Blogs

Who Moved Breni’s Cheese? A Journey into Facilitation

By Carlie Houchins posted 14 days ago
The Catapult Employer s Association has a strong team of experienced HR advisors who work to support our members every day with information and help to make their workdays easier. In addition to providing guidance, the HR Advice team also facilitates training. They are true multitaskers! Breni Malpass has been with Catapult as a member of the HR Advice team since 2015 . With a background in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MA, UNC Charlotte) and nearly three decades in the HR field, she is the expert you need. Her expertise is drawn from a variety of industries – tech, insurance, and manufacturing. Breni’s ...

Changes to the Form I-9

By Kevin von der Lippe posted 04-24-2025
Is it the Year of the Chameleon ? With so many changes out of Washington , D . C ., this year, it seems like the compliance world is changing like the chameleon changes color. Like with so many things this year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made some adjustments to the Form I-9 . While these adjustments are minor, they do change the form and update the edition date listed to “01/20/25” as the latest release . You can find the latest release on the USCIS webpage: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 . Interestingly, this new form can be used in conjunction with the old release forms ...

HR Audit Support: Ensure Compliance & Efficiency with Catapult's Expertise

By Kendra Stewart posted 03-27-2025
Performing an HR Audit is essential to ensure an organization's HR policies, practices, and procedures are compliant, efficient, and aligned with business goals. Given the dynamic nature of regulatory changes in today’s fast-changing work environment, an HR audit helps businesses stay competitive, legally compliant, and employee-friendly. But how do you determine if your company is keeping up with employment law changes, adhering to guidance from government agencies, and following best practices ? Even if you have time constraints , and/or specific concerns, you can get help for this. There are numerous benefits to having a 3 rd party complete ...

Streamlining Compliance with Zywave's Multi-State Law Comparison Tool

By Breni Malpass posted 03-26-2025
Operating across state lines introduces complex labor law compliance challenges. Zywave's Multi-State Law Comparison Tool streamlines this process, empowering HR professionals and business owners to navigate diverse regulations effectively. Key Benefits of Zywave's Multi-State Comparison Tool Simplified Side-by-Side Comparisons: Instantly compare state labor laws, eliminating the need for extensive individual research. Centralized Information Hub: Access and download crucial labor law data in one location, saving valuable time. Customizable Comparative Charts: Tailor ...

AI in the Workplace: Where to Start and How It’s Transforming Organizations

By Carlie Houchins posted 03-13-2025
The use of AI in the workplace is rapidly transforming industries and job roles across the globe. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a crucial tool in enhancing productivity, automating repetitive tasks, making informed decisions, and even improving employee experience. Positive Potential: AI can automate routine tasks, provide real-time insights, personalize employee experiences, and improve work-life balance. When applied correctly, AI can empower employees, reduce stress, foster innovation, and improve safety—all of which lead to a more engaged, skilled, and productive workforce. Additionally, AI can enhance organizational growth, ...

Child Care in NC and Employers…A Way Forward

By Doug Blizzard posted 03-06-2025
(from left to right: Gary Salamido, CEO, NC Chamber; Doug Blizzard, Chief Solutions Officer, Catapult; Mike McBrierty, Director of State and Local Government Affairs – South, Biogen; and Ellen Pancoast, Vice President of People Operations, Cone Health) Catapult’s Doug Blizzard recently participated on a Child Care Panel at the NC Child Care Economic Summit, presented in partnership with the NC Department of Commerce, the NC Chamber, NC Child, Child Care Resources Inc., and Invest Early NC. Last year Catapult conducted an employer survey on child care issues to help bring awareness to legislators to the impact child care has on local employers. ...

