Blogs

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

By Carlie Houchins posted 3 days ago
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 9 days ago
(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 ...

Comprehensive DEI Services for Businesses in NC & SC: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Solutions

By Doug Blizzard posted 10-01-2024
10 Ways Catapult Can Support Your Business's DEI Strategy Catapult offers a range of solutions geared towards supporting your organization’s needs around creating a fair and inclusive work environment, specifically in the areas of affirmative action, diversity, equity, inclusion, non-harassment, and EEO . Our services include: 1. Policy Development and Review EEO and Affirmative Action Policies : Develop, review, and update policies to ensure they meet legal requirements and align with best practices. Code of Conduct: Create or revise codes of conduct to reflect EEO and affirmative action ...

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 ...

End of Year Planning 2024

By Jackie Esposito posted 06-21-2024
Prepare for Annual Performance Management and Compensation Reviews As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s time for organizations to start preparing for the year's end. This period often coincides with annual performance management programs and adjustments such as merit, across-the-board, market, and cost of living increases. At this time of year, we encourage organizations that haven't conducted a market study within the past three years to engage with Catapult for a comprehensive analysis of your positions and their competitiveness. This step is essential before implementing 2025 pay increases. The past three years have seen significant rises in labor ...

How to Manage Employee Time Off During Summer | HR Tips

By Linda Hunter posted 06-18-2024
School is Out School is out , and s ummer is here! This means that many of your employees, both parents and non-parents , are planning summer vacations and getaways ! Paid time off is a critical part of your total compensation plan and gives employees the opportunity to relax and recharge ; as such, this should be encouraged and supported by management . Our 2024 Paid Holiday and Time Off Survey can give you some insights as to what your fellow members are offering ! Of co ur se , a s an employer , the scheduling falls to you and needs to be managed and coordinated so that your business ...

Creating a Continuous Learning Culture

By Tracy Mambrino posted 06-10-2024
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin As a facilitator of our management and professional development courses at Catapult Employers Association I am fully aware of the importance of continuous learning daily. I am enthusiastic about having the mindset that learning is part of my life and is constant . As the workplace continues to change quickly and to stay competitive , organizations need to create a culture of continuous learning . Why is it important ? Because t he market is constantly changing and technology ...