As of September 30, 2025, federal contractors once again face the uncertainty of a possible government shutdown. If Congress does not reach a budget agreement, agencies will shut down operations that are not deemed “excepted,” which immediately impacts thousands of contractors nationwide. For businesses that rely on federal contracts, shutdowns are disruptive and stressful, raising questions about employee pay, benefits, contract performance, and overall business continuity. While no organization can control the political process, HR and business leaders can control how they respond. This article outlines the critical steps to take in the event of a government shutdown, helping to protect both your workforce and your business.

Communicating an employee separation is never easy. This article distills five practical steps—planning, delivering the message with direct compassion, preserving dignity, addressing the team, and standardizing your approach—so leaders reduce legal risk, protect culture, and help people transition respectfully while keeping the business moving.

Many managers experience a professional "light bulb" moment when they discover the transformative power of effective feedback. This revelation goes beyond simply offering organized, objective input. Good feedback is about supporting employees, deepening professional trust, and directly impacting company retention and engagement through intentional professional development.

Every company lives and dies on its reputation. This is why businesses invest so heavily in marketing, working hard to grow their reputation and build brand awareness.

From the first cry we make as an infant to the meeting you had with your team yesterday, the ability to communicate effectively directly impacts outcomes. Your success in navigating relationships with others and conveying salient points in business communications directly impact results, both for you personally and for your business. Those interpersonal communication skills are the true key to success.