In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the main reasons why organizational culture is such an important topic for numerous businesses today, plus some foundational concepts to consider within it. The promotion of a strong company culture is something that more and more business owners and managers have realized the importance of, and there are several ways to go about this – including the use of strong human resource professionals. 

At WTA Inc., we’re proud to offer a wide range of HR services to clients around Salt Lake City, from outsourced payroll services to worker’s compensation claims, PEO services for employee benefits and more. While part one of our series went over benefits like recruitment, hiring, and policy development, today’s part two will look at some of the other major value-add areas a strong HR team can bring to organizational culture. 

Training and Future Development

Training is both an initial and long-term investment in new employees, and it’s one that can have major impacts on both individual success and overall company culture. Employees who feel they are given the tools to succeed at their job will be more productive, more loyal, and happier – all traits that contribute positively to organizational culture. 

And while initial training is important, ongoing development is also huge here – if employees stagnate or feel they have no room for advancement, it’s easy to lose motivation and fall into a routine that doesn’t help the company grow. HR can assist with both initial training efforts and long-term development plans. 

Safety and Compliance

Another area where HR plays a huge role: Safety and compliance within the workplace. Especially in industries like construction or manufacturing where safety concerns are more prevalent, HR professionals will be tasked with ensuring all legal and ethical guidelines are met. This includes areas like OSHA compliance, employee safety training and more.

But even beyond these areas, HR pros can help instill a general culture of safety within the workplace. They can work with management in certain cases to develop a system that prioritizes safety while also still allowing for productivity and efficiency. 

Resolving Conflicts Easily

For many organizations, conflict resolution is a major burden on managers and other leaders. It takes up valuable time that could be spent on more efficient tasks, plus it can create animosity between employees or within teams. HR pros are trained in these areas, and they can help resolve conflicts much more easily and quickly than others might be able to do.

Particularly in cases where there’s a dispute between employees or where an employee feels mistreated by a manager, HR professionals can act as the neutral third party that helps both sides come to a resolution that’s fair for everyone. This leads to better relationships among team members and a more positive overall culture within the organization. 

There are numerous areas where HR plays a key role in promoting and maintaining a strong organizational culture, and at WTA Inc., we’re proud to offer all the necessary services in this realm. To learn more about any of our HR outsourcing solutions, speak to the staff at WTA Inc. today.

There are several concepts that have only grown and magnified in importance for businesses of all sizes in the last couple decades, and one that cannot be ignored here is organizational culture. A number of different variables can have a big impact on your company’s culture, and your human resources team is a great example of one key such variable.

At WTA Inc., we’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of human resource services to businesses around Salt Lake City, including specific solutions like payroll services, PEO services and employer liability programs – but also including vital broader concepts like organizational culture and more. Across this two-part blog series, we’ll look at why organizational culture is such a key topic for many businesses large and small, plus some of the major areas where a strong HR services team can play a big role in boosting your culture. 

Why Organizational Culture is So Vital

Across the entire business sector, there has been a major shift towards prioritizing employee engagement and satisfaction in recent years. Companies have come to recognize that happy, engaged employees are not only more productive, but they also contribute to a positive work environment that attracts top talent and retains it over the long term. 

This emphasis on employee well-being has naturally led to a greater focus on organizational culture – the shared values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that define the overall work environment. Companies with a strong culture tend to have higher levels of employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and better overall performance. This is why many businesses are investing time and resources into building and maintaining a positive culture within their organization. 

Our next several sections, and on into part two of our series, will go over the major ways a strong HR department helps you shape your company’s culture. 

Recruitment, Hiring and Onboarding

Some of the most important elements of organizational culture involve the recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes. HR teams are responsible for creating job descriptions that accurately reflect the company’s values and goals, as well as finding candidates who align with these values. Additionally, a smooth onboarding process can set new employees up for success and help them become integrated into the culture quickly. 

HR departments also play a crucial role in training new hires on company policies, expectations and values. This sets a strong foundation for the employee’s journey with the company and helps them understand how their role contributes to the overall culture. 

