Posts by Ken Somers
Your Managers Aren’t Managing
5 Signs They’ve Become Task Supervisors Instead of People Leaders Most companies don’t have a performance problem. They have a management problem. That may sound harsh, but I see the pattern repeatedly. A good employee gets promoted because they know the business, work hard, and can be trusted to get things done. Suddenly, they’re responsible…
Read MoreBeyond the Breakroom: Redefining Culture for the Distributed Era
For decades, we relied on “accidental culture.” We built camaraderie through hallway run-ins, shared lunches, and the energy of a bustling office floor. But as the world transitioned to hybrid and remote models, many leaders felt the fabric of their organizations begin to fray. The common concern? “How do we keep our culture alive when…
Read MoreThe Return of the Resident: Why “Boomerang Employees” Are Your Best Local Hire
In the tight-knit business community of our region, we’re used to seeing familiar faces. Whether it’s at a local networking event or grabbing coffee downtown, the professional world here often feels like a small circle. Lately, a growing trend is making that circle even more valuable: the Boomerang Employee. A boomerang employee is someone who…
Read MoreHow Employers Can Ensure Inclusive Hiring In a Tough Labor Market
In our currently “frozen” labor market, employers need to be creative in sourcing quality candiates. An overlooked population are those with disabilities. Here are some thoughts on how to tap into this underserved market. Not all suggestions will be attractive to every employer but I think you’ll find some nuggets ion the following. Employers play…
Read MoreThe “Working Manager” Tightrope: Balancing Output and Talent
The transition from Individual Contributor (IC) to management is rarely a clean break. In today’s lean organizations, the “pure” manager is a vanishing breed. Most new leaders find themselves in the role of the Working Manager—tasked with delivering their own high-level technical output while simultaneously being responsible for the growth, performance, and engagement of a…
Read MoreDo You Have Ready-now Successors for your Small to Medium-sized Business?
In small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the departure of a key leader isn’t just a HR “to-do”—it’s a potential existential crisis. Unlike large corporations with deep benches, SMBs often operate with “single-point-of-failure” roles. To ensure your business doesn’t just survive but thrives during a transition, you need more than a name on a piece of…
Read MoreHealth Care Benefits for Small and Medium Employers – Which Approach is Right for You?
Over the last few days, I posted some entries about alternative approaches to health care benefits for small and medium-sized employers. This post is to provide an overview of the two key options and their respective pros and cons. If you’re a small to mid-sized business owner, you’ve probably realized that traditional group health insurance…
Read MoreWhat is a QSEHRA and Why Should My Small Business Consider It as an Alternative to Traditional Health Insurance?
Whether you’re a local coffee shop in Groton or a growing tech firm in Stamford, providing health insurance in Connecticut can be a daunting financial hurdle. Traditional group plans often come with high premiums and rigid structures that don’t fit every small business’ needs or budget. This is where the Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement…
Read MoreThe Better Way to Health Benefits: How ICHRA is Changing the Game for Connecticut Businesses
Over the weekend, I posted a blog about “Managing the Squeeze” of rising health care costs for employers. This brief article expands on the original by further explaining the ICHRA option mentioned in the original post. For years, Connecticut business owners have faced a difficult choice: absorb the double-digit premium hikes of traditional group health…
Read MoreManaging the Squeeze: How SMBs Can Beat Rising Health Care Costs in 2026
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the start of a new year often brings a familiar, unwelcome guest: the double-digit health insurance renewal notice. With average employer health costs projected to surpass $17,000 per employee in 2026, many business owners feel trapped between offering competitive benefits and maintaining a healthy bottom line. The good news?…
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