Latest posts six columns

In today’s competitive market, businesses strive to provide exceptional products and services to keep their customers happy. But while positive reviews and repeat business are great, the highest compliment you can give a business you love is a referral.   Why Referrals Matter   Referrals go beyond a simple “thank you” or a five-star review....

Recently, I completed an HR audit for a new client—an established business with great people and a strong reputation. But like many busy business owners, they hadn’t had a chance to take a close look at their employment practices in a while.   As I went through my checklist, a familiar pattern emerged. I uncovered...

By Roy Maurer   Communication, education, and transparency will help build trust in using artificial intelligence at work. HR can help explain the technology, provide training on how to use it effectively, and develop ethical guidelines for its implementation.   “There are many risks that AI poses for HR,” said Charlene Li, founder and CEO...

Employee mistakes costing you a fortune? Yikes! So I had a client who called me and said that their, one of their employees had used stock images that they did not buy the license for, which caused my client’s client to get in serious trouble. We had proof of that and as long as you...

At People First Inc., we’ve been helping businesses see clearly for 25 years—and what better day to celebrate that vision than National Sunglasses Day?   June 27th isn’t just a day to throw on your favorite pair of shades; it’s a perfect reminder to protect your vision—both literally and in business. Whether it’s payroll processing,...

I recently had a conversation with a client that I think is worth sharing because it touches on something many employers may face but hesitate to address—age and job performance.   The client had an employee who, by all accounts, was doing a good job. However, there was growing concern behind the scenes about the...

By Roy Maurer   Communication, education, and transparency will help build trust in using artificial intelligence at work. HR can help explain the technology, provide training on how to use it effectively, and develop ethical guidelines for its implementation.   “There are many risks that AI poses for HR,” said Charlene Li, founder and CEO...

Steal my heart? Fine. Steal my inventory? No way! So I got a call the other day from a client who has an employee who was stealing from my client’s client. That client suspected the person of stealing and set them up. They now have proof that that person was stealing from them. And came...

After 25 years in business, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes payroll work—and more importantly, what happens when it doesn’t.   At People First Inc., payroll isn’t just about pushing numbers. It’s about protecting your people, your time, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re a small startup or a growing organization,...

Let’s be honest — there are few things more stressful for a business owner than having to terminate an employee, especially for the very first time. It’s not just a legal matter — it’s emotional, personal, and often overwhelming.   Recently, I got a call from a client who was in exactly that position. They...

Outsourcing bookkeeping services can offer several advantages for your business, including cost savings, accuracy, and time efficiency. Here are some key reasons to consider outsourcing:   Cost-Effectiveness Hiring an in-house bookkeeper comes with expenses like salaries, benefits, and training. Outsourcing allows you to pay only for the services you need, reducing overhead costs. Time Savings...

I am putting you on notice. Stop using the word probation. So I got a call the other day from a client who used the word probation during the first 90 days of their employee’s employment. And I said, that’s a word we don’t use anymore because probation implies that you go through that period...

Celebrating National Smile Power Day with People First Inc.   At People First Inc., we believe in the power of getting things right—and the power of a great smile. June 15 is National Smile Power Day, a moment to appreciate just how far a simple smile can go. Whether it’s a grin of relief on...

As a woman of faith, my relationship with God is central to who I am—both in my personal life and in how I run my business. I understand that everyone’s beliefs and values may differ, and I fully respect that. But for me, my faith provides a moral compass that guides my decisions, my leadership...

By Erika Rahman   8 Ways To Connect New Employees To Company Culture   To uncover the best practices for making employees feel connected to company culture during onboarding, we asked eight top executives and HR professionals to share their strategies. From implementing a buddy system and group activities to creating an interactive onboarding experience,...

Employee discipline problems bumming you out. Listen in. I got a call from a client the other day. He said, “My employees missed 25% of their time since the first of the year. I wanna fire them.” And I said, “Have you talked to them about it? Have you documented any of their time off?”...

Introduction Running a business means juggling many responsibilities—one of the most important being payroll processing. Ensuring your employees are paid accurately and on time is not just a legal obligation; it’s also key to maintaining trust and morale in your workforce. But what exactly does payroll processing entail, and how can businesses handle it efficiently?...

Happy National Repeat Day! (That’s right—Repeat Day! In case you missed it… Happy National Repeat Day!)   At People First Inc., we’re all about consistency—the kind that brings results, builds trust, and keeps businesses running smoothly. That’s why it feels perfectly fitting that this year, National Repeat Day falls right in the middle of our...