GreatWork Blog

Building better workplaces through compliance, culture, connection

The last two weeks of the year don’t have to be the slowest time of the year, according to Mary Pender Greene, a New York City psychotherapist, relationship expert and career coach. “It is unfortunate that some people might put their personal lives and problems ahead of their business concerns, ” 

In the beginning, one of the first things that settlers learned was how to dry and cure beef into jerky for the winter. The ones who taught them were the original Oregonians – the Native Americans indigenous to the area. The name “Tillamook” itself is from the language of the people who lived here before us. Let me introduce you to Tillamook Country Smoker, founded on this long-standing survival heritage.

Starting January 1, 2016 Oregon’s mandatory sick leave law will take effect requiring employers to provide protected (and paid for employers with 10 or more employees) sick time away from work. By protected, we mean you cannot discriminate, retaliate or in any way use the absence against the employee.

You hit it . . . the maximum of a pay range! Now what? When I get this question (and lately it seems like a lot) I have a few questions that I need answered.

Ever wonder where all those wooden paintbrush handles are made? Let me introduce you to McRae & Sons, Inc. This Bay City, Oregon family-owned business has been a Cascade member for nearly 30 years and in business for 60 years.

For a guy who is sometimes a “no-nonsense” manager, this entire concept is a little woo-woo. But, in the “no-nonsense” world of work we are always looking for an edge, a way to make our workplaces more effective. 

If you are like most, you are especially conscious of weaknesses in yourself and others. It’s built in our wiring, our insecurity. But we get much further by focusing on strengths. 

In your travels over the past few decades, you’ve probably noticed the increasing number of people using bicycle trailers to share the joy of cycling with their children. More than likely, the trailers you’ve seen were created by Burley Design. 

Do you want to be an ethical leader? First, relax. Being ethical shouldn’t require moral self-righteousness, rigid standards, covering up that we aren’t perfect, or even always following the rules. Bureaucrats follow rules, but ignore the spirit behind the rules. Ethical people try to find the best thing to do, given the limits of their perspective. We don’t know the long-term ramifications of each ethical act, but we try our best to take the long view.

Fiercely devoted to their mission, SPOON Foundation improves nutrition and feeding practices for children in orphanages and foster care, and for children with disabilities, so they may grow and develop to their full potential.

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.” Well said, Aretha. Especially, the last part about finding out what it means. Respect in the workplace seems like such a basic and simple concept, but it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular training sessions I do. Why? Unfortunately, sometimes the busyness of work and life gets in the way and this core value gets pushed aside.

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

We hear a lot from the workplace research nerds that personal recognition of accomplishments and involvement is a key driver of employee engagement. 

If you haven’t heard of Bridgeway, I’d like to introduce you. This Salem-based nonprofit is a new kind of drug rehabilitation center that serves people just like you and me. 

In the last blog I emphasized that for training to gain traction it takes management support both before and after, and the trainer’s connection well before the event. So how do we get trainees to commit to any change suggested in the training content?

Most organizations value training classes but don’t know how to make them successful. They assume that hiring a popular trainer and getting positive reactions to the training is the best measure of success. If you are content with a C level of training, that is okay. But if you want to earn an “A” for excellence in training, sorry, it’s more complicated than that.

You would never guess from the fabulous tastes and textures of the So Delicious® products that they’re dairy and gluten free. This Eugene-based employer has been making high-quality yummy products for over 25 years. 

One of my strengths is that I’m a learner. I’m always after new information or ideas and dedicate time each day to read and learn something new. It helps me feel focused and energized. Thank goodness I also have a job that allows (and really requires) me to constantly be in learning mode.

We are fairly flexible people around here. Why use words that are in the dictionary when you can make up your own? Several times this year in the midst of team and leadership discussions, participants have used words or phrases that, we are pretty sure, are not part of the English language. 

What? How can my awesomeness be a problem? My awesomeness is awesome. It is the other guy’s lack of awesomeness that is the problem.

The timing is perfect for this featured Cascade member, Tec Labs. With summer upon us, this over-the-counter pharmaceutical manufacturer has you covered in more ways than you may know.

Moving employees to higher levels of engagement is usually a gradual process. Despite what themes from Hollywood movies suggest, movement into maturity and engagement does not happen in an hour and three-quarters (…with all of us living happily ever after). Movement along the engagement continuum takes time and investment.

Boyd Coffee Company’s history is full of “firsts.” Did you know…

With the 2016 presidential race beginning to heat up, employees may be more likely to engage in political conversations at work. Politics is a topic that people have very strong and divided feelings about and have great potential to offend and divide the workplace. While such talk is not illegal per se, many political topics involve protected class issues such as race, age, gender, and religion which do create legal implications. A good rule of thumb: keep it out of the workplace.

Through Cascade’s alliance with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), we are excited to share with you this free eBook, The Rise of HR: Wisdom from 73 Thought Leaders, led by Dave Ulrich, Bill Schiemann, Libby Sartain and sponsored by HRCI.

Kingsford Manufacturing has an interesting history, one of which many of us may not be aware.

We can’t believe it’s already Spring either, but it’s here and so now is the perfect time to go through the Spring Cleaning checklist for your business.

This Sunday is Daylight Savings Time. While it might not seem obvious, this change can impact wages for non-exempt employees, particularly those on the graveyard shift.

Now you get our Blogs, but do you follow us @cascademployers on Twitter? If not, you’ll want to! Our Tweets will help keep you in the loop on important employment law changes, trends and more.

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!