Resources
HR News and Updates/Compliance Support
From Potential to Prepared: Developing Personalized Development Plans (IDPs)
Identifying high-potential (HiPo) employees through talent review is only the beginning of succession planning. The real work—and the key to ensuring leadership continuity—lies in closing the gap between an employee's current capabilities and the complex demands of a future executive or critical role. This is the function of the Individual Development Plan (IDP).
The 9-Box Grid: Your Blueprint for Succession Planning
Succession planning is fundamentally about identifying and nurturing the right talent for the right future roles. The sheer volume of data—from performance reviews and project feedback to career aspirations—can make this process overwhelming. This is where the 9-Box Grid becomes indispensable, transforming qualitative assessments into a clear, actionable visual framework.
The Strategic Role of HR in Succession Planning: Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today
Sustaining business growth and organizational resilience requires continuous, effective leadership—a crucial factor often challenged by market volatility and rapid technological change. Succession planning—the intentional process of identifying and developing internal talent to fill key leadership roles—is the safety net that ensures organizational stability. While the entire C-suite must be invested, the Human Resources department serves as the vital engine that designs, manages, and executes this complex, long-term strategy.
Navigating the 2026 Compliance Cliff: 3 HR Policies You Must Audit Now
The landscape of labor law is changing faster than ever, and simply updating your handbook once a year is no longer enough to avoid regulatory fines. As we look ahead to 2026, HR Compliance is shifting from a yearly review to a constant risk management challenge.
Lowering Prescription Costs: Practical Tips for Your Employees
Rising healthcare costs are a top concern for many employees. As employers, we know how critical it is for our teams to have access to the medications they need without financial stress. Sharing practical tips on how to save money on prescriptions can make a real difference in your employees' well-being.
How to Make Training Stick: 4 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement
Getting employee training to stick is one of the biggest challenges in HR. The days of passive, lecture-style training are over; today's employees want to be active participants in their professional development. The most effective training programs don't just share information—they engage, motivate, and empower.
How to Create a Year-Round Benefits Communication Strategy
Educating employees about their benefits is more than a once-a-year event; it's a critical, ongoing process that drives retention, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
5 Ways HR Can Transform Meetings From Mundane to Memorable
Meetings don't have to be a drag. As HR professionals, we're uniquely positioned to transform them into engaging, energizing sessions that boost morale and productivity. A little bit of fun can go a long way in fostering a positive work culture and stronger team bonds.
Is Self-Funding the Right Fit for Your Employee Benefits? Let’s Break Down the Pros and Cons.
Tired of high, fixed premiums for your employee health plan? Self-funding could save you money, give you control, and unlock valuable claims data. But it also means taking on more risk. Our quick article breaks down the pros and cons so you can decide if it's the right fit for your company.
Building a Culture of Feedback: Moving Beyond the Annual Review
The traditional annual performance review is a relic of the past. In today's fast-paced work environment, waiting a full year to provide feedback is a missed opportunity for growth, engagement, and alignment.
Empower Your Employees With Flexible Benefits
When it comes to competitive employee benefits, a one-size-fits-all approach is a thing of the past. The modern workforce craves personalization and control, especially in managing their healthcare and finances. That's where flexible benefits like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) become invaluable.
Scrutiny on Independent Contractor Classification
In HR, few topics are as dynamic and consequential as independent contractor classification. The distinction between an employee and a contractor impacts everything from benefits and payroll to legal risk. With recent developments from the Department of Labor (DOL), this area is once again a top priority for businesses.
Navigating Complexities in Employee Relations and Conflict
Navigating the complexities of employee relations and conflict is one of the most significant challenges for any organization. Too often, we find ourselves in a reactive mode, scrambling to put out fires as they ignite.
How Fun, Low-Cost Recognition Unlocks Real Engagement
In today's workplace, a paycheck is the baseline, not the benchmark. Employees are looking for something more: a sense of purpose, connection, and genuine appreciation. While grand gestures are nice, it’s often the small, consistent, and fun acts of recognition that truly build a vibrant company culture. The good news? Creating a culture where people feel valued doesn’t require a huge budget—it just requires a little creativity and a lot of heart.
The Toll of Burnout on HR Professionals
HR professionals are the bedrock of modern organizations, managing everything from recruitment to benefits, and acting as the crucial liaison between leadership and employees. They are the go-to resource for staff navigating a difficult time, the voice of reason in a conflict, and the strategic partner guiding a company's most valuable asset: its people. Yet, new data reveals a disturbing trend: HR itself is in crisis, with a staggering 78% of professionals experiencing or at risk of burnout (Inspiring Workplaces, 2025). This isn't just a concern for the individuals in these roles; it's an organizational crisis with far-reaching consequences.
HR’s New Rold as the Architecht of Hybrid Success
The days of HR being just about payroll and paperwork are long gone. The shift to hybrid work has transformed HR into a strategic architect, responsible for designing the policies, culture, and leadership that will make or break a company's success.
Why Employee Retention & Experience Should Be Your Top HR Priorities
In today's dynamic job market, simply hiring great talent isn't enough. Keeping them, and ensuring they thrive, is the true competitive edge. At Cushion Employer Services, we know that focusing on Employee Retention and the Employee Experience isn't just "nice to have" – it's crucial for your business success.
Are Your Employee Benefits Actually Benefiting Your Team?
In today's dynamic work landscape, it's no secret that a strong benefits package is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. But here's a critical question for employers: Are your benefits truly hitting the mark, or are you missing what your employees actually value?
Working Remotely
The following are resources and trainings that can be used to help lead teams that are working from home, or are otherwise remotely managed.
Click Here to download the presentation: Working/Managing Remotely (Presentation is narrated, make sure to download)
