Livingston, NJ — The Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) is excited to announce the addition of Britni Orcutt as our new Member Engagement Manager.

Britni brings over 20 years of experience in business ownership, public service, and economic development. In this newly created role, she will be the primary point of contact for both current and prospective members, working to strengthen member relations, raise awareness of EANJ’s expanding benefits and services, and ensure our support is tailored to each member’s industry, size, and business needs.

She will also work closely with EANJ’s internal team to turn employer feedback into actionable improvements across programs and services.

“Britni’s unique combination of experience as a business owner, elected official, and economic development leader, makes her an ideal fit for EANJ,” said Christine Myers, President of EANJ. “Her ability to build real connections, solve problems, and deliver results will be a tremendous asset to our members.”

Prior to joining EANJ, Britni served as an Economic Development Specialist at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, where she drove new engagement strategies and business support initiatives.

Britni also serves as an elected Councilwoman in the Borough of Butler, where she champions economic development and serves as liaison to the borough’s water and electric utilities. Britni is also a member of the New Jersey League of Municipalities Legislative Committee.

As an entrepreneur, Britni has founded and operated several small businesses. Her strengths in building strategic relationships, event planning, and policy advocacy will further EANJ’s mission to empower New Jersey employers.

How Community Hope Unlocked Significant 401(k) Savings with EANJ’s Retirement Advantage

At the heart of every strong community is a network of organizations committed to doing good. Community Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Parsippany, NJ, exemplifies this spirit. With a mission to be a beacon of hope for individuals facing homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders, Community Hope has been transforming lives since 1985. Today, they serve more than 1,450 individuals annually, including over 1,300 veterans and their families.

Behind their impactful work is a team of 170 dedicated employees, and like many employers, Community Hope sought to maximize resources while continuing to invest in their team. That’s where EANJ came in.

How EANJ’s Retirement Advantage Made a Difference

As a valued member of the Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ), Community Hope leveraged the EANJ Retirement Advantage, a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), to optimize their 401(k) offering. The result? Substantial savings, administrative relief, and access to top-tier mutual and index funds.

A Look at the Numbers

By transitioning to EANJ’s Retirement Advantage, Community Hope realized impressive cost savings across multiple plan components. They saved:

• $2,700 on basic plan fees
• $27,200 on administration and record-keeping
• $7,800 on fund expenses and advisory fees
• $10,000 by eliminating the cost of an annual audit
• $400 on fidelity bond coverage

Altogether, Community Hope saved $57,550 annually on their 401(k) plan, all while gaining a more efficient, fiduciary-managed retirement solution for their 170 employees.

Why the EANJ Retirement Advantage Works

The EANJ Retirement Advantage is designed to help New Jersey employers offer high-quality retirement plans through the power of pooled resources. In fact, pooled employer plans (PEPs) like this have been shown to reduce costs in 93% of cases, with an average savings of 44% compared to traditional standalone 401(k) plans. Employers who join the EANJ Retirement Advantage benefit from:

• Significant cost savings
• Reduced administrative burden with fiduciary oversight
• Flexible plan design options
• Access to top-tier investment choices
• Improved employee retention and satisfaction

It’s a smart, strategic way to offer a competitive retirement plan without the complexity and high fees.

Become an EANJ Member Today

At EANJ, we believe better employers build stronger organizations. Membership means access to trusted HR guidance and legal expertise, educational programming to stay ahead of compliance trends, a vibrant employer community for collaboration, and proven cost-saving opportunities like our Retirement Advantage. Whether you’re a nonprofit like Community Hope or a growing business looking to streamline operations and support your workforce, EANJ can help you thrive. Join EANJ today and take the first step toward becoming a better employer for your people, your mission, and your organization’s future.

Livingston, NJ – The Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) has released findings from a statewide survey assessing employer awareness, understanding, and administration of the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave (ESL) law.

Conducted as part of the Cultivating Access, Rights, and Equity (CARE) Grant Program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the survey gathered responses from more than 160 employers across industries and business sizes from mid-January through March 2025.

