issues
07:04 – Five practical ways to improve teamwork
08:10 – Set a shared goal
09:16 – Clarify roles and responsibilities
09:52 – Normalize healthy conflict
11:47 – HRM’s upcoming leadership training
13:07 – Final takeaway
If your leaders need help with communication, accountability, and difficult employee issues, check out HRM’s website – www.workwithhrm.com or reach out to [email protected].
Independent Contractor Rule Slated to Change in 2026: What Employers Need to Know | HR Hot Topics
Independent contractor classification rules are shifting again at the federal level.
In this month’s episode of HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer breaks down the Department of Labor’s proposed rule change and what it means for employers trying to properly classify workers as independent contractors (1099) or employees (W-2).
Misclassification can be extremely costly — including back wages, unpaid taxes, penalties, unemployment exposure, and workers’ compensation liability.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What the new proposed federal rule says
• How the economic reality test works
• Why classification is still complicated at the state level
• What practical steps employers should take now
⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 – Why independent contractor rules are changing again
0:49 – Why classification continues to be confusing
1:39 – Overview of the proposed federal rule change
2:23 – How administrative rulemaking works
4:21 – The proposed economic reality test explained
5:25 – Additional factors under the proposal
6:38 – Why there is still no bright-line test
7:03 – Why governmental agencies scrutinize 1099 classifications
8:52 – Federal vs. Michigan classification standards
10:02 – Practical advice for employers
11:15 – Financial risks of misclassification
12:33 – Leadership training opportunities (April & May)
If you have questions about worker classification or need assistance reviewing contractor relationships, contact HRM Services at workwithhrm.com.