Author Posts

Pepper Russell, IOM

Director, YES Workforce Solutions

#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...

#107 Maximizing Mentorship: Fostering Growth in Young Employees

7/08/2024Pepper Russell, IOM
Mentorship is a powerful tool in the workplace, especially when it comes to fostering growth among young employees. These emerging professionals bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, but they also need guidance to navigate their careers effectively. By investing in a robust mentorship program,...