Payroll Services

Innovative Employee Benefits—On a Small Business Budget

As a small business leader, you might have heard about the latest employee benefit trends—mental health programs, virtual care, even gut health support—and think, “Sounds great, but not in my budget.”  We get it. But here’s the reality: your benefit offerings may be more important than you think. According to recent surveys: In a tight […]

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How Nonprofits Can Win the War for Talent

Attracting and retaining top talent has never been more challenging—or more critical—for nonprofit organizations. In a recent two-part webinar hosted by Raise the Bar Consulting’s Jennifer Tersigni, Clint Parry of Focus HR offered practical, research-backed guidance on how nonprofits can overcome these challenges and build thriving workplaces. Whether you joined the live sessions or are

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Independent Contractor Rules Just Shifted Again — What Small Businesses Need to Know

On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it will no longer enforce the Biden administration’s 2024 independent contractor rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For small businesses, this marks another change in a confusing, fast-evolving area of compliance. Let’s unpack what this means, what guidance is in effect now,

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Small Business Talent in 2025: 6 Shifts You Can’t Ignore

The game has changed for attracting and keeping top talent. Korn Ferry’s Workforce 2025 report, surveying over 15,000 professionals, paints a clear picture: small businesses face unprecedented pressures from evolving employee expectations, the rise of AI, and widening generational divides. Ignoring these shifts is no longer an option.  Here are six key areas where small

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Coaching, Not Commanding: How Small Business Leaders Can Motivate Gen Z Employees

Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—are no longer just interns or junior hires. They’ve officially overtaken Baby Boomers in the workforce, and a new wave of graduates is arriving this spring.  If you’re a small business owner or manager struggling to “click” with younger employees, it’s not because they’re lazy, entitled, or disengaged. It’s

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Insights from the Arizona Commerce Authority Small Business Boot Camp featuring Clint Parry, MBA, SHRM-SCP

In today’s competitive business environment, talent is your biggest asset—and your biggest risk. In a recent Small Business Boot Camp session hosted by the Arizona Commerce Authority, Clint Parry, Focus HR’s Business Development Manager, delivered a timely and insightful presentation: “Optimize HR: Your Key to Secure Top Talent & Growth.” The session unpacked the most

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How to Foster Resonant Leadership—and Why It Matters More Than Ever

Imagine a workplace where energy is high, collaboration flows effortlessly, and challenges are met with united strength.  Now, contrast that with the all-too-common scenario: a team trudging through tasks, morale dipping with every demanding email, and talent quietly slipping out the door.  The difference between these two realities isn’t just strategy or systems—it’s the human

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The Hidden Cost of Silence: Why Psychological Safety is the Key to High-Performing Teams

What drives high-performing teams? While technical skills and experience are crucial, research consistently shows that psychological safety is the #1 predictor of success. When employees feel safe to share ideas, voice concerns, and take risks without fear of judgment or repercussions, organizations thrive. Yet, too many workplaces still foster environments where employees hesitate to speak

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The Danger of One Employee Controlling Payroll & Accounting: How to Protect Your Business

It’s a scenario no business owner wants to think about—a trusted employee slowly siphoning money from the company, manipulating records, and covering their tracks for years. But these aren’t just rare, sensationalized stories. They happen far more often than you might expect, and small businesses are the most vulnerable. What do all these cases have

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Navigating the Tightrope: Securing Your Nonprofit’s Future Amidst Federal Funding Freeze

As a nonprofit leader, you’re no stranger to the challenges of securing funding. You’ve weathered tight budgets, grant cycles, and shifting priorities before. But the recent wave of federal funding cuts, triggered by President Trump’s Executive Order: Reevaluating and Realigning United States, represents a new level of uncertainty. This isn’t just a bump in the

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AI Use In the Workplace: Practical Advice for Small Businesses

As of 2025, over three-quarters (77%) of businesses are already using artificial intelligence (AI) or exploring its various potential use cases. And despite the fact that robust AI tools are often associated with major corporations, the reality is that any business can benefit from the technology. The question, then, is a matter of knowing how

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Year-End HR Checklist: Essential Steps for Small Business Success

As the year draws to a close, it’s essential for small business owners to ensure their human resources (HR) processes are primed for 2025. Proper year-end HR management sets the stage for a successful new year and keeps your business compliant. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you make this important transition: Verify Employee Information

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