Blog - Somers HR Solutions

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…

Employment Law Changes Taking Effect in Q1 2026 — What Employers Need to Know, 2026

As we close out 2025 and move into the first quarter of 2026, employers operating across multiple Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states are facing a significant wave of employment law updates that will impact compliance, payroll, benefits administration, and workplace policies. From minimum wage increases to paid leave expansions and pay transparency obligations, this post breaks…

Managing Performance Review Conversations: A Guide for Managers

For many organizations, that time is of year is rapidly approaching – the annual performance review. The phrase “performance conversation” often brings a sense of dread to managers. However, reframing your mindset from judge to coach can transform these challenging situations into opportunities for development and growth. Shift your perspective. A performance review should be…

4 Perks Your Business Can Offer to Motivate Employees and Boost Retention

Sure, health and dental are nice perks of employment, and some people truly still do get excited about 401(k) matches. Yet, employers are finding it increasingly difficult to motivate and retain employees with these traditional offerings. If you know all too well about the struggle associated with attracting, impressing, and retaining top talent, it may…

Steven Howard and I Discuss the Characteristics of Great Leadership

Data Privacy & Human Resources – Part 2

Vasilieia Lellou continues to offer insights and guidance for HR professionals as they address data privacy challenges in this age of COVID.

Beyond 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…

The 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…

How 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…

The “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…

Do 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…

Health 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…

What 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…

The 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…

Managing 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?…