POPS! The People Ops Podcast

An annual business plan is a crucial roadmap for where you want to go and how you want to get there. But how do you factor people operations into your 2022 business plan?

On this special Author’s Cut episode of POPS!, host Didi D’Errico sits down with Zenefits Chief Marketing Officer Kevin Marasco to discuss. You’ll hear key considerations for people ops in 2022, and questions to ask yourself to ensure your people programs are keeping pace with the rapid changes in the new world of work.

Additional Resources:

• Becoming a people-centered business: A workbook for human resource professionals looking to adopt a People Operations methodology: https://www.zenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/POPS-WORKBOOK-COMPENSATION.pdf 
• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book

On this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [00:29-01:16] The most important thing you can do for your business in 2022
• [02:17-04:09] The motivation behind writing the book People Operations
• [04:10-06:51] Why people are integral to the business planning process
• [06:55-09:02] The shift toward HR having a “seat at the table”
• [09:02-10:48] People considerations for 2022
• [10:49-12:51] Key questions to ask regarding people strategy for 2022
• [13:47-15:03] The one-word business leaders need to keep in mind moving forward
• [15:03-17:45] Tools and resources from the new People Operations companion workbook
• [17:45-19:30] How People Operations is helping Zenefits leaders run the company
• [19:30-21:03] Why now is a good time to re-evaluate perks, benefits, and people programs

2021 was filled with unprecedented disruptions, especially for HR professionals. From the Great Resignation to navigating hybrid work, it has been heavy. In this special episode, we flip the script to leave the year with something decidedly lighter.

Our friend Rob Stefanovic, Head of Marketing Acceleration here at Zenefits, joins us to offer his humorous reflections on the year. We hope it brings you a smile and a little optimism as we look forward to 2022.

Additional Resources:

• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book

On this episode, you’ll hear: 

• Rob’s commentary on yet another unprecedented year
• Humorous reflections that will leave you laughing
• A glimmer of hope for 2022

42% of the core skills needed to perform most jobs are expected to change by 2022. Rather than recruiting new employees for these shifting roles, is it possible to up-skill the people you have?

Reena Chawla, a product leader at EdCast, explains how to build your business by upskilling employees, and how technology can lift this burden from entrepreneurs.

Additional Resources:

• Why Spark by EdCast is the Spotify of Learning: https://www.edcast.com/corp/why-spark-by-edcast-is-the-spotify-of-learning/ 
• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book

On this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [02:20 - 06:00] How small businesses are adjusting to pandemic-induced pivots
• [07:00 - 10:45] Why core job skills are shifting rapidly
• [11:30 - 13:50] Reasons to provide upskilling as a benefit
• [14:00 - 16:30] Steps to create a scalable education strategy

Seven in 10 employees believe that it's their employer's responsibility to make sure they're set up for financial success.  If small businesses can help their people make the most of their paychecks, will they stick around longer?

On this episode of POPS!, Betterment General Manager Kristen Carlisle joins the show to talk about the financial benefits small businesses should consider offering employees. You’ll hear how to help employees save for retirement and ensure they feel taken care of financially so they’ll be more likely to stay.

Additional Resources:

• A Business Owner’s Guide to Employee Financial Wellness: https://www.betterment.com/uploads/2020/09/Financial-Wellness-Guide.pdf 
• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book

On this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [01:24-02:22] Meet Kristen Carlisle, General Manager at Betterment
• [02:49-03:56] Why offering better personal financial planning is good for small businesses
• [04:19-05:58] How small business owners and employees can prepare for emergencies
• [07:21-10:18] The importance of holistic and personalized financial advice
• [11:05-13:13] How small businesses are helping employees with retirement and financial planning
• [13:14-15:37] How the Great Resignation is affecting financial benefits for employees
• [15:39-18:58] What employers need to know about the retirement crisis in America
• [18:59-22:20] How employers can help employees financially outside of retirement benefits
• [22:21-24:11] The 50-30-20 rule
• [26:01-27:57] How Betterment helps people save for retirement
• [28:02-31:36] Where to start in terms of offering financial benefits 
• [31:40-33:21] How to start conversations about financial benefits with employees
• [33:37-34:29] How the retirements and benefits space is changing for the better

What do you do if a  new employee wants to take time off immediately? 

