National Work and Family Month: The Person Behind the Employee
National Work and Family Month offers an opportunity to think about what happens when we make a little room for the whole person.
We spend a lot of time talking about employees in terms of their roles: the manager, the receptionist, the salesperson; but behind every job title is a person with a life that doesn't stop when the workday begins. Work you comes in at 8:00. Real-life you shows up after 5:00. But they're the same person. The person who spent the morning trying to get everyone out the door may be the person sitting in your meeting at 9:00. The person answering emails may also be thinking about a doctor's appointment, a parent who needs help, a pet at home alone, dinner, a home repair or the vacation they're desperately looking forward to. We don't need to know every detail of someone's personal life. We simply need to remember that there is a personal life. That distinction is important.
Employees may be parents, caregivers, spouses, students or people who just need a little time to recharge. They bring all of those experiences with them to work, even if they never mention them.
This doesn’t mean managers need to become therapists, friends or personal problem-solvers. It's about creating enough humanity in the workplace for people to be people. We bring more to work than our job title.
We don’t have to choose work or life; sometimes "balance" means making room, not dividing time equally. Having room for the things that make us feel like ourselves can make work feel more sustainable.
Supporting employees doesn't mean putting business needs second or creating a workplace where every personal request must be accommodated. Businesses still require people to show up, meet expectations, serve customers and get the job done. However, not everything important has to be productive. The goal is something more practical: recognizing that employees have responsibilities and priorities outside of work and looking for reasonable ways to allow both to coexist. Real life rarely divides itself neatly between work and everything else.
These aren't just acts of kindness. They can also be smart business practices. Like encouraging people to actually use their available time off and allowing them to disconnect while out of the office; most importantly, ensuring subtle cues don’t make them feel guilty about it. Avoiding the expectation that everyone should be reachable at all hours. Or having an honest conversation when someone's workload has become unrealistic.
When people have opportunities to recharge, they may return with more energy and focus. And when employees believe their employer recognizes them as people rather than positions that need to be filled, it can strengthen the work relationships.
Reflection: Take a second look at “always available.” Are after-hour calls, emails or messages truly necessary or have they become habitual?
Easy Monthly Touchpoints
These can be shared via email, chat or a bulletin board.
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Celebrate the little things - Give employees an opportunity to share something small they're enjoying: a new hobby, a favorite show, a good book, a weekend project or a place they're planning to visit.
- Model the behavior - Managers can make a difference by demonstrating healthy boundaries themselves. Taking PTO, leaving on time when possible and disconnecting after hours sends a stronger message than a policy ever could.
- What would you like to make room for? - Invite employees to share something they'd like more time for this month: family, friends, rest, a favorite activity or absolutely nothing.
Sometimes making reasonable room for life is what helps people continue doing their best work. Understanding the whole person can actually support retention, engagement, communication and all while still maintaining accountability and business needs.
Compliance Update
Authenticating Form I-9 Identity and Employment Eligibility Documents
Checking a new hire's ID isn't just a formality anymore. With immigration enforcement activity on the rise, employers are under more scrutiny for how they review and accept I-9 documents. This article breaks down what "reasonably appears genuine" actually means and where employers most often trip up.
Why it matters: Handling a document the wrong way, whether you accept a bad one or wrongly reject a good one, can expose you to fines or a discrimination claim. Make sure whoever handles onboarding knows the rules.
Legal Update
DOL Confirms Supervisors Cannot Participate in Tip Pools
The DOL just weighed in on a tricky tip pool question. If a supervisor also works a shift as a bartender or server, can they keep a share of the pooled tips? The agency's answer is no, not if that person meets the executive duties test, even while working a tipped role.
Why it matters: If any of your supervisors pick up shifts alongside tipped staff, this ruling directly affects your tip pool setup. Now is the time to review those arrangements before one turns into a wage claim.
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.
October 16th – Natl Boss’s Day
(Behind every team is someone keeping things moving.)
Engagement ideas:
- Poll: Ask employees to describe their manager or supervisor using one word. Collect the responses and share the most common ones.
- Conversation starter: Give employees the opportunity to share one thing they appreciate about their manager or supervisor. Responses can be shared publicly or collected anonymously.
October 24th – Natl Make a Difference Day
(Be the reason someone’s day is a little better.)
Engagement ideas:
- Poll: Which makes the biggest difference at work? A thank-you, helping hand, kind word, being listened to or recognition.
- Conversation starter: Ask employees, what’s one small thing someone has done for you that made your day better?
October 28th – Natl First Responders Day
(A moment to recognize the people who answer the call.)
Engagement ideas:
- Poll: Which first responder skill do you think would be most useful in your everyday life?" Choices could include Staying Calm Under Pressure, Quick Decision-Making, Teamwork, Communication, Problem-Solving or Being Prepared.
- Conversation starter: Invite employees to share a short thank-you message for a first responder they know or simply for first responders in their community. This can be done on a physical board, shared document or team chat.
October 30th – Natl Treat Day
(Life is short…have the treat.)
Engagement ideas:
- Poll: Chocolate or fruity? Sweet or salty? Candy or baked goods? Crunchy or chewy? Share the winning choices.
- Conversation starter: If calories didn't count and you could have one treat right now, what would it be?