The Power of Internships: Why & How to Build an Effective Internship Program

By Tara McAlister posted 02-13-2025
The Power of Internships: Why Your Company Needs an Internship Program & How to Build One That Works Internships do more than help students pad their resumes—they give companies a competitive edge in attracting top talent, fostering innovation, and shaping the next generation of leaders. Whether you're a fast-growing startup or an established organization, a well-structured internship program can be a valuable asset with long-term benefits. Why Internship Programs Matter Build a Strong Talent Pipeline Internships offer direct access to emerging professionals who could be your next great hire. Bringing interns on board early helps you shape their ...

Road Map to a Love Contract

By Stephanie Dillon posted 02-04-2025
It happened. You found out two of your employees are madly in love with each other. What should you do? Some situations might lead an organization to consider implementing a “love contract.” A “love contract” is a way to sit down with two employees (individually) in a consensual relationship and go over your Anti-Harassment and Retaliation policy, as well as ensure no conflict of interest is created. This may or may not be necessary depending on your situation. Two co-workers dating and not creating any employee relations issues is not going to rise to the level of needing a “love contract,” an d maybe ...

Microcontent for Workplace Learning: Features, Benefits, and Challenges

By Carlie Houchins posted 01-14-2025
In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees are expected to adapt quickly to new roles, tools, and technologies. Traditional learning models may not always align with the modern learner's needs. Microcontent—small, focused units of learning—has emerged as a solution that offers efficiency and accessibility. What is Microcontent? Microcontent refers to small, digestible units of information designed to address specific learning objectives . These bite-sized pieces are typically delivered through various digital formats such as videos, infographics, quizzes, or short articles. The idea is to provide just-in-time knowledge ...

2025 Business Mileage Rate: Best Practices for HR Professionals

By Stephanie Dillon posted 01-06-2025
Each year, the IRS reviews and typically adjusts the standard mileage rate used by many businesses as a guide in determining mileage reimbursement for employee business-related travel. The 2025 business mileage rate is 70 cents per mile . Employers may  elect  to use the standard mileage rates as released by the IRS, or they may choose to use a different rate. If you choose to use a different rate, consult with a tax professional about any implications . It is important for HR professionals to keep in mind reimbursing for mileage is optional federally and, in most states, including NC and SC. This is ...

How to Lead Through Workplace Conflict: Practical Tips for Managers

By Tracy Mambrino posted 12-02-2024
Conflict is inevitable, and most people dread addressing it. Most would rather avoid conflict than deal with the issue at hand. Why? Because it makes us uncomfortable, stressed, anxious, angry, frustrated, and helpless. These are not particularly good feelings that we care to address straight on. Instead of thinking that conflict is destructive, let's look at how it can be constructive so that we feel comfortable dealing with it in the workplace. As leaders and managers, conflict management involves working together to address everyone's concerns and find a solution. It requires active listening in a disagreement between parties, ...

Revolutionizing Employee Wellness: A Strategic Approach to Diabetes Management in the Workplace

By Martha Barker posted 11-13-2024
November marks the start of National Diabetes Awareness Month and the open enrollment season. Diabetes, a widespread chronic condition, not only takes a toll on individuals but also poses a significant financial burden. According to a study published on PubMed, people with diabetes incur staggering annual medical expenditures, averaging $19,736. Approximately $12,022 of this sum is directly attributable to diabetes, making the economic impact undeniable. Furthermore, individuals diagnosed with diabetes face medical expenditures 2.6 times higher than those without the condition ( "Productivity and medical costs of diabetes in a large employer population - PubMed ...

IRS Increases FSA Contribution Limits for 2025: What You Need to Know

By Martha Barker posted 11-11-2024
As we approach the 2025 plan year, the IRS has announced an increase in the maximum contribution limits for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). This change provides employees with a valuable opportunity to save more pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. Let’s dive into what these new limits mean, how FSAs work, and how you can take full advantage of these benefits in 2025. What is an FSA? A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows employees to set aside pre-tax income to cover qualified medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses. FSAs are popular because they offer significant tax ...