Developing and Updating Policies and Procedures

Another key aspect of organizational culture is having clear and consistent policies and procedures in place. This not only helps employees understand their responsibilities, but it also promotes a sense of fairness and transparency within the organization. HR teams are responsible for developing and updating these policies to align with the company’s values, as well as ensuring they are communicated effectively to all employees. 

In part two of our series, we will continue discussing the role of HR in shaping organizational culture. At WTA Inc., we understand the importance of a strong company culture and are dedicated to helping our clients build and maintain one through our comprehensive HR services. We believe that by investing in your employees’ well-being and creating a positive work environment, your company will thrive and see long-term success. Contact us to learn more!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the reasons why maintaining authenticity in your workplace is so important for employers. From increased employee engagement to improved morale, better alignment with employee values and more, there are several reasons why it pays to maintain an authentic, respectful workplace.

At WTA Inc., we’re here to assist businesses around Salt Lake City with various HR services, ranging from outsourced payroll services to worker’s compensation, recruitment and hiring and much more. While part one of our series looked at why authenticity is so important for employers to maintain, today’s part two will look at some of the common qualities of authentic workplaces and employers, plus how to achieve this approach in your workplace. 

Stating and Maintaining Values

At the core of any authentic workplace is a set of values that are clearly stated, understood and maintained. This covers everything from diversity and equal opportunity to transparency in communication, top-level leadership buy-in and more. 

When values like these are established within an organization, they create a foundation for true inclusivity rather than just lip service. This also means holding every member of the organization accountable to these values, regardless of their position or seniority. It’s crucial for leadership to lead by example and embody these values in all aspects of their work.

A Willingness to Listen and Acknowledge Mistakes

Another big part of authenticity is open communication and a willingness to listen. A truly authentic workplace fosters an environment where all employees feel comfortable speaking up and offering their opinions, regardless of their role. This means actively seeking feedback from employees and taking it into consideration when making decisions.

Additionally, an authentic workplace also acknowledges mistakes and takes responsibility for them. No one is infallible, including employers or leaders. Owning up to mistakes and taking the necessary steps to make things right shows integrity and builds trust among employees.

Empathy and Recognizing Individuality

Every employee is unique, with their own backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. An authentic workplace recognizes this individuality and showcases empathy towards all employees. This means treating each person as an individual rather than just a number or role. It also means making accommodations for different needs and backgrounds.

Valuing Workplace Experiences

For an authentic workplace, it’s important to not just focus on results and productivity, but also the overall experience of employees. This includes their physical, emotional and mental well-being. Employers should prioritize creating a positive and supportive work environment for all employees.

For example, offering mental health resources, flexible work arrangements and other benefits can greatly improve the overall employee experience. This not only shows that the employer values their employees as individuals, but also helps create a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Maintaining authenticity in the workplace is crucial for employers looking to create a positive and inclusive work culture. At WTA Inc., we strive to help businesses achieve this through our various HR services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist your organization in creating an authentic and successful workplace.

There are a few broad concepts that might play a major role in your company’s human resource and workplace approaches, and authenticity is often on this list. What exactly does authenticity refer to when discussing the workplace and various HR needs, and how can you work toward an authentic business culture and programs within your company? 

At WTA Inc., we assist clients around Salt Lake City with all their human resource needs, from risk management to recruitment and hiring, immigration compliance and numerous other areas. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over some of the basics on what we mean by an authentic workplace and culture, why this sort of thing is important for businesses and HR departments, and some of the quality tenets of an authentic business culture.

What Do We Mean by “Authentic” Workplace Culture?

For those who might not be familiar, we use the term “authentic” in this context to refer to a positive, healthy workplace culture that is truly representative of the company and its values. This isn’t just about having a good mission statement or catchy slogans – it’s about creating an environment where employees feel engaged, supported, and valued. 

At its core, authenticity means being true to oneself and one’s principles. This applies not only to individuals, but also to organizations. An authentic workplace culture is one where the company’s values are reflected in its actions and decisions, rather than just being empty words on a plaque or website. 

