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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!
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Recent Video Posts
August as a Strategic Reset Month | HR Hot Topics August 2025 Edition
In the August 2025 edition of HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer helps you reset your focus for the second half of the year by diving into HR assessments. Whether you’re juggling multiple HR responsibilities or just starting to build out your people practices, this episode gives you a checklist for identifying gaps and reducing risk.
Jodi also highlight the October 1 Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) compliance deadline for small employers and an exciting in-person HR training coming to Okemos in October.
🎯 Learn how to evaluate your HR systems and get tools to help your team lead more confidently and efficiently.
Timestamps:
00:09 – August reset: the summer blur and back-to-business mindset
01:22 – Why August is the perfect time to evaluate HR practices
01:52 – What is an HR assessment and what does it include?
04:09 – Spotting gaps and identifying risk
05:07 – Free downloadable mini HR assessment tool
05:20 – ESTA compliance deadline for small employers: October 1
06:05 – How to access free ESTA resources
07:22 – HR 101 training for non-HR professionals – October 15 in Okemos
08:24 – What the training includes: practical skills and interactive learning
09:52 – September training and ESTA support reminder
📌 Free Resources Mentioned:
🔹 Mini HR Assessment: https://workwithhrm.com/tools/
🔹 Register for HR 101 (October 15): https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hrmservices/1546650
🔹 ESTA resources: https://workwithhrm.com/tools/
Frontline Leadership Training & Support | HR Hot Topics July 2025
In this month’s edition of HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer dives into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) roles in your company—your frontline supervisors. These individuals oversee the majority of your workforce, yet they're frequently promoted with little training or support.
Learn how situational leadership, targeted coaching, and peer cohorts can transform first-time supervisors into confident, effective leaders. Plus, hear about HRM’s upcoming in-person workshop designed specifically for today’s multi-generational workforce.
Timestamps:
• 0:23 – What are frontline supervisors and why they matter
• 1:12 – The true scope of their responsibility (80% of the workforce!)
• 2:10 – Why high performers often struggle in first-time leadership roles
• 2:47– Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Model explained
• 4:17 – The 4 leadership zones: New, Frustrated, Proficient, Rockstar
• 7:40 – How to support frontline supervisors during transition
• 11:47 – Upcoming training: Effective Management Skills (Sept. 17 in Lansing)
Federal & State Labor Law Updates | HR Hot Topics June 2025 Edition
Join Jodi Schafer and special guest Andie Creamer for the June 2025 edition of HR Hot Topics. This month, we unpack major developments at the federal level with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and critical updates in Michigan law around unemployment benefits, independent contractor classifications, and wage transparency.
Timestamps:
0:10 - Welcome & HRM’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
1:00 - Why the NLRB is at a Standstill
3:35 - How This Impacts Union & Non-Union Employers
5:00 - Michigan’s Expanded Unemployment Benefits
7:20 - Senate Bills 6 & 7: Narrowing Contractor Definitions
10:15 - Wage Transparency Proposals & Pay Equity Concerns
13:05 - Key Takeaways for Employers
How to Handle Employee Terminations the Right Way | HR Hot Topics – May 2025
Terminations are tough—but with the right approach, you can deliver them with confidence and care. In this edition of HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer walks you through the emotional, legal, and logistical components of letting someone go. Whether it’s due to performance, behavior, or a reduction in force, this episode offers practical strategies to reduce your risk and approach the conversation with confidence.
Timestamps:
• 0:08 – Introduction to May's Topic
• 0:18 – Why Terminations Are So Difficult
• 1:01 – Legal Risk and Emotional Toll
• 1:49 – At-Will vs. Just Cause Employment
• 3:16 – Identifying the Reason for Separation
• 5:01 – Risk Assessments and Legal Pitfalls
• 6:08 – Pay in Lieu of Notice and Severance Options
• 9:01 – Non-Disparagement, Non-Solicitation Clauses
• 10:01 – Outplacement Services
• 12:00 – Preparing for the Conversation
• 13:14 – Downloadable Separation Checklist
• 13:57 – Info on June 4th Training
• 15:04 – Closing Remarks