Highlights from the 2026 State of the Workplace Report from SHRM reinforces the importance of the investment in the employee experience.

The post How HR Can Respond to Rising Workplace Expectations in 2026 appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Understand when exempt employees can be docked pay from their regular salary, while maintaining FLSA compliance.

The post What Should I Know About Paying Exempt Employees? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Last Updated on March 27, 2026 / Benefits & Compensation

The post YWCA Columbus: Compensation Analysis & Pay Structure Design appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Workforces are undergoing rapid change. What shifts must employers prioritize and pay attention to stay competitive.

The post Three Workforce Shifts Employers Must Prioritize appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

In a fast‑moving hiring market, skipping reference checks can lead to costly mis‑hires. Electronic reference checks bring consistency, compliance, and efficiency back to this critical step—providing deeper insight into a candidate’s performance, work style, and reliability while saving time for hiring teams.

The post Why Reference Checking Still Matters appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Learn about the steps HR leaders take now to compete for talent in 2026—skills forecasting, employer branding, and internal mobility.

The post Aligning Talent Strategy with Market Realities: Early 2026 Hiring appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Last Updated on January 29, 2026 / Benefits & Compensation

The post The Ultimate ACA Guide for Employers appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Last Updated on January 29, 2026 / Uncategorized

The post How Our ACA Penalty Resolution Saved A Client $500,000! appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Last Updated on January 29, 2026 / Recruitment, Videos

The post Plant Startup Recruiting Solution: A Case Study appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Explore the key training trends for 2026 and how companies are developing talent, strengthening managers, and building future‑ready skills.

The post Top Trends in Training for 2026 appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Review the key factors to consider when evaluating the implementation of a branded apparel or uniform policy.

The post Establishing a Branded Apparel / Uniform Policy appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Outline of the payroll requirements surrounding the federal overtime tax deduction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for 2025.

The post Federal Tax Overtime Implication on 2025 W2s appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Helpful guide describing upskilling and reskilling including steps and tools to make the process successful for your team.

The post Upskilling, Reskilling & Succession Planning for HR Leaders appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question:

How can fractional and interim/contract talent help my organization stay agile and competitive in 2026?

The post How Contract and Fractional Talent Will Shape the 2026 Workforce appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Artificial Intelligence tools can assist in succession planning, enabling companies to prepare for the future by promoting high-potential talent from within.

The post Including AI in Your Succession Planning appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

The holiday season is just around the corner, bringing with it a variety of parties and events that celebrate this festive time. These gatherings are also opportunities to express gratitude to employees, recognize their hard work, and strengthen team bonds.

The post Company Holiday Party Considerations – Pay, Safety, Inclusivity appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

In the spirit of the spooky season, we’re pulling back the cobwebs to share some of the eeriest, most unforgettable recruiting tales from our team and some learnings from them. So, grab your flashlight and read on – if you dare…

The post Spooky Recruiting Stories appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

In the latest article from Business Insider, bedbugs are quietly hitching rides into the workplace as more people return to the office and our very own Andrea Whalen of Clark Schaefer Strategic HR sounds the alarm.

The post Workers Are Back in Offices And So Are the Bedbugs appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

As the workforce adapts to changes in business, technology, and the economy, organizations must ensure employees have the skills to keep up. Whether efforts are directed internally toward upskilling and reskilling staff or externally through the use of skills-based hiring practices, meeting this need is fundamental.

The post Future-Proofing Your Workforce: The Power of Upskilling, Reskilling, and Skills-Based Hiring appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Mergers & Acquisitions are a complicated process affecting every facet of an organization – most importantly, its people. Because employees are the key to ensuring the success of any organization, it is critical to develop a thoughtful and strategic human resources-focused approach in the process. This requires HR leaders to be involved from the beginning.

The post What is HR’s Role in the Mergers & Acquisitions Process? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: In an era of polarized opinions, instant communication, and frequent social media interactions, HR professionals face the challenge of balancing employees’ free speech with maintaining a respectful workplace. How do we handle these sometimes-conflicting aspects in employment?

The post Free Speech in the Workplace: Navigating Rights & Respect appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

As a growing employer, we are looking at options for human resources support. I have had a few colleagues recommend using an outsourced HR option, such as PEO, ASO, or HRO. What are those services and what things should I consider when trying to determine what is best for us?

