There are so many unique and wonderful ways to recognize International Women’s Day, a day recognized around the world “celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” The day also stands for a call to action to accelerate gender parity.
One way to mark the occasion is by picking up a great read by a female author. The Book Club has picked a wide range of books ranging from nonfiction guides to inspire strategic communication to fictitious plots about estate plans. This month I’m adding Brave Not Perfect, by lawyer and political activist Reshma Saujani, to the digital bookshelf. I recommend this text to all taking on a challenge, but especially nonprofit leaders. Saujani is also the founder and CEO of the tech nonprofit, Girls Who Code. With this background of working to inspire and support women in the tech industry, she’s penned a gorgeous, influential book on daring to take a chance. Saujani takes her own experiences and encourages readers to seize the opportunity to fail and then build resilience off of those experiences. Her drive to build gender equality in tech is clear, as is her feminist message about casting off the expectation of perfection.
Nonprofit leaders, like Saujani, will undoubtedly appreciate the encouraging boost from this book to surpass all the hurdles that go into forming and building a mission-driven, successful entity.
What are your thoughts on Brave Not Perfect? I would love to hear them! Also, if the book inspires you to make certain you have a valid estate plan in place so that you can disperse your estate in accordance with your wishes, don’t hesitate to contact me! You can also get started on your estate plan with my free, no-obligation Estate Plan Questionnaire.
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Screen-Shot-2019-03-23-at-10.55.16-PM.png6811047Gordon Fischerhttps://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.pngGordon Fischer2020-03-08 17:49:562020-05-18 11:28:34GoFisch Book Club: Brave Not Perfect
Estate planning documents express your wishes in the event of your disability or death. However, estate planning documents must follow certain formalities to be legally enforceable. If your estate planning documents lack these formalities, they may not be enforceable, which could be disastrous for your loved ones and beneficiaries.
Maker (testator) must be at least 18 years of age or married;
Maker must be of “sound mind”;
Will must be written;
Will must be signed by maker in presence of at least two competent witnesses, at least 16 years of age, who also sign in presence of maker and each other; and,
Maker must tell the witnesses it is his or her will.
Formalities Matter
It is important to have a reputable legal professional handle your estate planning. If you don’t, you risk missing one or more legal formalities, which might make your entire estate plan worthless. For this reason, avoid creating a will, or for that matter any estate planning documents, through an online service.
Starting an estate plan may seem like a daunting chore, but it doesn’t have to be. The easiest place to start is with my free, no-obligation Estate Plan Questionnaire. Of course, you may always reach out to me at any time with any questions or concerns.
If you manage a nonprofit undoubtedly you recognize that the mission couldn’t be driven forward without the hard work by talented staffers. Indeed, human capital is typically a nonprofit’s greatest asset! Today is National Employee Appreciation Day and the perfect chance to remind your employees that they make a difference. This is also an optimal chance to invest in employee retention; when you find the right people that work well as a team, believe in the mission, and have an admirable work ethic, it is important to keep them happy and engaged.
The nonprofit employee turnover rate is equal to other industries at about 19%. But, unlike other industries, the good news is that 93% of nonprofit employees say they are engaged at work which is three times that of other industries. More good news? 85% of employees who made the switch from a for-profit company to a nonprofit said they planned to continue working in the nonprofit sector long term.
Sure it’s kind of old school and basic, but a suggestion box can still give employees a chance to share their opinions to make the workplace better. Staffers appreciate the opportunity for another avenue of communication, and acknowledging legit concerns and ideas can only help the organization improve!
Build a Better Break Room
Everyone needs a place to take a breather throughout the workday. Whether it’s swapping stories over lunch or sharing posters for upcoming community events, the break room should be inviting, clean, and comfortable. Take a hard look at the status of the break room and determine if furniture should be replaced, decor redone, or appliances upgraded. Even fresh flowers or an improvement in the type of coffee/tea provided can give morale a boost.
We all loved to be recognized for our achievements, big and small, so do the bragging for your team. Without a doubt, your employees are doing wonderful things outside of the office from starring in the community theater production to coaching their kid’s sports team. Whether it’s a fun, quarterly recognition “party” or a “star wall” where you post compliments/accolades, find what fits with your organization’s culture. This also shows your team you care about them as people, not just as employees.
Thanks a Million!
It may seem obvious, but a simple thank you note can go a long way. Make it handwritten on a nice friendly actual card and it will speak volumes compared to the slog of usual emails.
Little rewards for a job well done like a gift card to the movie theater or providing free pizza in the break room just because. Who doesn’t love an unexpected surprise treat? You can also consider career-related rewards, like paying for an employee’s online class of choice or sending them to an industry conference/event. This illustrates your commitment to investing in their continued education and benefits the nonprofit as well!
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Screen-Shot-2019-03-02-at-3.34.17-PM.png6541019Gordon Fischerhttps://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.pngGordon Fischer2020-03-06 13:04:162020-05-18 11:28:34Employee Appreciation Day: How to Show Your Nonprofit Staffers You Care
GoFisch Book Club: Brave Not Perfect
Book ClubThere are so many unique and wonderful ways to recognize International Women’s Day, a day recognized around the world “celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” The day also stands for a call to action to accelerate gender parity.
