Riia O'Donnell

Riia O’Donnell is a Human Resource professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience in every discipline of the field. A subject matter expert, she has written for the online HR market for over 8 years. Her first job, at age 15, was working the early morning shift at a local bakery on weekends.

385 articles

The Unintended Negative Effects of Diversity and Inclusion Training (And How to Avoid Them)

Diversity and inclusion are buzzwords floating around Silicon Valley and beyond. But when does this training help and when does it hurt?

How to Boost Participation in Your Workplace Wellness Program

Even the best wellness program is worthless if no one is participating. So how do you boost participation in your workplace wellness program?

The What, Why, and How of VTO Policies

Corporate social responsibility has been trending for years, allowing companies to boost their brand in the marketplace and garner loyalty among consumers. VTO policies allow employees to get in on the action and feel good about themselves and their employer.

Businesses Rely More Heavily on Contingent Workers, Complicating Compliance

As the gig economy continues to grow, businesses are relying more heavily on contingent workers. Here's what to consider before turning to contractors.

The Shift from Employee Engagement to Employee Experience

There's a new buzz around the employee experience, and for good reason. Here, we'll dive into the shift from employee engagement to experience.

The Case for an Employee Handbook Acknowledgment Form

It takes a lot to craft an employee handbook-- and your finished product is almost irrelevant without an employee handbook acknowledgment form. Here's why.

Proposed Legislation Helps SMBs Offer 401(k)s

New 401(k) legislation could help small and midsize businesses offer better retirement plans. Here's what you need to know.

The Prospect of Benefit Pools Excites Small Businesses

Small businesses give much of their budget to healthcare costs. However, this proposed bill on benefits pools could help them compete with large companies.

How Much PTO Should You Offer? It May Vary by Industry

How much PTO is just the right amount? Check out the average vacation days by industry.

12 Questions to Ask when Outsourcing Payroll

Finding the right payroll provider requires time, research, and all the right questions. Here are some questions to ask when outsourcing payroll.