Blogs

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

“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 ...

Workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have emerged as vital components of organizational strategy in the contemporary business landscape. Companies increasingly recognize that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment not only enhances workplace culture but also drives business success. However, the journey towards effective DEI implementation is fraught with challenges, particularly in ensuring these efforts remain focused on organizational outcomes rather than becoming entangled in political interests. Current Landscape of DEI DEI initiatives have made significant strides in recent years, driven by the understanding ...

Workplace Safety is Heating Up Workplace safety is a top concern year-round for employers; however, with summer finally here, this concern is heightened. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 50% - 70% of outdoor fatalities occur within the first few days of working in warm and hot conditions since employees have not acclimatized to the environment . It is essential to recognize that workplace heat safety is not only limited to those working outdoors. Employers with employees working in close quarters around machinery or non-temperature-controlled warehouses need an efficient and effective workplace safety ...

Choose Catapult. It really is that simple! At Catapult, we understand that managing employee benefits can be complex and time-consuming. That’s why we offer a boutique approach to building portfolios that are customized to meet your unique needs. We provide the most effective policies at the most affordable rates, ensuring your benefits administration is seamless and stress-free. Our suite of comprehensive benefits administration services is designed to support both employers and employees in managing healthcare costs effectively and includes: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Empower your employees with FSAs, ...

The pandemic changed priorities for many organizations and their workers . It motivated many people to reprioritize their values and what’s important. An increased focus on better care, and physical and mental wellness. More control over where, how, and when to work. A strong push for transparency about everything including pay and total rewards. A s a result , more intention and focus are being placed on how a total rewards strategy can enable an organization to provide greater care , value, and fulfillment for its workers . A total rewards ...

Workplace mental health is real and has an economic impact. Imagine a hidden epidemic that costs American businesses over $100 billion annually, yet often goes unaddressed. The American Institute of Stress reports that work-related stress is the leading workplace health problem, with around 83% of US workers suffering from it . The stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace remains a significant barrier to seeking help, with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reporting that 80% of employees feel shame, embarrassment, or fear of judgment if they were to seek treatment for mental health issues . Mental ...

This month’s edition of “The HR Strategist” focuses on creative strategies for surviving the talent exodus. You’ve probably seen the statistics . Ten thousand Americans will turn 65 each year from 2011 until 2030 when all the baby boomers are retired. We know from BLS data that the absolute number of working-age adults (15 – 64) began a cliff dive around the year 2010 and will continue a steep decline until 2030. In fact, the current number of working-age adults is at the same level as 1970, thanks to 49 straight years of below-replacement birth rates in the United States. Those workers you’re looking for aren’t all at home playing video games, many were ...