Ascend People

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are under direct attack. Federal policies are rolling back workplace protections, sending a chilling message to organizations: Scale back, or face political consequences. But here’s the reality—our commitment to equity can’t be dictated by shifting political tides. ? At Ascend People, we believe equity is not optional. It’s fundamental to building strong, mission-driven workplaces where people can thrive. Now more than ever, leaders must hold firm, ensuring that equity remains a guiding principle, not just a compliance requirement. ? In our latest article, we explore what it means to lead with equity in this moment—how organizations can reinforce policies, performance management, and employee engagement to safeguard DEI, no matter what. ? The question we must ask ourselves is this: Will we allow political pressure to weaken our resolve, or will we stand firm in our values? ? Let’s talk: How is your organization staying committed to equity in the face of these challenges?

?? To Nonprofit Leaders: Let's navigate an uncertain future together ?? We are in a moment of profound uncertainty in our sector. From shrinking funding streams to unprecedented levels of burnout, the challenges we face don’t just test our missions—they test our people. And now, with legislation like H.R. 9495 on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. In a letter to the field, our CEO & Founder, Whitney Herrington, shares reflections on these challenges and explores how we can move forward with resilience and purpose. Here's a brief snippet: "HR’s role has shifted from operational to existential. It’s no longer just about hiring or payroll; it’s about navigating existential questions of survival, ethics, and leadership." This is not an easy moment for any of us. But as leaders, we have the power to make decisions that center well-being, equity, and collaboration—even in the face of uncertainty. ?? Read the full letter and join the conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gispx9zT Let’s support each other as we navigate this storm together. ??

Is your organization offering a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) this year? If you can't afford a COLA, what can you do? With inflation rising, many mission-driven organizations are grappling with how to support their dedicated teams while managing tight budgets. COLAs can be a vital tool to ensure your staff’s compensation keeps pace with economic realities, boosting morale and retaining top talent. But what if your budget can’t accommodate a full COLA? Here are some creative alternatives to consider: - One-time bonuses to help offset rising costs - Additional paid time off to support work-life balance - Flexible work arrangements to reduce commuting and related expenses - Professional development opportunities as a non-monetary way to invest in staff growth - Wellness benefits like mental health support or stipends for home office equipment These options demonstrate that even in tough financial times, your organization values its people and is committed to their well-being. ?? Read the article on our blog: https://lnkd.in/ejywXJHV #NonprofitLeadership #HRStrategies

Attention nonprofit leaders. Don't miss this important opportunity! October 28-31, our CEO, Whitney Herrington will deliver a FREE 4-day class on nonprofit compensation. You'll receive four, 5-minute videos right to your inbox. Register at: https://lnkd.in/g6z7wsvu Transform how you approach compensation—and see the impact on retention, equity, and fairness across your organization. Day 1: Understanding Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) Boost retention and fairness, even on a limited budget. Day 2: Using Compensation Surveys for Fair Pay Ensure competitive wages without reinforcing inequities. Day 3: Handling Employee Pay Complaints Navigate tricky conversations with clarity and transparency. Day 4: Implementing Performance-Based Pay Reward staff while maintaining equity and collaboration. We look forward to the conversation!

? Big News! We’re excited to announce the launch of our Individual Job Pricing service, created specifically to help nonprofit organizations make salary decisions with confidence. ?? Check it out at: https://lnkd.in/e_zvPqqZ We know how tough it can be to set fair, competitive pay with limited resources. That’s why, for a super affordable cost, you can now get a custom salary report tailored to your unique role, complete with expert analysis and trusted data—all delivered in just 72 hours. We’ve designed this service to be accessible, fast, and impactful, so your team can focus on what really matters: your mission. ?? Help us spread the word! If you know nonprofit leaders or HR teams struggling with salary decisions, share this post and let them know there’s an affordable, data-driven solution. #NewService #NonprofitHR #SalaryDecisions #CompensationStrategy #MissionDriven

In any mission-driven organization, toxic employees can undermine trust, morale, and productivity. In this new article, Ascend People’s CEO, Whitney Herrington, explores actionable steps leaders can take to restore a positive team culture and tackle toxic dynamics head-on. Whitney shares insights on how leaders can foster trust, rebuild collaboration, and ensure every team member feels valued. Read the full article to learn how to turn workplace challenges into opportunities for growth. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive, effective environment for your team. #Nonprofits #Leadership #HR #ToxicEmployees #WorkplaceCulture #DiversityAndInclusion #MissionDriven #TeamBuilding

??? Support Your Staff with a Voting Leave Policy??? With elections around the corner, it’s crucial to ensure your team has the time and support to participate in this vital civic duty. Implementing a voting leave policy not only aligns with your mission but also demonstrates a strong commitment to equity and justice. ?? Read our latest blog on why a voting leave policy matters and how it can boost employee engagement and morale. Plus, download your free guide to get started! https://lnkd.in/eaT_F7UA Let’s empower our teams and our communities—one vote at a time. #HR #VotingRights #CivicEngagement #Equity #WorkplaceCulture #AscendPeople

? With the November elections just days away, it’s more important than ever to empower your team to make their voices heard! At Ascend People, we believe that supporting staff in exercising their right to vote is not just about providing time off—it’s about living out our values of equity, inclusion, and civic engagement. ?? That's why we've developed a comprehensive Voting Leave Policy Guide. This resource offers actionable insights and sample language to help you create a policy that encourages voter participation, whether your team votes in-person or by mail. By providing paid time off for voting, you: Honor the history and continued struggle for voting rights. Acknowledge the real impact that elected officials have on our communities. Foster a culture that prioritizes civic engagement and social responsibility. ?? Don't wait—November 5th is almost here. Let’s ensure every team member has the time they need to participate fully in our democracy. ?? Download the guide now and take a step towards building a more inclusive and engaged workplace: https://lnkd.in/ebrshzNu #VotingLeave #CivicEngagement #DEIJ #NonprofitLeadership #HRBestPractices #Elections2024

Is Your Organization Ready for Seasonal Attendance Challenges? Seasonal changes can bring big challenges for teams, from winter weather disruptions to holiday scheduling conflicts and staff burnout. ????? Our latest blog explores practical HR strategies to keep your organization’s mission on track—while supporting your staff’s well-being and flexibility. Learn how to address: ? Weather-related attendance issues ? Holiday time-off management ? Parental responsibilities during the school year ? Mental health and burnout prevention Check it out and discover how to build a resilient, engaged team year-round. ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/emZ7FagF #NonprofitHR #EmployeeWellbeing #AscendPeople #NonprofitLeadership #DEI #HRBestPractices

Feel Like You’re Parenting Younger Employees? (You’re Not Alone) In our evolving nonprofit landscape, the generational gap between seasoned managers and their millennial or Gen Z team members can often leave leaders feeling more like parents than supervisors. Here's the short version of our latest blog. ?? Key Challenges of Younger Employees: Entitlement: They have expectations of rapid promotions and salary increases. Manipulation: They sometimes leverage their emotions or threats of public exposure and internal strife for more favorable terms. Emotional Toll: They often need continuous (affirming) feedback and validation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating this new terrain. Dive into our blog to explore these issues and find effective solutions tailored for nonprofit leaders. ?? Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/gnPXxGsi