Why Is Authenticity Important for Businesses?

Having an authentic workplace culture can bring numerous benefits to businesses, including: 

• Increased employee engagement and satisfaction, leading to higher productivity and retention rates 

• Improved overall company morale and a positive reputation in the industry 

• Better alignment between employees’ personal values and the company’s mission, resulting in a sense of purpose for work 

In today’s competitive job market, companies that prioritize authenticity are more likely to attract top talent. And with studies showing that employees who are engaged and feel a sense of purpose are more productive, it’s clear why authenticity should be a priority for businesses. 

Now, authenticity needs to be properly combined with other workplace practices, such as diversity and inclusion, to create a truly supportive and inclusive culture. In the second part of this series, we’ll cover some steps businesses can take to foster an authentic workplace culture and how it ties into HR functions like recruitment, performance management, and more. Stay tuned! 

At WTA Inc., we believe in creating authentic and inclusive workplace cultures that benefit both employees and businesses. Contact us today to learn more about our human resource services. We look forward to helping your company thrive!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we discussed some of the basic reasons why background checks are often carried out by employers on prospective employees during the hiring process, plus some of the common types of background checks used here. These checks are increasingly being used by employers to ensure a few basic things about prospective employees, helping them make ideal hires while also avoiding liability or other concerns.

At WTA Inc., we’re here to help clients around Salt Lake City with a wide range of HR services, from recruitment and hiring to liability management, regulatory compliance and more. Today’s part two of our series will go over some basic legal considerations to keep in mind when conducting background checks, plus some trends in this world and why it pays to work with a qualified third party like our team when carrying out background check needs.

Legal Considerations When Conducting Background Checks

When it comes to background checks, it’s important for employers to understand and comply with federal and state laws related to this practice. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the primary law that governs background checks in the US, outlining requirements for obtaining an individual’s consent before conducting a check, providing certain disclosures and following specific procedures if adverse action is taken based on the results of a background check.

Additionally, state laws may have their own specific requirements and limitations when it comes to conducting background checks. For example, some states prohibit employers from considering arrest records that did not result in convictions, while others place restrictions on the use of credit reports in employment decisions.

Trends in Background Checks

With advancements in technology and data availability, background checks are becoming more comprehensive and detailed than ever before. This includes the use of social media and online databases in addition to traditional sources like criminal records and employment history.

Another trend is the increasing reliance on continuous or ongoing background checks, rather than a one-time check during the hiring process. These ongoing checks allow employers to monitor any changes in an employee’s background that could impact their eligibility for employment.

Working with a Qualified Third Party

Given the complex legal landscape surrounding background checks, it’s crucial for employers to work with a qualified third party like WTA Inc. We have extensive experience in conducting compliant and thorough background checks, helping clients navigate the legal requirements and avoid potential liability. Our team stays updated on any changes in laws and regulations related to background checks, ensuring our clients are always in compliance.

In addition to conducting background checks, we also offer a range of other HR services that can help companies streamline their hiring processes and ensure they are making informed employment decisions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed!

There are a few ways that employers may perform due diligence on prospective employees during the hiring process for any business, and background checks are one of the most common examples. Background checks help employers understand basic information and history about an applicant for a position, and a high percentage of organizations conduct at least some form of background check during their hiring processes.

At WTA Inc, we’re here to offer a wide range of employer HR services to businesses around Salt Lake City, including everything from recruitment and hiring to risk management, liability management and more. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over everything employers should know about background checks – today’s part one will discuss why they’re done and some of the various types of background checks out there, while part two will go over some legal concerns to be aware of and some general trends in employer background checks over recent years.

