GreatWork Blog

Building better workplaces through compliance, culture, connection

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and celebrate all that you and your team have accomplished. Maybe you navigated unexpected challenges, launched new initiatives, or finally survived that “one never-ending project.” Whatever your wins, big or small, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect and appreciate the progress you’ve made. 

Cascade thoughtfully leverages AI technology to improve productivity and efficiency of our work, expand our services, and enhance the experience of our members. By utilizing AI technology in this way, we can increase the speed in which we get information to you, improve your member benefits and resources, and make our content more engaging. Our use of AI technology is not replacing any staff, but rather our staff is using the technology to build capacity and improve how we serve our members. All content created using AI must meet our professional standards for work produced and is vetted by our team including fact-checking for accuracy.

The answer is simple: by belonging to Cascade Employers Association, or another HR consulting association, those in HR and leadership roles gain an advantage over others in the same roles elsewhere, because they have access to ongoing expertise and accurate guidance when they need it: in real-time, from familiar consultants, on a variety of subjects, and from a perspective that takes into account their specific industry and location(s) of doing business.

With small and large group health insurance premiums continuing to rise, savvy employers look for ways to control costs while maintaining benefit value for their employees.

At Cascade Employers Association we don’t sell mattresses, but we make the same promise of a better night’s sleep. Feedback from our members (executives, supervisors and HR professionals) tells us that they simply sleep better than non-members.

I’m pleased to introduce Sheryl Kelsh as Cascade’s new Membership Development Manager. Sheryl is the person behind the Cascade membership curtain, helping members fully engage in the programs and services that will generate the most value for their membership investment and identifying the greatest needs of prospective members who haven’t yet discovered why nearly 450 employers rely on our expertise.

I love it when a member asks, “Now remind me, what are the benefits of membership in Cascade”? I see that statement as an opportunity to share something that I know every employer can use: resources to help develop their organization into a great employer.

Cascade Employers Association and HRCI have partnered to offer Cascade members several benefits when obtaining or renewing their HRCI certifications.

Are you a dedicated Cascade Employers Association member? No one is better qualified to share the benefits of a membership than you. Here’s your chance to spread the word about HR support for Oregon and Southwest Washington employers. Not only can you help a colleague’s business, but you are rewarded as well!

Ethics is rarely discussed unless we are being scolded or threatened by litigation, but ethics has to do with being a great place to work and gaining commitment from employees because they trust managers and other co-workers and they care about doing the right thing. Trust comes from knowing that, while mistakes may be made, decisions and actions are based on values and ethics.

If you’ve been thinking about developing an Employee Supervision Handbook, now is the time and Cascade will help. Our model is designed to make the development and implementation of your own Employee Supervision Handbook quick and painless. 

The Association’s Board and Staff invite you to an open house honoring Patrice Altenhofen for her years of unsurpassed leadership at Cascade as she hands over the presidential baton to Gayle Klampe.

Much of my day is spent doing what I love: assessing the needs of employers and linking them to the Cascade resources that advance workplace success. In other words, member relations.

Last week Cascade hosted a free member forum at its new Portland office. It was a lovely event and I enjoyed mingling with the employers that gave up a Friday afternoon to learn more about all of the many benefits available to Cascade members. Our guests discussed how they use Cascade and what their most treasured benefits are.

We are so excited today at Cascade! Thank you to all of our Members for allowing us to be a part of your journey towards excellence.

Recently I received a message using the subject line: “Do subject lines really matter?” Immediately opening it, I wanted to read more. 

What’s better than a Groupon offer, worth more than most gift cards, and replenishes itself each year? Your training credit with Cascade!

I love it when a member asks, “Now remind me, what are the benefits of membership in Cascade”?  I see that statement as an opportunity to share something that I know every employer can use:  resources to help develop their organization into a great employer.