June 12, 2013
Nonprofit managers often have a tight-knit staff that gets along well and works together to help the organization achieve its mission. However, it can be extremely challenging when one cog in the team isn't pulling his or her weight, and is on last legs with the organization. According to a recent study from CareerBuilder, 32 percent of managers between 25 and 34 years old have an employee they are thinking about letting go and 24 percent over those over the age of 55 agreed.
"It's important that managers be as direct as possible when dealing with employees that, for whatever reason, aren't a good fit for their teams," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.
Managers need to be direct with staff
Getting rid of a member of the team can be especially painful for nonprofits managers, but it's important to be open and honest with these problem employees. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they point out shortcomings in performance to staff members, 21 percent take away responsibilities and 8 percent move the worker to another sector of the organization, but these are passive actions that can anger employees. It's better to just issue a formal warning to staff members who employers are considering firing, which 42 percent of managers said they do.
"Fortunately, a plurality of managers in our survey were open to confronting the situation through a formal discussion or warning; however, some will do nothing at all or even resort to passive aggressive behaviors that can only prolong a negative working arrangement," Haefner said. "It's important that workers be aware of such warning signs and if necessary take steps to improve their situations."
Get staff to reach their potential
Working at a nonprofit is often a labor of love. Many people who are employed at such organizations are at the office long hours with less than favorable pay in a stressful environment. This is why nonprofit managers need to keep their employees motivated at all times. High morale can lead to more donations, better events and improved communication throughout the entire team.
An article for the Harvard Business Review stated unmotivated workers can bring down an organization, especially a nonprofit, so managers have to keep their teams happy. One simple way leaders can do this is doing something that will drive an employee to succeed. Staff members know their managers have their best interest at heart and often respond to what the source calls a theoretical "kick in the pants."
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Working with Marshal Whittey at First Nonprofit has been a great experience. He handles our request as a priority and goes above and beyond to resolve any issues we have in a timely manner. Marshall follows through to the end and ensures our needs are met. He has been a great resource for LSC and our “go to” for any tax questions we may have. With LSC transitioning several facilities into one federal tax identification number, First Nonprofit was able to assist and provide guidance with best practices resolving claims to each entity. Additionally First Nonprofit provided knowledge (information materials) and one on one training to HRS group with best practices to handle claims state adjudicated, fraudulent claims, and appeals. And processing information in the First Nonprofit [unemployment claims] system allows for timely information can be collected.
My experience with FNP has been wonderful. Unemployment in general is quite confusing and FNP has simplified the process for us. Everyone we have reached out to or worked with has been very helpful and follows up to be sure we understand the information. I am so happy we made the switch to FNP!
First Nonprofit smoothed the unemployment perils for our organization during Covid. Without the ability to cap our UI exposure, we would not have been able to weather the storm. The program worked perfectly and we have come out of the pandemic ready to forge on. Thanks FNP!
My experience with the FNP has been fantastic. The idea of setting funds aside for the unemployment tax liability is a bedrock for nonprofit organizations like mine, namely ASHBA; what is even more advantageous is having the FNP as a custodian of those funds. 100% recommended!
I would like to comment on my experience with FNP….to date our District has saved $1,000’s of dollars by being enrolled in the First Nonprofit program. My only regret is that we did not know about this method of paying unemployment tax years ago….as I had figured about five years
ago, had we enrolled 15-20 years ago, we could have saved our small school district upwards of $500,000 in payments to IDES. Also we would have had a pretty hefty sum of money in our Reserve Account. Thankfully I attended a workshop hosted by First Nonprofit back in 2015 which got the ball rolling!
I have worked with the First Non-Profit Team for many years, and I appreciate the quick response and care that Cecilia and the team provides anytime I have questions. While there are other providers that may provide like services, First Nonprofit will always be my first choice! I appreciate you!
First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.
Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!