Why Background Checks Are Done

There are several key reasons why employers often conduct background checks on prospective employees, including:

• Avoiding liability: In today’s world, employers are often held responsible for the actions of their employees. This means organizations have a vested interest in knowing about any potential red flags or concerning past behavior that could result in legal issues down the line. Background checks can help identify any potential risks before they become a problem.
• Protecting employees and customers: Employers also have a responsibility to create a safe working environment for both their employees and their customers. Background checks can help uncover any previous criminal activity that could pose a threat in the workplace.
• Productivity: Hiring the wrong person can be incredibly costly for a business. Background checks can provide valuable information about an applicant’s skills, education and work history, helping employers make more informed hiring decisions.
• Verifying basic personal data: Finally, background checks can help validate basic information about an applicant, such as their education, work experience and references. This can be especially useful for positions that require specific qualifications or certifications.

Kinds of Background Checks

There are numerous kinds of background checks or other pre-hiring screenings out there, including:

• Criminal history or drug tests: These checks are often part of a standard background check for most employers. They can reveal any past convictions or history of drug use.
• Credit checks: Employers may perform credit checks on applicants, particularly for positions that involve handling finances or sensitive information.
• Employment history: This type of background check verifies an applicant’s work history, including dates of employment and job titles.
• Education and credentials: Educational background checks can verify degrees or certifications claimed by an applicant.
• Others: Other types of background checks may include reference checks, motor vehicle records checks, social media screenings and more.

Stay tuned for part two of our blog series, where we’ll discuss some legal considerations and trends in employer background checks. At WTA Inc., we’re committed to helping businesses navigate the often complex world of HR and hiring. Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can assist your organization!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the kinds of benefits that tend to hold the most weight for both employees and employers alike. Offering great benefits packages is one major way for businesses to attract and retain quality employees, and a key piece of this process involves selecting the right benefits to offer.

At WTA Inc., we offer a wide range of HR services to clients around Salt Lake City, including employee benefits administration and more. While part one of our series went over benefits like scheduling, compensation, healthcare and fertility options, today’s part two will look at some other key benefits you should be thinking about offering to employees.

Sabbatical Achievements

Especially for businesses that pride themselves on long-term retention of employees, sabbatical achievements can be a great way to reward hard work and dedication. By allowing your employees to choose from different types of sabbaticals, including extended time off or a change in roles, you’ll show them that their continued success is valued and respected.

Perk Stipends

Also known as lifestyle spending accounts or perk allowances, perk stip your employees with a certain amount of money that they can spend on lifestyle benefits like gym memberships, childcare or even an Uber ride home at the end of a long workday. This type of benefit allows your employees to choose what best suits their needs and make them feel appreciated without feeling guilty for “spending” company money.

Continued Education & Training

Investing in your employees’ continued education and training shows them that you value their growth as professionals. This could include attending conferences, taking classes or even having a mentor on staff to guide development within the company. It’s important to provide support for career advancement so that employees feel like their skills are being used and that their hard work is being rewarded.

Wellness Programs

Many employers are getting on board with the idea of offering wellness programs to their staff. This could include anything from providing free yoga classes or gym membership discounts, to hosting regular health screenings or even sponsoring a lunchtime walking club. Having access to these types of offerings can help employees stay healthy and feel more engaged in their work.

Commuter Benefits

Another great way to show your employees that you value their time and resources is to provide them with commuter benefits. This could include anything from providing discounted public transit passes or bike shares to offering reimbursement for parking fees and carpooling.

By offering the right benefits, businesses can show their employees that they care about their success and well-being both inside and outside of the office. Offering a comprehensive package of benefits can increase employee retention, attract top talent and improve overall engagement and morale. With the right combination of benefits, businesses can create a work environment that is both productive and enjoyable.

At WTA Inc., we specialize in helping clients select the best benefits packages for their business. To learn more about our services in this or other HR areas, contact us today!

Prospective employees for your company will be thinking about several things as they evaluate their options, and their potential benefits in various jobs will definitely be on this list. Most employers are well aware that having good benefits is important for drawing in top talent – how do you know which benefits are best to have as part of your program, though?

At WTA Inc., we’re happy to provide employee benefits administration and numerous other human resource services to clients around Salt Lake City. This two-part blog series will go over all the various benefits you might offer and which tend to hold the most weight, from specific parts of their benefits packages to broader topics that also function in similar ways.

