Resources
How to Manage Employee Turnover in Your Nonprofit
When you seek resources on how to manage employee turnover in your organization, you’re likely to find resources for how to stop turnover. That makes sense—if employees leave your nonprofit frequently after short tenures, it can be a sign that something is wrong in the organization and needs investigation. But not all turnover is bad, even when … Continued
How to Offer Employee Tuition Reimbursement
Offering employee tuition reimbursement can demonstrate your nonprofit’s commitment to professional development and help you recruit and retain talented employees. Creating an employee tuition reimbursement program takes some work, but can pay great dividends. Here’s a four-step checklist to help your nonprofit launch a tuition reimbursement program. Step 1: Set the financial foundation Create a … Continued
How to Be a Great Mentee
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably found a mentor, or are working to do so. Congratulations! Mentoring can help you grow as a professional and open new doors in your career and even your personal life. Here are some tips to make the most of your mentoring relationship and be a great mentee. Know what you’re looking … Continued
How to Be a Great Mentor
Mentoring a colleague or intern can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both parties; the lessons and learning from a mentorship can be beneficial to your nonprofit’s mission as well. If you’re a mentor, here are some ways to build a great relationship with your mentee. Get to know your mentee. Ask about their professional interests and … Continued
How to Create an Employee Professional Development Plan
Studies regularly show that one of the most effective ways to recruit and retain great employees is to support their professional development. Many professional development opportunities cost money, but many others cost nothing. Use this checklist to create professional development plans for each member of your team that will show how much your organization values … Continued
Dos and Dont’s of Dealing with Grief in the Workplace
Grief and loss are part of life. Three years of a global pandemic focused new attention on that fact, and brought to light the many ways grief affects people and workplaces. But most leaders never learned how to deal with grief at work—and sometimes, people cause harm when they want to help. Here’s a primer … Continued
How to Experiment with a Four-Day
Many workplaces are experimenting with some version of a four-day workweek to help address issues around work-life balance, burnout, and employee retention. Research on four-day workweek trials looks promising, but also identifies challenges. Here are some things to know if you decide to explore this option. Variations on a Four-Day Workweek The 32-hour, four-day workweek: … Continued
How To: Deliver Bad News at Work
No matter what your role at your nonprofit, on some days you’ll have to deliver bad news. You might have to tell an employee they need to improve their job performance. You might need to share with a client that the state has cut the benefits available to them through your agency. Or you might … Continued
How To: Tell Employees About Layoffs, Restructuring, or Cutbacks
At some point in their life cycle, many nonprofits will have to lay off employees, restructure their operations, or make other budget cutbacks. Here are tips to help you communicate the news to employees in the most humane and helpful way possible. Before Conveying Difficult News Make a plan. Determine how and when you will … Continued
How To: Offer a Sabbatical Opportunity
The concept of work sabbaticals has existed for a long time. It’s gaining popularity in nonprofits as organizations work to stem turnover and address work-life balance. A sabbatical gives an employee a designated period of time to disconnect from work and rest, recharge, and focus on other aspects of their lives. If your nonprofit wants … Continued
How To: Develop an Employee Mentor Program
Mentor programs can benefit employee engagement, skills development, and retention. Maybe you’ve wanted to start a mentor program at your nonprofit, but wondered where to begin. Here’s a checklist that will help you create a great mentor program to fit your nonprofit’s needs.
Embrace Risk in Hiring and Supervision
“It is not the manager’s job to prevent risks. It’s the manager’s job to make it safe to take them.” – Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace When you hire and supervise people, there are some risks you should never take. Don’t assume payroll will take care of itself. Don’t pay someone a salary you … Continued
5 Steps to Retain More of Your Workforce
Nonprofit leaders understand that people are key to mission success. But the Great Resignation brought home for all employers the urgency to retain as many great employees as possible. No organization will ever have a 100% employee retention rate—many talented individuals will move on to new opportunities in time, as they should. But your organization … Continued
How To: Become a Menopause-Friendly Workplace
More than 50 million U.S. women are in the age bracket (42-58) when physical changes due to menopause often occur. Many of those women work in nonprofits, where they lead key projects and play crucial roles. The global economic impact of menopause on productivity and health care costs is estimated at more than $150 billion … Continued
How To: Manage Remote Employees
Whether you’re managing a remote team for the first time or the 10th, these steps can help you build connection and work with team members to reach their potential–wherever they work from.
