September 5, 2023
Greetings!
I hope you enjoyed your long Labor Day weekend, that line in the sand signaling fall. As the warmth of summer slowly gives way to cooler, crisper days, we find ourselves in a time of transition and renewed focus. Ready or not, the final stretch of the year is here.
In the spirit of the changing seasons, the US economy has experienced its own ebb and flow. Over the past months, we’ve witnessed a growth rate of 2.4%, accompanied by the steady addition of jobs, month after month. While job growth has been gradually tapering lately, it continues to be a driving force behind the economy’s resilience.
We’ve experienced this trend first-hand, successfully filling voluminous open positions for our clients, and also for KMA. I am happy to announce that we have three new team members who have recently joined us: Rachel Flynn, HR Services Manager, Compliance; Amy Barker, HR Consultant; and Sharon Callahan, HR Consultant. A warm and enthusiastic welcome to all!
More good news on the economy is the gentle easing in inflation, from 7% a year ago to 3% currently. And standards of living are improving as hourly wages grew faster than prices – even in inflation-adjusted terms. With all of these signals, we remain cautiously optimistic. While we’ve not yet achieved a soft landing, the prospect for one looks brighter than it has in months.
As September unfolds, we find ourselves reinvigorated and laser-focused on achieving our business goals for the rest of the year. But our question is: How can we assist you in achieving yours? Whether you’re grappling with HR, recruiting, or compensation challenges, our dedicated team is here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Cheers,
Kim Anania
President and CEO
KMA Human Resources
Join us for our webinar on October 19th!
We’re excited to announce our webinar collaboration with attorney Francesco (Fran) DeLuca, of Epstein Becker Green. In this session, Rachel Flynn, HR Services Manager, Compliance at KMA, will sit down with Fran to clarify some of the more confounding aspects of the ADA’s reasonable accommodation requirements, including how the ADA intersects with other laws, like the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the PUMP Act.
This program is valid for 1 PDC for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®
Learn more and register here.
Fran also graciously participated in our Stakeholders series, answering questions about his leadership style, what’s on the horizon that he’s preparing for in serving his clients, his favorite place on earth, and more.
Read our interview with Fran here.
Best Places to Work In Maine Announced
We offer a hearty congratulations to all 134 businesses who made the Best Places to Work in Maine list, many who are KMA clients, partners and friends – and all who are an inspiration!
In our Q&A with KMA series, we do a deep dive interview with a KMA team member, and this quarter it was my time in the barrel. I revisited my career path, lessons learned along the way, and some principles for success. It was a rewarding if slightly uncomfortable exercise!
You can read it here.
Navigating Etiquette Norms in a Post-Covid Workplace
Workplace etiquette may seem like some cryptic set of unwritten rules, especially for those early in their careers, and for remote workers without much experience in the actual workplace. But etiquette dos and don’ts at work are essentially common-sense principles designed to make others feel comfortable, valued and respected.
Read the full article.
New to HR? Here Are the Issues to Understand First
From the Pros at the HR Support Center
Are you new to HR? Feeling overwhelmed by the vast and constantly changing landscape of employment law? Worried about the risks to your organization? Don’t panic. You’re in the same boat as many others. You don’t need to know everything on your first day or even your first year. HR professionals with decades of experience are still learning new things.
Read the full article.
Community News
Fundraiser: Walk with NAMI in 2023
The power of our mission is being felt as never before. The achievement of “Mental Health for All” has never felt this critical yet closer to being realized.
It’s not how far we walk at NAMIWalks Maine on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Capitol Park, but how far we’ve come to make our milestones count.
With your support and high spirits, we intend to make an unprecedented impact on mental health in our community.
NAMIWalks 2023 represents a powerful chance to leave a significant mark on the local mental health landscape. Whether you’re a previous participant or a new voice waiting to be heard, we’re pretty sure you’ll find the festivities inspired and inspiring.