Author Posts

Pepper Russell, IOM

Director, YES Workforce Solutions

#119 How to Develop Job Descriptions That Actually Attract Talent

12/23/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Let s be honest most job descriptions don t exactly jump off the page. In today s hiring market, especially for entry-level and early-career positions, your job listing might be the first (and only) impression an applicant gets of your company. If it s packed with buzzwords, vague sentences, or u...

#118 Navigating the Social Media Talent Pool: Skills Checklist and Interview Tips

12/09/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Congratulations! You ve made the decision to expand your social media marketing efforts. Now you need hands-on expertise to get the project going.An effective social media manager possesses both technical skills and recent, relevant experience. Here's what to look for when auditioning an applican...

#117 Engage & Empower: 7 Steps to a Motivated, Collaborative Team

11/25/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
1. Focus on Open CommunicationsCreate an environment where everyone feels heard. Start with regular check-ins like monthly town hall meetings or informal Q A sessions. Use free or low-cost communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to encourage continuous dialogue. Open-door policies and o...

#116 Navigating Employee Strife During a Merger: Steps to Restore Harmony and Build Unity

11/11/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Mergers bring opportunities for growth and innovation, but they can also create challenges especially when it comes to employee morale. For a company with a strong history of employee engagement, integrating a new team from a merger can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to preserve the posi...

#115 Upskilling Your Workforce: Embracing AI and Making It Part of the Day-to-Day

10/28/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
The workplace is evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword it s becoming an integral part of how we work. But introducing new skills like AI into the workplace can feel intimidating, both for leadership and employees. The key to success is a thoughtful, engaging appr...

#114 From Motivation to Retention: 5 Steps for a Thriving Workplace

10/14/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Keeping employees motivated and engaged is essential to building a workplace where people thrive, grow, and remain loyal. Retaining top talent is one of the most rewarding outcomes of a strong employee engagement strategy, but it s not always easy. Here are the five best ways to ensure that your ...

#112 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in the Workplace: Empowering Young Voices

9/16/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) aren t just corporate buzzwords they re essential pillars for creating vibrant, innovative, and thriving workplaces. Bringing different perspectives into an organization elevates everything from creativity to problem-solving. But there s one grou...

#111 How to Keep Young Workers Motivated in Today’s Job Climate

9/02/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Keeping young workers motivated in today s job climate can be a challenge, but it s also more important than ever. This is a generation that values purpose, flexibility, and growth, and they bring fresh perspectives and energy to the workplace. They re also quick to move on if they don t feel eng...

#110 What are the steps to measuring the best fit for a job candidate?

8/19/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Hiring the right candidate for a new position is a crucial step for any organization. You don't want to just fill a role; you want to find the best person for the position who will thrive in your company s culture, contribute to the team, and help drive your business forward. Here s a step-by-ste...

#108 Is the Onboarding Process for Interns Different from Onboarding a Direct Hire?

7/22/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Onboarding an intern is quite different from onboarding a direct hire, mainly because of the role s nature, the internship s short duration, and the experience level of interns. Here s how these two processes differ: 1. Purpose and FocusInterns: For interns, the goal is all about learning and gai...