It’s the dog days of summer, that period of time between mid-July and late August. Surprisingly, the term “dog days” has nothing to do with dogs. According to Wikipedia, the source of all knowledge, The dog days or dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days we experience this time of year. They were historically the period following the rise of the star system Sirius (known colloquially as the "Dog Star"), which ancient astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms,  lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. They are now taken to be the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.   Why is this important right now.? First, this is the time...

Old Ben was more right than he knew. The phrase is usually credited to him because he used it in an essay (Advice to a Young Tradesman, 1748). The actual phrase was recorded in 1719 in the magazine The Free-Thinker.   No matter who originated it, your employees only have so much time every day, so it behoves you to make sure they know how to use it wisely. They may have every good intention, but if their communication skills are not up to par, they may be providing you less than ideal return on investment.   Whenever your employees engage in a conversation, whether...

Apply the Pareto Principle to your Organization   What is the absolute, best investment you can make in 2022? What single thing could you invest in that will guarantee a significant ROI? Plastics? No, that is so 1967. Pocket calculators? Go back to the 1970s. The compact disc? You’re still living in the 80s. Pagers? Oh my gosh no – they ruined the 90’s for everybody.    You get the idea. All great investments at the time, but they quickly became money pits. “So, you might ask, tell us what’s your great idea for guaranteed RIO for 2022?”   Your people.  That’s right, your employees. Invest in them. “What you talking about Willis?” (Sorry, 1980 flashback.) I’ll tell you what I’m...

Adopted from Axios, Bryan Walsh, Author of Future   A New Industrial Revolution May be Hitting the Reset Button on Work   The endgame of the pandemic is giving both employers and workers a chance to create a more humane relationship — both in the office and out of it. The big picture: Companies need workers, but many employees aren't ready to go back to the way things used to be. A hybrid setup could provide the best possible way forward, if both sides are willing to give.   What's happening: As the most acute stage of the pandemic draws to a close, American companies face a new challenge:...

Adopted from an Article by Partridge, Snow & Hahn, LLP   On On July 6, 2021, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee signed Pay Equity legislation (the “Act”) (H 5261A, S 0270A) into law. The Act is a broad piece of legislation that applies to all employers. While the Act does not go into effect until January 1, 2023, given the penalties and damages available under the Act, and the safe harbor for employers to eliminate those penalties and liabilities, employers should be familiar with the Act and the safe harbor and other requirements well in advance of the Act’s effective date.   As originally drafted,...