How to: Hire and Work with Neurodivergent Employees
Neurodiversity is a concept that acknowledges and appreciates the diverse range of ways people’s brains function, including neurological differences. Those differences can include dyspraxia, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), Tourette syndrome, and others. Some neurodiverse people identify as having a disability, while others do not. Research shows that organizations … Continued
How To: Create a Cross-Training Action Plan
Cross-training is an essential risk management function. It ensures someone in your organization can perform key tasks if the person who usually handles them is out of the office or unavailable for any reason. But cross-training has other benefits too: it can offer employees new challenges, help reduce staff turnover, and break down silos in … Continued
Building Meaningful Connections at Work
We spend much of our waking lives at work, but many of us have only superficial relationships there. That contributes to a broader loneliness epidemic that weighs us down and can even shorten lifespans. Connecting with colleagues doesn’t always happen easily, but the effort can benefit individuals and the organization, and make work more productive … Continued
5 Steps to Transform Performance Reviews from Dreaded Drudgery to Welcomed Opportunity
Most of us have experienced bad performance reviews: harangues about things that already happened—things we can’t change. Great performance reviews deepen an ongoing, regular conversation about performance. They are two-way conversations between a manager and an employee. And they focus on the future and how employees can reach their goals. Here are five steps to … Continued
Do You Know How Much These Nonprofit Jobs Pay?
By Rachel Sams The Great Resignation continues to play out, as more than 4 million Americans quit their jobs in November. Competitive pay isn’t all it takes to recruit and retain great nonprofit employees—but it’s essential. And inflation has impacted what it takes to make nonprofit salaries competitive. All nonprofits will need to invest time … Continued
Announcing New HR and Risk Resources
NRMC has launched a new website, https://www.risk-resources.org, full of free resources to help nonprofit organizations manage the HR and risk issues they face. Join us for a tour of the site and tips to help you improve human resources and risk management at your nonprofit in 2023. Complete a short form and view the webinar … Continued
HOW TO: Terminate an Employee (And Be Decent About It)
When you hire someone, you want them to find success with the organization. But sometimes, they don’t. Terminating someone’s employment is the riskiest action a nonprofit can take, but sometimes it’s also a risk-aware decision and possibly a necessary step in the employee’s journey to find a fulfilling role for which they are well suited. … Continued
Inclusive Hiring Strategies and Practices
Job openings at your nonprofit present a tremendous opportunity to bring in new, diverse perspectives that will strengthen your team—or to hire people who look, sound, and think just like you, and will bring your nonprofit more of the same. Here are some ways to make your hiring process more inclusive. Create a diversity recruitment … Continued
Onboarding New Staff
A new employee’s first days with your organization can inspire them and confirm they made a great choice—or leave them treading water in a sea of doubt. Use this framework to ensure new employees experience a great start with your organization.
Let’s Talk About Workplace Conflict
85% of employees report having experienced some type of workplace conflict. With statistics this high, use this infographic to understand more about how ignoring conflict can lead to issues at your nonprofit. Learn practical conflict resolution tips and what type of conflict management style you and your employees use!
Ask Great Job Interview Questions
Knowing what to ask candidates can sometimes be confusing! How do you quickly learn about this person to make a decision about whether they’re the correct person for your job and your mission? Use this infographic to build your next interview question bank.
