For many small businesses and nonprofit organizations, onboarding is often treated as a quick administrative step – forms, policies, maybe a quick tour – and then the new hire is expected to jump right in. But that approach is costing your organization more than you think. Onboarding isn’t just about the paperwork—it’s one of your most powerful (and often overlooked) retention strategies. The Reality: Retention Is a Challenge for Small Teams Small businesses and nonprofits ex

Nonprofits often rely on interns to support their missions. These arrangements can often be mutually beneficial– they provide meaningful learning opportunities for the interns and, in turn, the interns help organizations expand their capacity. It is extremely important, however, that internship opportunities are structured carefully so that they remain compliant with employment laws. A common misconception is that simply being a nonprofit—or labeling a payment as a “stipend”—

For many nonprofits and small businesses, written workplace policies can feel unnecessary (or even intimidating). When teams are small, relationships are close, and everyone shares a common mission, it’s easy to rely on verbal agreements, shared understanding, and a “we’ll figure it out as we go” plan. And for a while, it works. Until it doesn’t. At some point, growth, turnover, or a single uncomfortable situation expose the difficult truth: what feels flexible and informal o

For nonprofits and small businesses, the start of a new year is often a balancing act. You’re managing tight budgets, small teams, and big expectations while staying focused on your mission or growing your organization. HR may not always feel like the top priority, but the right people practices can make or break your success in 2026. As the new year begins, here are the key HR priorities nonprofits and small businesses should consider when setting their 2026 agenda. Align HR