Scheduling and Location Flexibility

One of those broader topics that often holds major weight for prospective employees is the ability to have scheduling flexibility or location flexibility. This could mean allowing workers to telecommute, setting up flex-schedules that let them work around their own needs and obligations, or simply making things easier by having shorter commutes for their job sites.

Compensation and Retirement Benefits

For jobs that are already fairly stable, offering good compensation and retirement benefits will often weigh heavily on prospective employees’ decisions. Offering a competitive salary or higher-than-average salaries can be one way to draw in top talent, as well as giving them access to retirement accounts such as 401ks or IRAs that they can contribute to over time.

Healthcare Benefits

Moving to specific parts of the benefits package, healthcare is always a top priority for most employees. Health insurance is an absolute must-have in the modern world; even if it’s simply access to a traditional plan, making sure that your employees have at least some coverage can make all the difference when looking for new hires.

Furthermore, additional perks and benefits such as vision or dental plans often take precedence when employees are looking for a job. Having these extra options available can make a major impact and help you to stand out from the competition.

Shorter Work Week

In other cases, employees are looking for a more flexible and relaxed approach to their job that still allows them to stay employed. Shorter work weeks can be a great way to offer this, along with other perks like paid vacation days or sick leave.

Parental or Fertility Benefits

More and more companies are recognizing the importance of offering parental or fertility benefits to their employees, such as paid leave or access to childcare. These kinds of options can make a major difference in helping prospective parents decide where they’d like to work and can give them peace of mind when it comes to how they’ll be able to care for their children and families.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over additional benefits that can help you draw in the best talent, from educational benefits to employee recognition.

At WTA Inc., we understand how important the right benefits can be when it comes to bringing in top talent. Our experienced staff is happy to answer any questions you may have and provide human resources solutions that are tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you draw in the best employees possible.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on why it pays for many businesses to outsource their human resource (HR) needs to outside professionals. Doing so has several major areas of value, and it should be strongly considered among not just large businesses, but also medium and small ones as well.

At WTA Inc., we’re proud to offer numerous HR services to clients around Salt Lake City, including outsourced payroll services, recruitment and hiring, and more. Today’s part two of our series will look at some other key benefits of outsourcing HR to professionals like ours.

Quality Benefits Access and Administration

Benefits are a huge part of many HR departments, and ensuring that employees are always getting the best quality benefits can require lots of administrative hassle. By outsourcing your benefits to a professional firm, you get access to their expertise in analyzing and administering employee benefit packages from various providers at much lower costs than maintaining an internal department.

This not only helps ensure better compliance across all areas, but it also makes sure that the benefits packages you offer always remain competitive and attractive in the local job market.

Timely Compliance with Regulations

HR is a field of administration that comes with lots of red tape, since most businesses operate across multiple states or countries, each with their own laws and regulations for hiring, payroll, and other HR-related matters. By outsourcing your HR needs to a professional, you get access to a team of experienced compliance and legal professionals who can help ensure your business is always compliant with all regulations in the areas it operates in.

Timely compliance with laws and regulations is crucial for avoiding fines or other penalties from government agencies, so this benefit should not be overlooked when considering whether to outsource your HR needs or not.

Workplace Safety and Risk Management

Another major benefit of outsourcing your HR needs to professionals is the expertise they bring in workplace safety and risk management. They can help you create a culture of safety and implement policies that protect both your employees and your business from any unexpected accidents or incidents in the workplace.

In addition, professional services can also help you analyze potential risks associated with different areas of operations and develop strategies to mitigate or avoid them altogether. This benefit can be especially valuable when there are potential risks associated with a particular project or the industry you operate in.

By outsourcing your HR needs, you get access to a team of experienced professionals who can help ensure your business is always operating smoothly and compliantly, while also helping protect both employees and the business from risks and liabilities.

And at WTA Inc., we’re proud to offer all of these and more. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your business!