Create a Safe and Inclusive Workplace for Transgender Employees
Transgender people may experience discrimination in many ways, including at work. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to accommodate the needs of transgender workers and not tolerate discrimination. Here are best practices and resources to ensure a safe and welcoming workplace for transgender employees. NOTE: keep in mind that some of the practices below … Continued
How To: Manage Across Generations
For the first time in modern history, five generations are in the workplace at the same time. This presents both opportunities and challenges. Here are some tips for how to tap into the diversity of perspectives that come from managing multiple generations, and navigating cross-generational conflicts that may arise. Remember that your employees are … Continued
How to Be the Manager You Wish You Had
by Melanie Lockwood Herman “There are two important days in a person’s life—the day you are born and the day that you figure out why.” – Mark Twain During the past few weeks, I’ve finished two books that offer thought-provoking insights on managerial musts—and potential missteps—in the journey to a post-COVID-19 workplace. Becoming a better … Continued
How To: Make Performance Reviews Meaningful and Memorable
Most employees dread performance reviews and many managers dread giving them. But it doesn’t have to be this way! With effective preparation, a collaborative approach, and a template to guide you, performance reviews will feel more meaningful and produce better results for your organization and your employees.
How To: Conduct Meaningful Stay Interviews
When a great employee leaves your organization, you may ask, “What could we have done to get you to stay?” The concept of the stay interview arose to get that kind of information at a time when your organization could still act on it.
How To: Give and Get References
This factsheet offers practical tips and suggestions for minimizing the risks often associated with giving and receiving references for potential team members. Don’t forget to download the companion reference form!
Fillable Reference Form
This sample Reference Form is designed to minimize liability when giving or getting references for your nonprofit’s potential team members. Be sure to download the companion tips and suggestions: How To: Give and Get References
Exit Interviews
An exit interview is an opportunity to thank a departing employee for their service and gather insights you can use to improve workplace culture and practices.
Employee or Volunteer? Classifying Teams
The proper classification of team members at your nonprofit is essential to ensure compliance with labor laws and avoid financial penalties or legal claims.
A Happier Hybrid: Managing The Risks of Hybrid Work
By Rachel Sams You likely worry about how hybrid work affects your nonprofit‘s employees. Then you probably get pulled right into the day’s crises or priority tasks. Crafting a smart hybrid work approach that fits your nonprofit sounds daunting. But excluding digital security, the big challenges of hybrid work center around office culture, productivity, and … Continued
The Resilience Mindset: 7 Musts if Your Mission Matters
By Melanie Lockwood Herman and Whitney Thomey Across the vibrant and diverse nonprofit sector in the U.S. and internationally, leaders and teams are recognizing that we’re not going back. Initial thoughts of returning to a pre-pandemic state are dissipating as we collectively grasp the significant implications of a risk event for which an entire world … Continued
Safe and Sound for the Holidays
By Melanie Lockwood Herman and Whitney Claire Thomey This holiday season, nonprofits face conditions unlike any other year. Along with traditional year-end stresses, many face employee relations questions that include nuanced issues related to staff and mission safety. The NRMC team wants to support you as you serve and support your community, whether it’s the … Continued
Understanding and Managing Risk Culture
You don’t have to study risk management for long to realize that workplace culture is a critical component. But how can a single person affect change across an entire organization? This course gives practical tips on building a risk aware workforce and a workplace culture that embraces and strengthens risk management. Find out why and … Continued
Oil Cured Tuna, Mayo, Celery, Toasted Rye, Oh My!
by Melanie Lockwood Herman In his article, The Tuna Fish Sandwich Test, Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison writes that “As much as people talk about being ‘lifelong learners,’ few really make the effort. It’s one of those little fibs they tell themselves or say at job interviews.” Burnison explains how he sometimes asks a “quirky … Continued
The Most Important Skill for Risk Leaders? Guess Again. . .