Key Highlights

• High Confidence in Compliance: 69% of employers report strong confidence in their ability to comply with the law.
• Generous Leave Practices: Many employers exceed the law’s minimum requirements in terms of the benefits they offer. Nearly 40% provide more than the mandated 40 hours of paid sick leave annually, and 26% offer payout options when an employee separates from the organization.
• Varied Administration: While most employers allow leave carryover, approaches to accrual and usage vary, with some policies still falling short of legal requirements.
• Support Needs: Employers expressed a need for clearer guidance, model policies, and ongoing training.

“Our findings show that employers overwhelmingly want to comply with the law and, for many, the process has been relatively straightforward,” said Amy Vazquez, Vice President of EANJ. “However, employers, especially small employers, often struggle with understanding the basic tenets of the law and how to handle specific situations as they arise.”

Despite overall compliance confidence, employers continue to face challenges. One common issue is handling potential abuse or misuse of leave by employees, with some employers unsure how to manage these situations effectively. For example, one employer shared:

“We have had instances where an employee calls out sick on a day they were denied vacation due to scheduling. We know it isn’t a legitimate use of the day, but because we can’t ask for documentation for this one day absence, we are stuck.”  

Other employers noted that they find patterns of frequent Friday/Monday calls outs.

Businesses with irregular or non-traditional schedules are especially impacted. As one respondent explained:

“As a business that employs very part-time, intermittent workers, one of the biggest challenges we face with paid sick time is aligning it with the flexible, on-demand nature of our workforce. All of our team members work when they have clients and are not on a regular, fixed schedule. This means they do not have consistent hours or guaranteed work each week. Because of this, offering paid sick time becomes complex.”

Employers also report confusion around accrual and carry-over rules, particularly for part-time, per diem, and seasonal staff.  While the law mandates that unused sick time either be paid out or carried over at the end of the benefit year, 12% of respondents indicated they have a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy, which does not comply with these carry-over/payout requirements.  Many also struggle with HR and payroll systems that are not easily configured to track earned leave.

When asked what additional support or resources would help their business better understand and comply with the law, employers reported a strong interest in training, access to model policies and clearer guidance on complex scenarios.

“Even well-intentioned employers can struggle with the law’s complexities,” said Vazquez. “By providing practical tools like model policies, training, and one-on-one support, we can give employers the confidence they need to administer leave consistently, fairly and most importantly, in full compliance with the law.”

View the full survey results here:

Document

NJ Earned Sick Leave Survey 2025.pdf

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Join EANJ’s Amy Vazquez for a complimentary webinar on May 20th at 10am for an overview of NJ’s Earned Sick Leave Law and it’s requirements.  Details & Registration.

7 Mindfulness Practices to Help You Stay Calm in a Fast-Paced Workplace

Feeling overwhelmed by a seemingly endless flow of emails, deadlines, and meetings? You’re not alone. Many professionals struggle to maintain clarity and composure in a fast-paced workplace. The constant demands can leave you feeling stressed, burnt out, and unable to make effective decisions.

But what if you could regain your focus, boost your resilience, and find balance—all without stepping away from your desk? Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment, is the key. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can reduce stress, improve focus, and thrive, no matter how hectic things get.

This guide will walk you through seven practical mindfulness techniques designed specifically for busy professionals, HR managers, and business leaders. Implement these practices, and you’ll feel calmer, clearer, and more in control of your workday.

Why Mindfulness Matters in a Fast-Paced Workplace

Modern work environments prioritize speed and productivity, but these come at a cost. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, chronic workplace stress can negatively affect mental health, reduce job performance, and lead to burnout.

Mindfulness offers an antidote. It helps individuals stay rooted in the present, enhancing focus, decision-making, and relationships. For organizations, fostering mindfulness can create a culture where employees are more engaged, productive, and resilient.

Now, let’s get into the specific practices you can adopt to bring calm to your fast-paced work environment.

1. Start Your Day with a Mindful Moment

Before plunging into your inbox or to-do list, take 5 minutes to center yourself. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Breathe in deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale slowly for four. This practice, often referred to as “box breathing,” lowers stress levels and sharpens your focus for the day ahead. Over time, it becomes a practice that anchors you and reduces the chaos of mornings.