The post Finding the Right HR Solution: PEO and Outsourced HR Pros and Cons appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Review of the benefit trends attracting top talent in 2026.

The post Employee Benefits Trends 2025–2026: Attracting Top Talent appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

A new radar technology company was entering a highly specialized industry and needed to attract candidates with niche technical expertise in radar systems. As a small, little-known startup, they lacked both brand recognition and internal HR/recruiting resources.

The post Radar Technology Startup Recruiting Solution: A Case Study Business Situation appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) is set to transform payroll and benefit administration, and it’s crucial for employers to be ready for these changes. At Clark Schaefer Strategic HR, we’ve created this guide to outline the key updates that will impact your organization’s operations, compliance, and employee benefits planning.

The post One Big Beautiful Bill – Potential Impacts for Payroll and Benefits appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Do you find it challenging to source and hire quality talent? Are you experiencing a trend where new employees are not the right fit? You’re not alone. We share 7 proven steps to avoid hires in this article.

The post Avoid Bad Hires: A Proven 7-Step Hiring Roadmap appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: Our not-for-profit organization is concerned about potential workforce reductions due to economic uncertainty. What steps should HR and leadership take now to prepare for a fair and legally compliant reduction in force, and how can we support both impacted and remaining employees through the process?

The post NFP Workforce Reductions: Plan Ahead for Economic Shifts appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Handling workers’ compensation situations is an important part of a supervisor's job. With the right training, supervisors can learn how to manage these situations smoothly, reducing risks and creating a safe and supportive work environment.

The post Training Supervisors on How to Handle Workers’ Compensation Situations Effectively appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Layoffs are never easy. For not-for-profits (NFPs), where mission-driven cultures and tight-knit teams are the norm, the impact of workforce reductions can feel even more personal. Although consideration for the necessary legal concerns related to a layoff is necessary, conducting a layoff with empathy and safeguarding your organization’s reputation and honoring the people behind the positions is equally important.

The post Empathy First: A Modern Guide to Nonprofit Layoffs appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

We’re doing some end-of-year filing and record cleanup. How long do we need to keep resumes and applications?

The post How Long Should We Keep Resumes and Applications? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: As a supervisor with an employee who is having a performance issue, I want to coach them effectively and help them improve. What steps can I take to ensure I successfully coach employees to improve their performance?

The post How Do I Successfully Coach Employees to Improve Performance? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

The data surrounding the cost of a “bad hire” range from 30% to upwards of three to four times the employee’s annual salary. Whatever the actual dollar amount, hiring the wrong person for the job can lead to substantial losses for an organization. The true cost of a bad hire will depend upon the position, your industry, and frankly your culture.

The post What is the Cost of a Bad Hire? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: I know the cost of a bad hiring decision can be very expensive. What can I do to prevent a bad hire and make sure I select the best candidate into my organization?

The post Hiring Tips: How to Prevent a Bad Hire appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

While many organizations have implemented an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as an important way to support their employees' mental health, that is only one component of well-being. There are many ways HR can play a direct role in supporting employees' overall well-being. In this article, we'll discuss what well-being is, how it impacts individuals and organizations, and offer specific examples of how you can support employee well-being in your organization.

The post How Can I Support Employee Well-Being Beyond the EAP? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: My company recently began reviewing our I-9s and found that we have some missing or incorrect I-9 Forms. Can we ask the affected employees to fill out another I-9 if it is missing? If so, how do we do it correctly? And if it was incomplete, can we update it on the old form?

The post How Do I Handle Missing or Incorrect I-9 Forms? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

The days of transactional human resources departments are dwindling as the function must move to play a strategic role within the organization it serves. Involvement in strategic planning conversations leads to transformational change that is felt by all staff to meet companywide goals. In order to make sure these discussions are made with staff front of mind and driven by human capital data, human resources must be part of these conversations and included in the decision-making process.

The post How Can HR Play a Strategic Role in My Organization? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

On February 21, 2025, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4002 into law, amending the state's Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). These changes have significant implications for employers operating within Michigan as they include revisions to accrual rates, carryover rules, and compliance deadlines.

The post What Employers Need To Know About Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

With the help of a few good tactics and a great HR partner, it is possible to address conflict in work relationships and help employees find functional strategies for moving forward and working well together.

The post Helping Employees Work Together – Conflict Management appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: I often feel in a state of overwhelm at work. It's frustrating to not be as effective and productive as I'd like to be. Can you recommend a good approach to simplify my work life?

