Workplace Culture & Relationships: Building Connections That Count
Positive workplace relationships are built on trust, respect, and shared responsibility. Often, it is the small, consistent behaviors that have the greatest impact. A timely follow-up. A respectful tone during a disagreement. A willingness to step in and help without being asked.
A strong workplace culture does not mean avoiding challenges or differences of opinion. It means addressing concerns thoughtfully and professionally. Clear expectations, honest conversations, and accountability help create an environment where people feel safe to contribute, collaborate, and do their best work.
Culture is shaped in different ways. Leaders influence it through example. Teams reinforce it through daily habits. Individuals contribute through self-awareness and intentional choices. Every interaction plays a role in the environment we share.
This month offers a simple opportunity to reflect:
• How do my actions support a respectful and collaborative workplace?
• Am I communicating with clarity and kindness, even under pressure?
• Where can I strengthen connection or offer support?
When teams communicate clearly and work with intention, challenges feel more manageable and successes more meaningful. Whether the connection is between coworkers, leaders and teams, or clients and partners- healthy relationships strengthen workplace culture overall.
Workplace culture is not something we wait for others to create. It is something we build together, one interaction at a time.
Easy Monthly Touchpoints
These can be shared via email, chat, or a bulletin board.
Connection Prompts
• What helps you work best with others?
• What is one small habit that improves teamwork?
• Who has made your workday easier recently?
Team Wins
• Write a “This month, we’re proud of…” note.
• Acknowledge a completed project or an improved process.
Encourage engagement in ways that feel comfortable and authentic.
Compliance Update
Overtime Reporting: OMS Uses Box 14 of W-2
Under the new 2025 tax law, a specific portion of your overtime pay (referred to as Qualified Overtime) may be deducted from your federal taxable income. However, employers are not required to separately report overtime wages on the W-2 for 2025.
To make this easier, OMS will report Qualified Overtime in Box 14 of the W-2 this year. Box 14 is traditionally used to provide additional information that does not fit elsewhere on the form. We are labeling box 14 as OT and reporting all Qualified Overtime in this space.
It’s important to note that not all overtime pay is deductible or non-taxable. This change does not affect other taxes or deductions on your paycheck.
Legal Update
DOL Clarifies Applicable Minimum Wage and Tip Compensation for Exempt Commissioned Employees
The FLSA generally requires employers to pay employees at least the federal minimum wage for every hour worked and 1.5 times their regular pay rate for each hour worked over 40 in a workweek. Section 7(i) of the FLSA exempts retail and service establishment employees from overtime pay requirements if their regular rate of pay exceeds 1.5 times the federal minimum wage and their compensation for a representative period is composed of more than 50% commissions.
Monthly Engagement Calendar
Each month, we’ll spotlight a few easy, optional ways to connect, spark conversation, and add a little fun to the workday. Join in whenever it works for you.
February 2nd – Groundhog Day
(A fun excuse to make a prediction and share a laugh)
Engagement ideas:
- Poll: early spring or six more weeks of winter?
- Talk about what season you’re most ready for and why.
February 9th – National Pizza Day
(An easy favorite that everyone has an opinion on)
Engagement ideas:
- Poll: classic toppings or creative combinations?
- Ask people to describe their ideal pizza using only emojis.
February 17th – Random Acts of Kindness Day
(A little kindness goes a long way at work)
Engagement ideas:
- Invite people to share one small kindness they noticed recently.
- Encourage sending a brief thank you message to a coworker or client.
February 26th – National Chili Day
(A favorite that’s inspired to spark conversation)
Engagement ideas:
- Share your famous chili recipe.
- Bring in a pot for lunch; have a blind contest for who makes it the best.