One way to mark the occasion is by picking up a great read by a female author. The Book Club has picked a wide range of books ranging from nonfiction guides to inspire strategic communication to fictitious plots about estate plans. This month I’m adding Brave Not Perfect, by lawyer and political activist Reshma Saujani, to the digital bookshelf. I recommend this text to all taking on a challenge, but especially nonprofit leaders. Saujani is also the founder and CEO of the tech nonprofit, Girls Who Code. With this background of working to inspire and support women in the tech industry, she’s penned a gorgeous, influential book on daring to take a chance. Saujani takes her own experiences and encourages readers to seize the opportunity to fail and then build resilience off of those experiences. Her drive to build gender equality in tech is clear, as is her feminist message about casting off the expectation of perfection.
Nonprofit leaders, like Saujani, will undoubtedly appreciate the encouraging boost from this book to surpass all the hurdles that go into forming and building a mission-driven, successful entity.
What are your thoughts on Brave Not Perfect? I would love to hear them! Also, if the book inspires you to make certain you have a valid estate plan in place so that you can disperse your estate in accordance with your wishes, don’t hesitate to contact me! You can also get started on your estate plan with my free, no-obligation Estate Plan Questionnaire.
Estate Planning Considerations: Requisite Formalities
Estates & Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts & EstatesEstate planning documents express your wishes in the event of your disability or death. However, estate planning documents must follow certain formalities to be legally enforceable. If your estate planning documents lack these formalities, they may not be enforceable, which could be disastrous for your loved ones and beneficiaries.
Iowa Requirements
Keep in mind estate planning requirements vary state by state. Let’s look at a Last Will and Testament, just one of six “must have” estate planning documents every Iowan needs. For a will to be valid in Iowa, it must comply with these requirements:
Formalities Matter
It is important to have a reputable legal professional handle your estate planning. If you don’t, you risk missing one or more legal formalities, which might make your entire estate plan worthless. For this reason, avoid creating a will, or for that matter any estate planning documents, through an online service.
Starting an estate plan may seem like a daunting chore, but it doesn’t have to be. The easiest place to start is with my free, no-obligation Estate Plan Questionnaire. Of course, you may always reach out to me at any time with any questions or concerns.
Employee Appreciation Day: How to Show Your Nonprofit Staffers You Care
Employment Law, NonprofitsIf you manage a nonprofit undoubtedly you recognize that the mission couldn’t be driven forward without the hard work by talented staffers. Indeed, human capital is typically a nonprofit’s greatest asset! Today is National Employee Appreciation Day and the perfect chance to remind your employees that they make a difference. This is also an optimal chance to invest in employee retention; when you find the right people that work well as a team, believe in the mission, and have an admirable work ethic, it is important to keep them happy and engaged.
The nonprofit employee turnover rate is equal to other industries at about 19%. But, unlike other industries, the good news is that 93% of nonprofit employees say they are engaged at work which is three times that of other industries. More good news? 85% of employees who made the switch from a for-profit company to a nonprofit said they planned to continue working in the nonprofit sector long term.
When it comes to nonprofit employment law best practices like an updated employee handbook and quality contracts are essential. But, taking care of your business beyond legal documents is also incredibly important. Here are a few easy ways to invest in your staffers on Employee Appreciation Day and every day:
Break out the Suggestion Box
Sure it’s kind of old school and basic, but a suggestion box can still give employees a chance to share their opinions to make the workplace better. Staffers appreciate the opportunity for another avenue of communication, and acknowledging legit concerns and ideas can only help the organization improve!
Build a Better Break Room
Everyone needs a place to take a breather throughout the workday. Whether it’s swapping stories over lunch or sharing posters for upcoming community events, the break room should be inviting, clean, and comfortable. Take a hard look at the status of the break room and determine if furniture should be replaced, decor redone, or appliances upgraded. Even fresh flowers or an improvement in the type of coffee/tea provided can give morale a boost.
A Little Recognition Goes a Long Way
We all loved to be recognized for our achievements, big and small, so do the bragging for your team. Without a doubt, your employees are doing wonderful things outside of the office from starring in the community theater production to coaching their kid’s sports team. Whether it’s a fun, quarterly recognition “party” or a “star wall” where you post compliments/accolades, find what fits with your organization’s culture. This also shows your team you care about them as people, not just as employees.
Thanks a Million!
It may seem obvious, but a simple thank you note can go a long way. Make it handwritten on a nice friendly actual card and it will speak volumes compared to the slog of usual emails.
Fun & Career-Based Rewards
Little rewards for a job well done like a gift card to the movie theater or providing free pizza in the break room just because. Who doesn’t love an unexpected surprise treat? You can also consider career-related rewards, like paying for an employee’s online class of choice or sending them to an industry conference/event. This illustrates your commitment to investing in their continued education and benefits the nonprofit as well!
Any questions related to smart employment practices at your nonprofit? What are your best ideas to celebrate National Employee Appreciation Day? Don’t hesitate to contact me at gordon@gordonfischerlawfirm.com or by phone at 515-371-6077.