Catapult Surveys Reveal 50+ Creative Employee Benefits for 2025

By Doug Blizzard posted 10-29-2024
In the quest to retain employees, employers often ask us for creative employee benefits ideas. Fortunately, we have many answers as we regularly survey members around all things HR, including benefits. Below are 50+ ideas gleaned from four of our recent surveys: the Healthcare Benefits and Cost Survey , the Recruiting and Hiring Trends Survey , the Paid Holiday and Time Off Report , and the National Business Trends Survey . The table below shows the percentage of respondents who identified offering the particular benefit and is sorted from most offered benefits to least. Short-term disability tops the report with 96% of employers ...

How You Can Support Western NC + Helpful Resources

By Cheryl Richards posted 10-09-2024
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are with everyone impacted, especially our members and communities in Western North Carolina. During challenging times like these, it’s essential for us to come together and extend support where it's needed most. We know many of you are facing significant obstacles in your recovery. Please remember that Catapult is here to assist, offering resources, guidance, and support to help you through this difficult period. Every business (any size) within the declared areas, private nonprofit organization, or resident affected by Helene can apply online or at the opened Business Recovery Centers (BRC’s) managed by ...

Catapult Introduces NC Tri-Share: A New Benefit to Support Employees with Child Care Costs

By Martha Barker posted 10-07-2024
Catapult is thrilled to launch an exciting benefit: NC Tri-Share , an innovative program in partnership with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education . This program offers a simple yet powerful solution to a growing problem: making child care more affordable and accessible while allowing businesses to better support their workforce. What is NC Tri-Share? NC Tri-Share is a unique cost-sharing model designed to help employees manage child care expenses by splitting the costs between three parties: the employer, the employee, and the state. This structure not only ...

Catapult Named 2024 Best Places to Work Finalist

By Cheryl Richards posted 09-18-2024
A Message From our President & CEO I am beyond excited and incredibly proud to share that Catapult has been named one of 2024 ’s Best Places to Work by th e Charlotte Business Journal! This recognition is not only a testament to our company’s commitment to creating a thriving workplace but also a reflection of the people-first culture we’ve worked diligently to cultivate. To be included among Charlotte’s best employers is a tremendous honor, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge what this achievement means for all of us at Catapult—and to celebrate the incredible team that makes it possible. ...

HR News You Should Know | August Edition

By Stephanie Dillon posted 08-12-2024
Welcome to our August edition of "HR News You Should Know." This month has brought significant legal and regulatory updates that could have profound effects on your workplace policies and practices. Catch up on the latest news and updates: Non-compete Ban Update The effective date for the FTC’s non-compete ban of September 4 th is fast approaching. Last month, a Pennsylvania court declined to block the rule, but challenges still loom in Florida and Texas. As of now, the Texas case is the one to watch. The TX judge indicated she would issue a decision by August 30 th . Late yesterday, there was some preliminary information released from the Florida ...

5 Reasons Employee Engagement Surveys Are Worth It

By Jill Feldman posted 08-09-2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace culture ,  employee engagement surveys  have emerged as indispensable tools. Here’s why they matter: 1. Give your employees a voice Engagement surveys provide a structured mechanism for collecting data directly from employees. By analyzing responses, organizations gain insights into various facets of their workforce. These insights drive informed decision-making across departments—from HR policies to leadership strategies. Engagement surveys are one of the few opportunities where employees can share their  honest feedback  about what it’s like to ...

Mitigating Risk with References: A Guide to Safer Hiring Practices

By Kevin von der Lippe posted 07-09-2024
Filling in the Gaps on a Background Check How do you balance the want of expanding your candidate pool while accommodating the need to keep your company safe ? One good way is to carefully check references. When used properly, references can be a wonderful way to mitigate risk when considering applicants with less-than-spotless criminal records. Checking references allows a company to examine the skillsets and character of their prospective employees and simultaneously mitigate some heartburn uncovered during the background screening process. 10 Reference-Checking Questions to Ask Typical reference-checking questions ...