From building proactive talent pipelines to leveraging AI in recruiting and embracing pay transparency, companies are shifting their strategies to attract and retain top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive job market. The hiring landscape is going to shift in 2025 and businesses will need to stay ahead. Are you ready to adapt and ensure your hiring process is efficient, equitable, and aligned with the expectations of today’s workforce? Let’s explore the key trends shaping recruitment in 2025 and how you can set your organization up for success.   Proactive Candidate Engagement We are going to see a change in how […]

Tens of millions of American employees receive a W-2 each year. However, navigating your W-2 may feel intimidating with the various boxes and box codes. Decoding your W-2 is necessary for filing your tax return.   Reading your W-2 does not have to be challenging. Lever1 is here to help you, starting with understanding the basics of your W-2.   What is a W-2?  A W-2 is a tax form that summarizes your income and how much tax was withheld from the prior year and is used to help file your tax return. Employers must send W-2s to employees (who were […]

As the year begins to wind down, it is time to look ahead and plan for 2025. Whether you are aiming to grow your business, optimize operations, or expand into new territories, it is essential to create a plan to aid in reaching your goals. Our HR and compliance experts have compiled the top HR focuses that business owners should keep in mind for their 2025 planning. Artificial Intelligence The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to expand in 2025. Regardless of your company size or if your business has already adopted the technology, likely your employees are already […]

ATTENTION MISSOURI EMPLOYERS Missouri voters recently passed Proposition A which affects Missouri employers across the state.  Proposition A contained two different provisions that will become effective on January 1, 2025.  The first of those provisions creates a stepped minimum wage increase.  The second provision requires that employees are provided paid sick leave to be used throughout the year.  These new laws are nuanced and contain multiple different deadlines.  Lever1 is here to help you to navigate these changes and ensure compliance. Minium Wage Increases The first provision of Proposition A amends the Missouri Minimum Wage law to provide for annual […]

Remember when you were a kid, and you had nightmares about what monster was hiding under your bed or in your closet? Well, now as business owners the nightmares aren’t so far-fetched and include a lot more paperwork. We’re no stranger to working with business owners to overcome the hurdles that get in the way of running their business, in fact, it’s why we exist. We’ve outlined the Top 5 HR Nightmares for Business Owners and steps you can take to erase some of those fears.     The Missing or Outdated Employee Manual An employee manual is more than […]

Generational differences in the workplace continue to become increasingly prominent as the workforce diversifies. Your coworker might not only miss the punchline of your jokes or references, but these differences can significantly impact in the workplace, from communication styles to work ethics. While these differences may be challenging, it also creates an opportunity for growth and collaboration. By embracing differences and meeting each other in the middle, companies can cultivate an efficient and inclusive culture for all employees.   Generations in Workplace  The current workforce is made up of five generations: The Silent Generation (1928-1944), Baby Boomers (1945-1964), Gen X (1965-1980), […]

In times of economic uncertainty, business owners face an increasing number of tough decisions such as budget cuts and staff reductions. There is no better time to partner with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), such as Lever1, as an effective strategy to sustain profitability. As a business owner, your initial reaction may be to make cuts and bring services back in house; however, this is not an efficient solution. Now more than ever, business owners must focus on driving topline income while strategically outsourcing several bottom-line expenses. This innovative approach allows your business to build momentum to move forward, rather […]

As the great cast of High School Musical once said, “we’re all in this together” and that rings true when it comes to conflict in the workplace. Conflict in the workplace is an inevitable part of any organization and when individuals with diverse perspectives, personalities, and goals collaborate, disagreements are bound to arise. While conflict can be disruptive, it can also serve as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and improved communication—if managed effectively. Understanding the nature of workplace conflict and utilizing tools like emotional intelligence, accountability, and expert HR support can turn potential chaos into constructive outcomes.  Understanding Workplace Conflict  […]

Each year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) releases an annual report detailing the number of charges received the prior fiscal year. Post-pandemic, each year has seen an increase in the quantity of charges.  The EEOC received over 81,000 new discrimination charges in 2023; over a 10% increase from 2022. Additionally, the latest annual report shows the agency secured over $665 million to resolve discrimination cases in 2023, which was almost a 30% increase from 2022.  How can employers avoid becoming part of these statistics?  Employers must be aware of potential risk and ensure that they’re cognizant of the optics […]

Say goodbye to the one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to employee performance reviews. Our VP of Human Resources, Shannon Taylor, dives into how addressing the unique needs and contributions of your team can drive employee engagement and development