Nadene Evans, Senior Manager of Organic Growth at Zenefits, describes ways to handle this exact situation. You’ll hear how to think about flexibility and communication and why it builds loyalty.

Additional Resources:

• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book

On this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [00:36-01:00] The situation: A new employee immediately wants time off
• [01:00-02:22] Options to consider 
• [02:22-02:49] How to handle coworkers’ concerns over a new employee taking vacation

Leaving your mark on the world requires creativity. Rylan Kean and Christina Hayes  Director of Business Development, and Christina Hayes, General Manager, of Milan Enterprises, transformed an old printing press creating a lasting legacy in their community.

Milan Enterprises, a real estate investment and property management business, centers everything they do around what they call WIGs: wildly important goals. On this episode of PIVOT, Rylan and Christina teach us what having a common purpose can accomplish.

On this episode, you’ll hear:

• [03:00 - 06:42] How Milan connects their people to work that matters
• [07:26 - 10:35] Why a high NPS score is one of Milan’s wildly important goals
• [11:00 - 13:03] Setting and following through on goals
• [14:13 - 18:20] Recruiting in a personal way
• [19:40 - 23:25] Helping people learn their way into their role
• [23:43 - 26:03] Using your time, talents, and treasures purposefully

After you listen: 

• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book
• Follow the podcast 
• Submit your People Ops questions: 

The Great Resignation has been heavy on HR’s mind as of late—and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Is it time we resign ourselves to it?

Nadene Evans, Senior Manager of Organic Growth at Zenefits says no.  On a new Q&A episode of POPS!, Nadene shares how to give employees the support they need and the flexibility they crave. You’ll hear different ways to provide flexibility outside of work arrangements, and how to show employees you care so that they’ll stick around. 

Additional Resources:

• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book

On this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [00:11-01:06] What’s happening with The Great Resignation
• [01:06-02:29] How to ensure your people stick around
• [02:29-05:05] The main thing employees want today
• [05:06-05:23] How to ask employees what they want
• [05:23-06:27] How to advocate for your employees to leadership

The pandemic wreaked havoc on small, seasonal tourism businesses that rely on cruise ships to bring in business. In 2019, Alaska's growing tourism industry brought in 1.3 million people. In 2020? Just 64 (yes, you read that right).

For Brent Bitterman, founder and COO of Alaska Luxury Tours, things looked dire as COVID forced much of the world into lock-down. But when an opportunity to pivot arose, some hard work and business agility paid off in a big way. On this episode of PIVOT, Brent joins the show to talk about how he doubled down on customer and employee experience to come back from the perfect storm stronger than ever. 

On this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:17-03:56] The unique challenges the pandemic created for seasonal tourism businesses
• [04:08-06:05] The risks and rewards of relying on transient, seasonal workers
• [06:23-13:16] How Brent pivoted his business when cruise ships stopped coming to Alaska
• [13:26-15:21] How Brent re-engaged his staff post-pivot
• [15:22-17:50] Tips for investing in your people while rebounding a business

After you listen: 

• Alaska Luxury Tours: Innovating for Changing Conditions: https://www.zenefits.com/customer/alaska-luxury-tours/ 
• Order your copy of our book People Operations
• Follow the podcast 
• Submit your People Ops questions: 

The Biden Administration and OSHA have released more information regarding their vaccine mandate. 

In this POPS! episode, VP of People Operations Danny Speros breaks down what employers should be thinking about as this mandate nears implementation. 

Additional Resources:

• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book
• OSHA Resources: OSHA.gov

There are two certainties at the end of every year: the holidays and taxes. On this episode of POPS!, we’ll help you get ahead of the latter with year-end tax tips from Zenefits Director of Product Marketing Christian Flaten. You’ll hear the special circumstances to keep in mind with COVID-19, and how to make sure employee data is up-to-date to ensure accuracy—especially with employee relocations.

Additional Resources:

• Order your copy of our book People Operations: Zenefits.com/pops-book
• 2021 Tax Filing Checklist: Getting Your Business Ready: https://www.zenefits.com/workest/2021-tax-filing-checklist-getting-your-business-ready/ 

On this episode, you’ll hear: 

• [00:34-02:22] The basics: COVID-19, W2 data, payroll, company data, and special circumstances
• [02:25-02:41] How to verify employee social security
• [03:00-03:53] Employee relocation and the employer’s responsibility with temporary or permanent moves
• [03:55-04:52] Other special considerations