The Benefits of the Barbecue

The Benefits of the Barbecue

The dog days of summer provide employers with a great opportunity to show their employees some appreciation, why not with a good ole’ company picnic?! In today’s workforce climate, we are constantly reading articles and hearing horror stories warning us of what “not to do” when it comes to appropriately engaging with your employees. However, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with and amongst your employees should still be a goal. Making certain that no lines are crossed, there are countless benefits to letting your employees know how much the are valued:

Higher Levels of Morale – Happy employees are simply more fun to work with. Picnics are known for boosting spirits and providing a much-needed break. The positive and uplifting pause in the daily grind is bound to put a smile on the face of even the most negative of employees.

Higher Levels of Productivity – High morale leads to higher levels of productivity. When an employee feels good about the organization they work for, they are in turn going to be more loyal and produce more quality work. Long term loyalty is invaluable and putting your employees first on these appreciation days is a no brainer when it comes to the pay off.

Builds Teamwork – Consider having team-themed games. What better way to work on working together than with classic races and games which require building trust and relying on one another?

Learning New Things – A chance for you to get to know your employees in a more casual and relaxed setting, take the time to mingle! With guards down, you may learn new things about your employees such as senses of humor, fun quirks, and hidden talents.

Take advantage of the warm summer months and throw a company picnic or barbecue! These get togethers seem to be a thing of the past, but think back to the last one you went to. Burgers and hotdogs on the grill, watermelon and cupcakes, and often with entertainment such as balloon animals, face painting, or a bouncy house for the kids. Happy memories, right?

Letting your employees know how much they are valued is a vital part of managing a business. These picnics or low key get togethers can really bring individuals and their families together, ensuring a safe and PG way for your employees to bond and build camaraderie, while feeling that their employer cares enough about them and their families to provide them with such an event.

2019 Labor Law Updates!

2019 Labor Law Updates!

A number of changes have hit the State of Oregon this past week, affecting a wide range of individuals. Oregon’s minimum wage increased this past Monday, and on Sunday, Oregon legislators passed a bill that will make the state the eighth in the nation to offer paid family and medical leave.

Oregon Minimum Wage Increase

July 1st marked the increase of Oregon’s minimum wage which increased by fifty cents to $11.25. Workers in the Portland-Metro area will see the minimum wage increase to $12.50, with the minimum wage in non-urban counties rising to $11 per hour. This is the fourth increase to the state’s minimum wage that Oregon has seen in the last four years.

The minimum wage increase was part of Senate Bill 1532, a three-tier minimum wage system that was passed in 2016 which locked in annual increases to the minimum wage through 2022, at which time the minimum wage will cap at $14.75 in the Portland-Metro area. After this time, any increases to the state’s minimum wage will be directly tied to inflation.

Paid Family and Medical Leave

On Sunday, June 30th, Senators in Oregon voted 21-6 to send House Bill 2005 to the governor, which proposes paid family and medical leave to workers who make more than $1,000 a year 12 weeks of paid leave for medical or family reasons. An incredibly generous program, this is the first paid leave program in the country which would offer 100% paid leave to low-income workers.

Employees and businesses will be required to contribute to this program, with small businesses being exempt from contributions. Workers will expect to see this benefit take effect in 2023.  

HRCentral will reach out to our clients individually if and when these updates affect their organization. Contact us today if you have any questions regarding either of these recent updates!