The post How to Simplify Your Work Life appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: Many of our new hires seem to be leaving within the first few months of employment. We need to tackle this head-on! What are the best practices for ensuring new hire success?

The post What Should I Include in the First 90-Day Introductory Period? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

It has become more important than ever that employers listen to and understand the motivations of their employees in order to best attract and retain them. Many employees have made changes that better support family life, financial security, and their lifestyle through flexible work situations, including flexible work options. Many are realizing that work-life balance is not a “nice to have,” but rather it is a necessity.

The post Three Ways Employers Can Promote Work-Life Balance appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: As we work to use AI responsibly in our talent acquisition process, can you offer suggestions on how to manage candidate use of AI in the recruiting process?

The post How Can I Manage Candidate Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Recruiting Process? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: I have an employee who recently changed their name. Do they need to complete a new I-9 Form for their name change?

The post Do I Need a New I-9 Form for a Name Change? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: I know there are several year-end human resources activities that should be done, and I'm worried I will miss a step. What are some of the best HR practices for the end of the year?

The post What are the Best HR Practices for the End of the Year? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: In trying to expand our recruiting efforts, we are interested in reaching out to veterans as possible applicants. Can you recommend resources and strategies to recruit veterans?

The post What Are Some Resources and Strategies to Recruit Veterans? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Leveraging our experience completing countless I-9 audits for our clients, we will share recommendations to help you through an I-9 audit and the correction process if you discover Form I-9 mistakes.

The post How to Conduct an Internal I-9 Audit appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: How do I know if my company needs to submit Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting to the IRS? What are the potential ACA penalty fees if we do it wrong?

The post What to do if the IRS notifies you of Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalty fees appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

ACA update - employers with 10+ forms will be required to report through electronic methods. Here are the ACA reporting forms and deadlines.

The post What are the Latest ACA Reporting Changes and Deadlines? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Voting is a basic right in the United States, but do employers have to provide time off to allow employees to exercise that right? As with many answers in human resources, “It depends.”

The post Do I Have to Provide Employees Time Off to Vote? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: We recently had a situation where a longtime employee, with no prior incidences, took an expired prescription drug that was inhibiting her performance. After her drug test, she tested positive with it in her system and the script was older than one year. What should I do?

The post How To Handle Expired Prescription Drug Use In The Workplace? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Do you know how to handle non-competes in your workplace?

The post Can I Use a Non-Compete Ban In My Workplace? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Are you missing any key records in employee files? Avoid these common mistakes to protect your organization and improve HR compliance.

The post What Are The Top 5 Commonly Missed Records In Employee Personnel Files? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Worried about your HR function? Maybe you need an HR Audit. We'll explain how to prepare for an effective HR Audit and why it's important!

The post Tips for Getting the Most From Your HR Audit appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Under certain circumstances, you can backdate FMLA paperwork. The key is following the right process to be compliant. We'll explain how!

The post Can I backdate FMLA paperwork? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Worried that your employee engagement is waning? Here's how to re-energize your team through training and development with a limited budget.

The post How to Re-Energize Your Team Through Training & Development appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

The CliftonStrengths Assessment can provide key insights for individuals and teams. Learn how to lean into your strengths to achieve more!

The post How Can I Use CliftonStrengths in my Organization? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Have you ever been frustrated at work when someone just doesn’t seem to understand your perspective? Or they simply can’t see another way of solving a problem beyond “their way” of doing things? The DiSC assessment is a scientifically validated personality profile tool that can help you understand your own work style and preferences. And it can help you learn how to effectively work with those whose work styles are different than yours.

The post Video: What is a DiSC Assessment and What is it Used For? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

HR Question: Retaining our top talent has become a huge concern at our organization. In a recent survey, our employees said they don’t feel like they have opportunities for training. We’ve offered training but get pushback from employees who don’t want to go. There’s clearly a disconnect between what our employees want and what we’re offering. How can I get my team more engaged in training?

The post How Can I Get My Team More Engaged in Training? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Are your managers prepared to reduce turnover? We'll highlight the key skills they need to engage and retain employees.

The post How Can Managers Reduce Turnover? appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.

Are your new managers prepared to lead their teams effectively? Be sure to cover these new manager training topics to support their success.

The post New Manager Training Topics You Can’t Afford to Skip appeared first on Clark Schaefer Strategic HR.