December 2023 Edition

RKL’s Workforce Strategies team is here to help you navigate the complexities of today's HR environment with the updates, reminders and insights you need to maximize your most important asset — your people. We value your feedback, so let us know what you think of this newsletter!

2024 Trends for Social Recognition Programs

What's on the horizon in 2024 for recognizing employees?

• Celebrating personal milestones: While professional achievements are typically celebrated in the workplace, personal milestones like buying a house or having a child can be just as important to celebrate from an employee’s perspective. For the next personal milestone on your team, give a shout-out or write the team member a personalized note.
• Recognition from leadership: Recognition is often more meaningful when coming directly from the CEO or other leaders, and can help employees feel valued by their company. At your next company-wide meeting, take a moment to recognize a few standout employees for recent accomplishments or contributions.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs: DEI programs have risen in popularity in the past few years, and more organizations are providing employees with an opportunity to celebrate their differences through an internal spotlight or badge on their intranet profile

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New Employment Laws Starting in 2024

As we head into the new year, it's important to know what laws and regulations will require changes that your organization may need to make. Find a comprehensive list of federal and state laws that are slated to begin in the first quarter of 2024 by visiting here. 

Board Issues Final Rule on Joint-Employer Status

The National Labor Relations Board released its final rule addressing the Standard for Determining Joint-Employer Status under the National Labor Relations Act. According to the new standard, an organization can be considered a joint employer of a group of employees if each party maintains an employment relationship with the employees and they share or codetermine one or more of the employees’ fundamental terms and conditions of employment, as defined here.

Instead of spotlighting one team member this month, we’re sharing some of the Workforce Strategies team’s favorite gifts they've given or received to celebrate the holiday season.

"My favorite gift I've received was mixed media artwork from my life partner, and my favorite gift I've given was a home theater for my life partner." — Adley Satteson, Workforce Strategies Analyst

"When I was younger, I played a prank on my little brother for Christmas. I emptied his stocking and put just a raw potato in it. When he saw it in the morning, he was actually thrilled and couldn’t stop laughing! His boundless gratitude for the small things has always been something I’ve loved about him. Now, over ten years later, he still asks for a potato on his Christmas wish list!" — Olivia Byron, Workforce Strategies Generalist

"My favorite gift that I received as a kid were the purple Moon Shoes." — Lauren Stricker, Workforce Strategies Senior Analyst

"One of the most cherished gifts my husband and I gave was an experience to my children and grandchildren. Two years ago, we spent a day in early December in Lancaster. First, we took them to lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord, followed by a magic/comedy show. I documented the day with photos and made each family a photobook that we gave them on Christmas day. It was a joyful day, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories. While it was a gift we gave, it was meaningful to me to see our family together sharing a special day!!" — Monica Miller, Project Coordinator

"One of my favorite gifts was a Christmas gift I received as a child. I wanted a Cabbage Patch doll with all of my heart, and Santa brought me one. Her name was Rebecca Loriel; she wore glasses, and I took her everywhere with me." — Stephane Smith, Partner/Vice President