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Recent Video Posts
How a Strong Onboarding Process Impacts your Retention Rates | HR Hot Topics
Are your new hires set up for success or just thrown into the deep end?
In this episode of HR Hot Topics, host Jodi Schafer breaks down what effective onboarding actually looks like, how it differs from basic orientation, and why doing it well is one of the smartest retention strategies you can invest in.
You’ll learn:
✅ Why most onboarding programs fall short
✅ What to do before your new hire's first day
✅ How to structure week one for maximum engagement
✅ Tips for maintaining momentum during the first 90 days
✅ Simple metrics to evaluate onboarding effectiveness
Whether you're a small business without a formal HR team or a growing company looking to improve retention, this episode offers practical strategies that don’t require a big budget — just thoughtful planning.
📌 Need an onboarding checklist to get started? Reach out to [email protected].
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Why onboarding matters now more than ever
01:25 – Orientation vs. Onboarding: What's the difference?
02:47 – Startling statistics on onboarding effectiveness
04:15 – The 3 phases of onboarding
• 04:30 – Phase 1: Pre-boarding
• 06:00 – Phase 2: Day One / Week One
• 07:40 – Phase 3: Week Two to Month Three
09:10 – How to measure onboarding success
10:00 – Practical takeaways and encouragement to start small
Michigan Minimum Wage, Unemployment & Sick Time Laws: What Employers Need to Know | HR Hot Topics
Major HR changes are in effect for Michigan employers in 2026. In this episode of HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer breaks down what you need to know about:
🔹 Minimum wage increase on January 1st
🔹 Expanded unemployment benefits and duration
🔹 Making adjustments to your Earned Sick Time Act policies
Whether you’re running a small business or leading an HR team, this episode gives you practical steps to prepare and protect your organization.
🎯 Resources and tools: https://workwithhrm.com/tools/
💼 Learn more about HRM Services: https://workwithhrm.com
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:11 – Minimum Wage Increases
01:01 – Unemployment Benefit Changes
02:08 – ESTA in Effect
02:32 – Frontloading vs. Accrual Models
04:08 – Structuring PTO to Comply with ESTA
05:20 – Final Reminders and Action Steps
Planning a Reduction in Force | How to Navigate Layoffs with Compassion and Clarity | HR Hot Topics
In this special year-end edition of HR Hot Topics, Jodi Schafer tackles one of the hardest realities a business owner may ever face: implementing a reduction in force (RIF). If your budget isn’t balancing, and payroll is the biggest line item, you may be forced to consider layoffs—not because of performance, but because of the math.
This episode walks through:
• When and why a RIF becomes necessary
• Key steps to planning a RIF legally and ethically
• How to set objective selection criteria
• Best practices for communication, timing, and transition support
• Ways to care for both departing employees and the team that remains
Whether you're bracing for a tough decision or want to be prepared just in case, this is a must-watch for business owners, HR leaders, and organization executives alike.
🛠 Resources & Checklists: https://workwithhrm.com/resources/
📩 Questions? Contact Jodi directly: [email protected]
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro: A Tough Topic to Tackle
01:10 - When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
02:35 - What is a Reduction in Force?
04:00 - Step 1: Set a Financial Goal
05:15 - Step 2: Assemble Your Team
06:45 - Step 3: Identify Roles and Objective Criteria
08:40 - Step 4: Watch for Adverse Impact
09:30 - Step 5: Timing, Incentives & Voluntary Exits
11:00 - Step 6: Communicate Effectively
13:00 - How to Support Remaining Staff
15:00 - Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone
Michigan Unemployment Changes 2025–2028: What Employers Need to Know | HR Hot Topics
This video is private.