Every year we like to take the time to look into our imaginary crystal ball and try to predict what is going to be big in HR and payroll in 2018. Like many others, we have expert knowledge in HR and payroll, but we are absolutely not clairvoyant. As a team we’ve come together to present these five predictions for HR & payroll in 2018.
Today is the last day before Willory officially closes for Christmas and while our offices are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week, I’m taking the time to spend with family and celebrate some personal milestones including my 20th wedding anniversary and my daughter’s birthday. This year (our seventh) was a great year for Willory and we’re excited that we have an incredibly strong foundation to continue to serve our clients with the utmost in HR & payroll staffing and consulting services in 2018.
When you describe a leader’s personality, how often do you describe them as a people-person or an extravert? It’s common to think that to be a successful leader that one has to be an extravert, but in reality, there’s a lot more that goes into understanding someone’s personality type than simply extraversion or introversion.
While sunny Las Vegas provided the backdrop for this year’s HR Tech, I actually came out ahead in Vegas with a windfall of knowledge. And it wasn’t just about HR. This event is all about trends in the marketplace featuring demo products from varied aspects of the HR technology landscape. It’s here we learn how others solved their business problems with HR technology. And of course there was the added win with the unique chance to network with over 9,000 attending consultants, vendors, and practitioners.
PHR…SPHR…FPC…CPP…SHRM-CP…SHRM-SCP…if you’re in the human resources or payroll profession you undoubtedly know what these letters represent. But is there value in these certifications to justify the time and financial investment for both individuals and employers? After spending a good portion of the past year studying for my own SPHR and CPP certifications, I believe more than ever that obtaining certification adds a significant value to HR and payroll professionals and their employers.
Looking for a job can be tough. It’s a series of putting yourself out there and often getting rejected – more often not hearing anything at all. As HR & payroll recruiters, Willory tries to never forget what it is like to look for a job as we have all been there. And I advise any and all of my clients to remember that every hiring is an opportunity to strengthen or weaken their brand and reputation – don’t blow it!
I hate cancer. It has affected so many great people that I know including several immediate family members. My mom, dad, and sister are all cancer survivors while we (not unlike other families) lost family members much too early in their lives. We still feel the impact of their loss every day, even as many years have passed since they lost their fight.
In the coming days and weeks, you’re going to see a lot more activity on the Willory blog as we’re participating in National Blog Writing Month. We’ve taken the first week to prepare, now we’re ready to share what we’ve been working on. As Willory’s marketing coordinator, I challenged the team to put on their sharing hats so we can provide even more great content as we head toward the end of the year and what’s often a transitional time for many.
October 25th marks Willory's seventh anniversary as John Benatovicz launched the firm in 2010 on this date. As we celebrate what's become the leading HR & payroll staffing and consulting firm in the midwest, we sat down with John to get his thoughts on seven moments in Willory history.
Q: When did you first think of starting the company and the name "Willory?"
A: I thought of the name "Willory" when I was lying in my one-month-old daughter’s room trying to get her to fall asleep. Nine months later I started the firm that combine my two kids' names - Will and Mallory.
Q: When did you realize the company was going to "make it" and go on to do big things?
A: I had confidence that a) there was a need for Willory's unique services and b) that I would be able to match professionals with firms looking to hire. But once I got Bob Haas and Jamie Rugh on board and they were making placements, gaining traction, and starting to excel I could see a growth path that was really exciting - and thankfully we've exceeded my then lofty expectations.
Q: Is there a moment or experience in the past seven years that was especially challenging or that was a learning moment for you, personally?
A: Three years in we decided to acquire the staffing department of The HR Department which brought with it additional clients as well as an integral member of our team, Lesa Mamula. Rapid growth (in staff and revenues) can be challenging for a leader as you find yourself stretched thin and relying on your team more and more. The experience forced me to be more clear and concise with my vision along with ensuring we were more thorough and strategic with our planning and execution.
Q: Looking back, is there anything you would like a mulligan or redo?
A: I am not big on regrets. Everything happens for a reason and you grow through your trials and tribulations. I frankly wouldn’t redo anything.
Q: What’s an under-the-radar decision you’ve made that people on the outside might not realize has been instrumental to Wiillory’s continued success?
A: The development and expansion of our consulting practice has broadened our ability provide a full-service approach to helping clients transform their HR & payroll functions through our Staffing service coupled with our Employee Life Cycle and HCM consulting practice. Clients have leveraged our firm's expertise to ensure they are leveraging best practices and are in full compliance with their people, process and technology.
Q: What's your favorite Willory memory?
A: There are so many... I probably have forgotten more than I remember. A few that come to mind include our 5th anniversary party which was a pretty big milestone in my mind, receiving Weatherhead 100 and NorthCoast 99 recognition, our holiday celebrations and team events including a 2016 Halloween contest where everyone went all-out, and meeting each and every team member we have today.
Q: Looking ahead to Willory's future, what are you looking forward to?
A: Continuing to see each of our team members grow personally and professionally while we look to grow the firm into new geographies and welcoming the myriad of new customers and HR and payroll professionals that we will be adding to our “family” over the next few years.
