Helping Clients Recruit & Certify Virtual Employees • Helping Clients Right Staff & Save Money • Strategic Staffing • Speaker & 4x Best Selling Author • Founder & CEO of HireSmart Virtual Employees & HireSmart Careshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annelackey   Quick recap Summary Hire Smart Virtual Employees Business Discussion Michael and Anne talked about Anne's business, Hire Smart Virtual Employees. The co-founder, Anne, explained that the company was born out of a need to solve labor problems for small to medium businesses. She and her husband, both serial entrepreneurs, identified a problem when a key employee unexpectedly quit during their vacation, prompting Anne to seek a more cost-effective and efficient way to hire staff. The conversation was organic and open-ended, with Michael guiding the discussion and Anne sharing her experiences and insights. Addressing Employee Departures and Workplace Culture Michael expressed his frustration over an employee's decision to leave the organization during his boss's first vacation in seven years. He emphasized that such actions can negatively impact the perception of workplace culture and the credibility of employees who genuinely experience toxic work environments. Michael also highlighted the importance of considering the timing of significant decisions, as they can significantly impact the organization's reputation and employee morale. Virtual Employee Service Benefits and Personalization Michael and Anne discussed the benefits of their virtual employee service, Hire Smart Virtual Employees. They highlighted the cost-effectiveness of hiring multiple virtual employees for the price of one US employee, allowing businesses to build a bench of talent. Anne emphasized the personalized approach of their service, recruiting the best talent for each client and ensuring their virtual employees embody the client's culture and values. She also noted that their service supports US workers, leading to a better work culture and reduced stress. Michael agreed, stating that their service solves a real problem for organizations by providing business continuity and allowing employees to take vacations without worrying about work getting done. Virtual Employees and Business Growth Strategies Anne and Michael discussed the benefits of hiring virtual employees for businesses, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive work environment and reducing burnout. Anne shared her experience of having a long-term virtual employee and the positive impact on her business. They also discussed the importance of holistically building relationships and taking care of employees. Michael agreed, highlighting the need for companies to hire before they're ready and the value of having an "all-stars" team. They concluded by emphasizing the need for businesses to recognize their limitations and delegate tasks effectively to maintain productivity and growth. Remote Work Challenges and Productivity Strategies Michael and Anne discussed the challenges of remote work and management. Michael emphasized the importance of productivity and avoiding frustration by outsourcing tasks that others could do more efficiently. Anne agreed that remote workers should be treated similarly to in-office employees, with clear communication and expectations. She also highlighted the benefits of using technology for training and recording sessions and the importance of cultivating a communication culture in remote work environments. Managing Remote Staff and Onboarding Strategies Anne emphasized the importance of clear expectations and quantitative measures in managing remote staff. She suggested setting specific goals and tasks for each role can help self-select employees meet expectations or seek help. Anne also highlighted the significance of onboarding in retaining employees, citing a statistic that employees who receive proper onboarding are more likely to stay longer than a year. Michael shared a re