Resources

Understanding the Changes As we navigate the evolving landscape of HR regulations, it’s crucial to stay informed. The changes in 2026 will impact how we manage our workforce. This guide will help you understand the key regulations and what actions you need to take. Federal Minimum Wage Changes FLSA – Federal minimum wage (DOL) Learn more Federal minimum wage remains $7.25/hr ; state/local rates may be higher and must be followed. Applicability: Any employer with non-exem

Managing people is at the heart of every successful organization. But when your team is spread across different locations, traditional HR methods can feel outdated and inefficient. That’s where remote HR assistance steps in. It’s a game-changer for distributed startups, nonprofits, and global organizations aiming to build strong, scalable people systems. I’ve seen firsthand how this approach transforms HR from a headache into a strategic advantage. Why Remote HR Assistance Wo

Managing people across different locations is no small feat. When your team is spread out globally, you need HR tools that keep everything running smoothly. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the best online HR tools that help distributed startups, nonprofits, and global organizations thrive. These tools don’t just automate tasks; they build trust, culture, and performance at scale. Let’s dive into what makes an online HR solution stand out and how you can choose the right on

The California table highlights the 2026 state-specific requirements  that most directly impact nonprofits and scaling startups  employing—or hiring remotely—in California. Because CA rules often set the highest bar in wage/hour, notices, pay data reporting, contracting, and recordkeeping, the table is structured to drive execution: each row links to an official source, summarizes the business impact, clarifies who is covered, and translates the rule into an actionable checkl

Running a distributed startup or a global nonprofit means juggling many moving parts. One of the most complex areas is human resources. I’ve seen firsthand how managing HR internally can drain time and energy from your core mission. That’s why I’m a strong advocate for outsourced HR services. They simplify your operations, reduce risk, and free you to focus on growth and innovation. Let’s dive into how outsourcing HR can transform your organization, especially if you’re in bi

Early-stage startups face a unique challenge: they need to grow quickly while managing limited cash resources. Stock options have become a critical tool for CEOs, founders, and investors to address this challenge. These options help conserve cash, attract and retain talent, and align the interests of all stakeholders. Yet, many startups stumble by misunderstanding the value of stock options or failing to manage dilution properly. This post explores how stock options work stra

Engaged employees are the backbone of any thriving organization. When people feel valued and understood, they bring their best selves to work. But how do you foster that engagement, especially in distributed startups, nonprofits, and global organizations? The answer lies in delivering meaningful performance feedback. It’s not just about ticking boxes or annual check-ins. It’s about creating a culture where feedback drives growth, trust, and motivation. Let me walk you through

Why PTO matters, how to share it, and how to leverage “bridge days” By Cecilia Machuca Executive HR Consultant Date: 11/12/ 2025 Executive Summary Paid Time Off (PTO) is increasingly recognized as a strategic non-monetary benefit: it signals trust, supports well-being, and can improve retention, engagement, and productivity. In 2025, data show that nearly all employers offer vacation, holiday and sick leave, and many combine them into a PTO bank. Benchmarks now place average

When it comes to growing a team, especially in distributed startups or global organizations, the way we handle feedback can make or break our culture. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed performance review can boost morale, clarify goals, and drive real progress. But let’s be honest - many of us dread these conversations. They often feel like a checkbox exercise or a stressful interrogation. That’s why I want to share some effective performance review strategies that tran

The Human Trust Layer™ Diagnostic Tool helps organizations assess how transparency, fairness, and accountability flow through their people systems and technology.It’s a structured way to turn “trust” — often seen as intangible — into actionable, data-driven insight.

Executive Summary Distributed teams—remote-first, hybrid, globally dispersed—are now a structural reality rather than an experiment. But many organizations struggle with genuine engagement: collaboration, belonging, shared purpose, psychological safety, and sustained motivation. This white paper explores the current science of engagement in distributed settings, presents up-to-date data, discusses how AI can both enable and hinder engagement, and offers strategic guidance for

The Paradox of Progress Artificial Intelligence has quietly become the operating system of modern life — filtering resumes, approving loans, writing code, and diagnosing patients. Yet as AI grows smarter, human trust is shrinking . According to a 2025 KPMG global survey, 61% of people worldwide are wary of trusting AI systems , and only 41% of Americans  say they’re comfortable relying on them — well below the global average.¹ This paradox reveals a widening gap between AI’s