Pay transparency has become increasingly popular among businesses and employees. While only 14 states currently have pay transparency laws, 75% of U.S. employers believe that pay transparency is an expectation from candidates (Mercer). Pay transparency refers to an organization being open about information related to salaries and the policies that determine compensation to both employees and candidates.   Pay transparency can be a powerful recruiting tool, giving your business a competitive advantage. Not listing a salary range may be perceived as a red flag to applicants. Studies have shown that four out of five workers would be unlikely to apply for […]

Employee burnout continues to negatively affect the workplace. According to SHRM’s The State of Global Workplace Culture in 2024 report, over 30% of employees reported being burned out last year. This number is even higher among younger generations and those who have spent less than 5 years at the company. Burnout stems from issues within the organization, such as unrealistic expectations and workloads, leadership pitfalls, and lack of growth opportunities for employees. Employee burnout leads to poor productivity, absenteeism, and retention issues. As a leader, you can implement cultural changes to reduce burnout within your organization.  The first step to […]

It’s no secret that recruiting top talent takes time. But why does it have to take your time? Executive recruiters are not a new strategy for business owners looking to find the right fit for their team, but in today’s busy world, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of those resources.   Let’s start with the basics:   What is an executive recruiter?  With executive recruiting, recruiters find, qualify, and select candidates for their clients’ open positions. They work through their networks, obtain referrals, attend events, source candidates online and engage in outbound recruiting activities to find the right […]

Employee engagement has dropped to a mere 31%, the lowest it has been in a decade, according to a recent Gallup report. High employee engagement is essential for retention and performance. Together, we will explore the causes of low employee engagement and how organizations can combat it, improving the organization as a whole.  What is Employee Engagement?   To improve employee engagement, it’s important to understand exactly what the term means. Employee engagement is the measurement of how committed and connected an employee is to an organization and its success. High employee engagement can promote retention, loyalty from customers, and can […]

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), […]