As we lean into 2026, I’ve been thinking about hope and why it may be one of the most important and overlooked skills we need to develop in the workplace. Digging into the research, it’s hard to dispute the impact that hopelessness is having on the well being of our employees, particularly Gen Z and…
With the new year comes vacation requests, especially as employees dream of sunnier days and warmer weather. For business owners, managers and leaders, coordinating time off can be stressful. Balancing team needs, and keeping operations running smoothly can feel overwhelming. The good news is that by introducing a well-thought-out Vacation and Leave Policy and a…
“We just deal with things as they come up.” It’s a phrase many employees hear when asking about short-term leave, overtime, or anything that really should be covered in a clear policy or employee handbook. Why the hesitation to document what’s already being practiced informally? Because putting something in writing can feel final.Leaders worry that…
At Nu Era, we are often approached by leaders who are struggling to get new employees off to a smooth start. We hear stories about employees being asked to complete tax forms in their first few days on the job, but as payday approaches, key details like mailing addresses, emergency contacts, or banking information is…
In today’s workplace, rewards and recognition programs are often seen as essential tools for boosting performance and engagement, however when recognition is overly focused on individual achievements such as naming “top performers” or celebrating the “most outstanding” employee, it can have unintended consequences. Rather than encouraging healthy ambition, these approaches can breed unhealthy competition that…
It’s not unusual to believe that setting and reaching goals is the key to success and happiness. After all, when we reach a goal, we often feel a rush of pride, relief, or even joy. We celebrate, we share the win, and for a moment everything feels right. But what about when you don’t reach…
What Is Micro-Volunteering and Why It Matters Micro-volunteering offers flexible, low-commitment ways for individuals to contribute in short, meaningful bursts. Think of it like a buffet, a dynamic, ever changing menu of bite sized opportunities that volunteers can choose from based on their time, interests, and skills. This buffet style approach better supports today’s volunteers…