“Almost all of us have some kind of communication problem that we don’t know we have.” – Alan Alda By Melanie Lockwood Herman I’ve just finished reading Alan Alda’s fascinating book, If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? I’m feeling fortunate to have chosen this title to read on the … Continued
Rewarding Risks: The Prodigious Power of Volunteers
By Christy Grano It’s National Volunteer Week, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of volunteers and the indelible impact that volunteer service makes on communities across our country. In the promotional materials for National Volunteer Week, the Points of Light Foundation reminds us that: “Whether online, at the office, or the local food bank; whether with a vote, a … Continued
5 Winning Ways to Wrestle Recruitment Risk
By Melanie Lockwood Herman and Katharine Nesslage If your nonprofit hasn’t already faced the difficult challenge of attracting new staff to fill the shoes of departing rock stars, get ready! According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an estimated 7.8 million jobs will need to be filled by 2020. This unsettling headline has … Continued
Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce
Attend this webinar to learn about managing risk in a workplace with workers representing five generations. Find out how to manage a changing workforce that may include workers from the Silent Generation (born before 1945), Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964), Generation Xers (born between 1965-1980), Millennials (born between 1981-1995), and the very youngest employees – … Continued
Not Here: Zero Tolerance for Inappropriate Workplace Conduct
By Melanie Lockwood Herman Last year I attended a leadership conference hosted by Camp Fire, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young people to “find their spark, lift their voices, and discover who they are.” During the opening keynote session, Hal Gregersen, Executive Director of the MIT Leadership Center, reminded his audience that “assumptions act as … Continued
Workplace Wellness: Managing Risks to Employee Health & Productivity
By Jules Finkelstein Although most nonprofits are founded on deeply-rooted principles of service and compassion, nonprofit leaders sometimes forget to care for their own employees. During the day-to-day grind, employees may also forget to take care of themselves. Employee wellness is a potentially powerful risk management resource; this article invites you to consider whether it … Continued
Pass the Remote! The Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs of Telecommuting Teams
by Delia Jones Remote Work: Benefit or Burden? “You should be able to work from anywhere.” A former boss of mine said that a lot and it sounded great. If an employee asked to work from home, my boss would agree with that announcement and leave the second level managers to implement a telecommute solution. … Continued
Sick of Power Plays? Manage Workplace Power Plays & Revenge Risk
“Every time we experience power… we find ourselves at… a fork in the road… we can act in ways that lead us to enjoy enduring power… or we can be seduced by the self-indulgent possibilities that power occasions. Which path you take matters enormously.” – Dacher Keltner, The Power Paradox By Melanie Lockwood Herman This week … Continued
Gratitude!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward We’re feeling overwhelmed with gratitude today. We are especially grateful to: the talented risk champions who attended the Risk Summit in Philadelphia; thank you for giving your time, your attention and your enthusiasm to our guest … Continued
RISK HELP from NRMC
By Erin Gloeckner The NRMC team enjoyed a lot of help in planning and executing our recent annual conference, the Risk Summit. Check out photos from the event to find yourself in the crowd or–if you couldn’t join us–to see what you missed. Our generous Corporate Partners helped us make the Risk Summit a reality, … Continued
Fascination with Compensation: The Executive Team, the Board, and the IRS
Presenter: Eric Henkel, NRMC When it comes to matters of executive compensation, it can be hard to create an appropriate compensation package. It can be a challenge to balance the need to attract the most qualified individuals for key positions in your organization with the risks related to compensation. This webinar addresses items to consider … Continued
Succession Planning for [NOT] the CEO
