From equity programs that reach beyond the C-suite to ESG-linked incentives and faster vesting schedules, today’s compensation strategies demand a smarter, more balanced approach.

In our latest blog, we break down the biggest trends shaping executive pay and how to design programs that truly attract, retain, and motivate top leaders.

Ensuring timely final paychecks is a key compliance responsibility when an employee leaves your company. For CEOs managing teams across multiple states, understanding varying state laws, some requiring immediate payment, is essential to avoid legal pitfalls.

When an employee is injured at work, how you respond can make all the difference, for their recovery, your team’s morale, and your organization’s compliance. This guide walks leaders through the essential steps to ensure safety, support, and adherence to workplace injury protocols.

A Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) isn’t just another compliance checklist item, it’s a critical part of protecting your team and your business. CA OSHA requires employers to not only establish a WVPP, but to train employees initially, annually, and whenever new risks arise. Beyond compliance, a strong WVPP builds trust, improves employee confidence, and reduces risk across the organization.

Employee engagement isn’t just a nice to have, it’s a proven profit driver. Yet last year, engagement dropped to just 21%, costing the global economy $438 billion in lost productivity. The good news? One of the fastest, most impactful ways to turn the tide starts with something free, simple, and entirely in your control: daily appreciation and recognition.

AI is transforming the workplace, especially in HR, where it’s streamlining tasks like recruiting, onboarding, and internal communication. But while AI offers speed and efficiency, it also introduces serious risks, especially when sensitive employee data is involved or when leaders rely too heavily on AI for compliance decisions. At Rising Tide HR, we believe AI should support, not replace, human judgment, and we help businesses use it thoughtfully and responsibly.

Whether you're hiring your first employee or managing a growing team, staying compliant with employment eligibility laws is critical. In the U.S., two foundational tools for compliance are Form I-9 and E-Verify. If these aren’t used correctly, or are overlooked entirely, you may be exposing your business to serious legal and financial risks. With increased focus on immigration enforcement and workplace audits, now is the time to review your processes and ensure your team is set up for success.

Planning parental leave can often feel like navigating a maze—but understanding how California Paid Family Leave (PFL) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) work together can bring much-needed clarity. Whether you're an employee figuring out your leave timeline or an employer supporting your team and managing LOA-related payroll, knowing the ins and outs of these programs makes all the difference.

Employee engagement surveys aren’t just a ‘nice to have’, they’re a strategic must. These surveys give your team a voice, uncover what’s working (and what’s not), and provide the insight needed to build a culture where people want to stay. In this post, we break down how to launch a meaningful survey without spending a dime, plus 100 sample questions and tips for turning feedback into action.

Rising Tide HR is proud to celebrate five years of impact with our incredible client, The Farmlink Project! From rescuing over 300 million pounds of food to providing 250 million meals and responding to natural disasters, their mission continues to change lives. We’re honored to support their passionate team with HR strategy and culture as they fight food insecurity and reduce waste nationwide.

Rising Tide HR is incredibly honored to be recognized by BambooHR as a trusted partner! This means so much to us, as we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with BambooHR for years, empowering small to medium-sized businesses with strategic HR expertise and innovative technology to streamline their processes and elevate their employee experience.

Since 2023, Rising Tide HR has proudly supported Little Sprout Daycare’s expansion by managing HR operations and building scalable, compliant systems that empower their team. Hear from CEO Katy Gilbert about how our personalized HR solutions have driven their growth!

We’re excited to announce that Rising Tide HR is now the preferred HR and payroll partner for the California Realtors Association (CAR)! This partnership allows us to support over 200,000 real estate professionals in streamlining HR functions, staying compliant, and fostering strong workplace cultures across California.

As we wrap up 2024, we’re celebrating a year of incredible growth and innovation at Rising Tide HR. From expanding our team and hiring over 400 positions for clients to launching impactful leadership programs and streamlining systems, this year has been all about driving meaningful change.

Investing in employee training and development is crucial for small businesses to attract and retain talent while staying competitive in a fast-paced market. Training not only enhances skills and productivity but also fosters engagement, job satisfaction, and team cohesion, reducing costly turnover. By empowering employees with tools to grow and adapt, small businesses can drive innovation, boost performance, and achieve long-term success.

As the year-end approaches, businesses need to focus on key HR tasks to ensure compliance, maintain employee engagement, and foster a positive workplace culture. From updating policies and auditing employee data to planning benefits and conducting performance reviews, preparing now will set the stage for a successful year ahead. Rising Tide HR can provide expert support to help businesses navigate these processes smoothly, ensuring compliance and building a strong foundation for long-term growth. Reach out today to ensure your business is prepared for success in the new year.

As Election Day approaches, it's essential for businesses to prepare by staying informed about voting leave laws. Nearly every state requires employers to provide time off for employees to vote, and many mandate that this time be paid. By educating your workforce about their rights and managing election-related discussions, you can ensure a smooth Election Day with minimal disruptions. Check out our latest blog for tips on navigating this important time and creating a supportive, distraction-free workplace.

Understanding the importance of leave of absences is crucial for any business. When employees take time off, it's not just about stepping away from work—it's about giving them the chance to rest, recharge, and address personal needs. Whether for health reasons, family responsibilities, or personal growth, these breaks can significantly improve an employee's well-being and, in turn, their productivity and engagement when they return.

Leadership is all about making the most of your time and staying focused on what truly matters. At Rising Tide HR, we're here to help you do just that! Discover how our leadership coaching and support can elevate your productivity, sharpen your decision-making, and help you lead with confidence.

California’s Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has approved the Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment Standard, now in effect as of July 23, 2024. This standard mandates safety measures for indoor workplaces when temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit, aiming to protect workers from excessive heat.