By Erin Gloeckner CEO succession planning arises as a strategic risk and key concern of nonprofit boards in many NRMC-led Risk Assessments. If you’re looking for an article about CEO succession planning, this is not it. Instead, review our popular article, Avoid Transition Trauma with a Succession Plan. This article explores succession planning for nonprofit … Continued
Survivor: Office Party
If your office is like others and is planning an end of year celebration, join us on Tuesday, December 29 at 2:00 pm EST for our final Affiliate Webinar for 2015. We will review seven tips for getting through the festivities like a winner. You don’t have to outwit, outplay and outlast your colleagues to have a … Continued
Last Call: Effective Exit Interviews
When an employee departs your nonprofit, you have one final opportunity to ‘source’ insights and feedback from that person; similarly, the employee has one last chance to leave a positive mark on your mission. Attend this webinar to learn how to make the most out of exit interviews. We will provide tips on exit interview … Continued
Criminal History Background Checks: 10 Things You Probably Don’t Know but Should
Criminal history background checks are an important piece of the employee screening puzzle, but to conduct an effective background check, you need to understand the limitations of criminal history records, and the nuances of the background checking process. This webinar offers 10 insights about criminal history background checks that you might not know–but should–in order … Continued
Managing Risk in Performance Management
Every employee wants and deserves constructive feedback on their performance. Feedback it vital to helping staff address weaknesses and maximize their contributions to the mission of your nonprofit. This webinar will explore the risk/reward equation in performance management. You will learn how to avoid the pitfalls in the most common approaches to employee performance reviews. … Continued
Don’t Know Much About History: Criminal History Background Checks
Does your nonprofit use criminal history background checks? What happens when a check indicates that a crime was committed in the past? Many nonprofits fail to adequately consider what types of crimes or past history will disqualify an applicant until they are directly faced with the question. In this webinar, we will explore several myths and misconceptions associated with … Continued
Employee or Volunteer: What’s the Difference and Why it Matters
Is there a legal difference between employees and volunteers? Do you know what it is, and why it matters? This webinar explores the subtle and not-so-subtle distinctions and why they matter. You’ll learn about The Frankenstein Effect, and how to avoid creating monstrous, costly liability for your nonprofit.
Reference Checking
At one point or another, most of us have mistakenly hired an ill-suited candidate or someone who was a poor fit for the job or our nonprofit. Tune into this webinar to find out how and why reference checking is the most important asset in your screening toolkit. If you want to avoid hiring another … Continued
HR Risk: Take the High Road without Getting Lost
Employment risks bear a hefty price tag in a nonprofit workplace. From poor morale to costly litigation, allegations of wrongful, inappropriate or illegal employment practices threaten a nonprofit’s mission. This webinar offers practical, road-tested advice for minimizing the likelihood of employment claims and avoiding common HR missteps.
All That’s Sacred: The Erosion of Employment at Will, the Regular Workday and Other HR Icons
From employment-at-will disclaimer statements to strict warnings about inappropriate out-of-work-conduct, the tried and true HR risk advice you’ve relied on for years may no longer be effective in keeping your nonprofit safe from claims and damages. What can you say and do without running afoul of the National Labor Relations Act? What restrictions on employee … Continued
Employee, Independent Contractor or Volunteer: Status Matters
Most nonprofit organizations retain personnel who serve as full and part-time employees, independent contractors and volunteers. Yet many nonprofit leaders struggle with determining which staff belong in each grouping, and some wonder: does it really matter? Attend this webinar to learn why classification matters, and how to avoid common mistakes and costly penalties related to … Continued
Top 10 HR Risks Facing Nonprofit Organizations
Watch this webinar to learn what’s hot, what’s problematic, what’s on the horizon, and what to look out for in Human Resources in 2011. Tune up your HR practices with sound policies, careful reflection on past mistakes and mishaps, and a positive attitude.
Why Can’t We All Get Along? Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce
Within a few years, five generations of workers will be represented in the nonprofit workforce. Whether you’re a CEO, CFO, HR Director or other senior leader in a nonprofit, you’ve probably encountered a few challenges stemming from the varying perspectives and priorities that workers from different generations bring to your organization. Conflict between generations is … Continued
He Said, She Said: Managing Workplace Disputes
In a perfect world, every nonprofit employee would be content 100% of the time. Few if any nonprofits live in such a world. This webinar will explore the risks associated with discontent and offer practical suggestions for managing complaints and learning how to respond with finesse and fairness. The session will cover systematic approaches such as … Continued
Benefits in the Nonprofit Workplace: Balancing Risk and Reward
Employee benefits can include employee insurance coverage (medical, life, dental, disability, unemployment and worker’s compensation), paid leave and holidays, and contributions to retirement plans, as well as a host of other fringe benefits” that are valuable to attract and retain staff in a competitive hiring environment. Offering too many or too few, benefits can throw … Continued
Employment Practices Litigation: Lessons for Nonprofit Employers
Claims alleging wrongful employment practices are among the most costly claims filed against nonprofits. And, according to several insurers, employment claims represent more than 90% of all claims filed under nonprofit directors’ and officers’ liability policies. This Web Seminar will explore lessons learned from employment litigation involving nonprofits. Watch this Web Seminar if: You want … Continued
Screening Employees and Volunteers
This 90-minute seminar presents a framework for staff screening based on the requirements of the position, the nature of the contact with service recipients, and legal limitations on the use of screening tools. The seminar also offers additional ideas for controlling staff-related risks. Screening is just the beginning of an ongoing process that generally includes … Continued
Conducting Effective Performance Appraisals in a Nonprofit
Few nonprofit supervisors look forward to conducting performance appraisals. Yet most managers understand that regular reviews are a vital risk management tool, and that inaccurate reviews can spell disaster when defending an employment decision in court. Watch the recording of this Web Seminar if: You have ever postponed conducting performance appraisals due to anxiety about … Continued
Employment at Will: Sacred Cow or Dinosaur?
The concept of “employment at will” is often comforting to nonprofit managers. For these managers the fear of employment litigation is lessened by the theory that “we have employment at will – we can fire people at any time.” Other managers believe the opposite: that terminating a staff member for any reason other than gross … Continued
Exempt or Non-Exempt: How to Answer the Question
Nonprofit employers are not alone in the struggle to properly classify workers. Although new regulations issued in 2004 were intended to clarify federal wage and hour laws, confusion remains about the distinction between exempt and non-exempt personnel. This Web Seminar will offer a step by step approach to making the proper classification decision for each … Continued
When Employees Are Out of Work: Disability Leave, Workers Compensation Leave and Family Leave Solving the Puzzle
It is a true challenge when an employee is out of work: how long is the nonprofit required to hold the position open? What benefits is the employee entitled to while on leave? Balancing practical staffing needs and legal obligations to employees on leave is critical to ensure that a nonprofit does not violate any … Continued
Lend a Helping Handbook: Employment Policies Worthy of Your Mission
By Erin Gloeckner On the first day at a new job, most of us probably arrive wondering things like, “What will it be like to work here?” “What will my role entail?” and “How will I learn everything I need to know in order to do my job?” Whether you are a new hire or … Continued
There’s No Mystery to Your History: Using Background Checks in the Screening Process
By Melanie Lockwood Herman “ Many organizations fall prey to the misconception that criminal history background checks are the only effective way to prevent the hiring of an unsuitable employee. ” Most nonprofits use some type of background check to vet potential employees and volunteers. However, the term “background check” is used to mean very … Continued
How the Grinch Stole the Workplace
January 22, 2015 By Erin Gloeckner It’s normal to have a cranky day at work, but string together too many cranky days and you might start sounding like the Grinch. You’ve worked with a Grinch before—that employee who makes snide remarks, starts rumors, complains without end, or uses body language and other behaviors to display … Continued
Remote Workers: Plugged in Resources or Unmanaged Risk?
Is working from home an efficient alternative to the traditional office job or does it drain or even kill productivity and camaraderie? According to a recent CareerBuilder study, 10% of U.S. workers telecommute at least once a week, up from eight percent in 2007. Cloud computing and high speed wireless networks have made remote worker programs affordable … Continued
Background Checking: What You Need to Know
A growing number of nonprofit employers are using background checking as a screening tool. As the prevalence of background checking increases, myths about the subject have proliferated. Is it possible to obtain a background check that reveals whether an applicant has any criminal history anywhere? Can a nonprofit tap into the FBI database to check … Continued
Selecting the Most Suitable Employees for the Job: The Screening Process in a Nutshell
Screening is critical to the selection process, but too often shortcuts are taken or basic steps overlooked that can make the difference between a great hire and a future lawsuit. This Webinar reviews the basics and delve into the details of effective screening procedures to help your nonprofit be confident that you are doing your … Continued