Pro Tip: Pair this with setting an intention for the day, such as “I will remain calm even during high-pressure situations.”

2. Single-Task to Maximize Efficiency

Multitasking is often glorified in fast-paced workplaces, yet studies reveal it reduces efficiency and increases stress. Mindfulness encourages the opposite: single-tasking. Focus on one task at a time, giving it your full attention.

Begin with something simple. If you’re responding to an email, concentrate only on the email without switching between browser tabs, chats, or your phone. Notice how much clearer and quicker your responses become.

Try This: Try using a timer to dedicate blocks of undistracted time to your main tasks, taking short, mindful breaks in between.

3. Practice a Three-Minute “Workday Reset”

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings or an unruly to-do list, take just three minutes to reset. Close your eyes, place your feet flat on the ground, and breathe deeply. With each exhale, imagine letting go of stress or frustration. With each inhale, envision pulling in calm and focus. This micro-practice can help you regain control during particularly stressful moments of the day while refueling your mental clarity.

Expert Tip: Incorporate mobile apps designed for guided reset breaks into your routine.

4. Incorporate Gratitude into Your Routine

Gratitude might not be the first thing on your mind during a demanding workday, but it’s a powerful mindfulness tool. At the end of each day, jot down three things you’re grateful for—whether it’s a supportive colleague, a successful project, or simply a great cup of coffee. Research shows that practicing gratitude improves emotional well-being, resilience, and workplace relationships, helping you manage stress in a high-pressure environment.

Make It Stick: Use a journal to track daily reflections that’ll help you gain clarity on what to do next.

5. Mindful Listening to Enhance Communication

Too often in meetings or conversations, we’re mentally drafting responses or juggling other thoughts. Mindful listening involves giving the person speaking your full attention. Resist the urge to interrupt or mentally prepare your reply until they’ve finished talking. Not only does this improve workplace communication, but it also shows respect and builds trust, keeping workplace relationships positive even during challenges.

Actionable Tip: Before responding, take a single breath to process what was said fully. This brief pause ensures your reaction is thoughtful.

6. Use a Mindful Commute to Transition

How do you typically feel during your commute? Annoyed by traffic, stressed about the day ahead, or glued to your phone? A mindful commute can transform this time into one of ease and preparation.

Whether you’re driving, walking, or on public transit, tune into your surroundings. Notice the colors of the trees, the rhythm of your footsteps, or the sounds of the city. This presence helps you decompress on the way home or mentally prepare for your day.

Bonus: If you’re driving, switch off the news and replace it with calming music or a short mindfulness podcast.

7. Create a Culture of Mindfulness in the Workplace

Mindfulness isn’t just about personal practices—it can transform your entire company culture. Encourage teams to take breaks, implement mindfulness programs, or hold weekly meetings focused on mental well-being.

For HR managers or business leaders, small actions like providing resources on mindfulness or creating designated decompression spaces show a commitment to employee wellness. A calm, focused team is a productive and innovative team.

Take Your Mindfulness Journey to the Next Level

Mindfulness extends beyond individual practice—it’s a powerful tool for success at every level. To help you integrate mindfulness into your workplace, EANJ is excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar, How to Thrive Under Pressure: Mindfulness Strategies for Busy Professionals.

Join us on March 20th, 2025, from 10 – 11 AM for an hour of actionable strategies led by Tammy Molinelli, Executive Director of Bergen Workforce Development Board / Executive Mindfulness Coach. Learn how to stay calm, focused, and effective, even in the most fast-paced environments. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Succeed in Today’s Workplace with EANJ’s HR Law Certificate Program

In today’s workplace, the complexities of employment law are more challenging than ever. Every decision—whether about hiring, wage policies, accommodations, or terminations—carries legal implications that can shape an organization’s success. For HR professionals, business owners, office managers, and anyone who finds themselves responsible for HR-related tasks, understanding these complexities isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

That’s where the Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) steps in. With our highly regarded HR Law Certificate Program, we equip professionals with the practical knowledge they need to navigate workplace regulations with confidence and competence. Over the course of five engaging, two-hour online sessions, our program provides an in-depth look at critical employment laws and compliance strategies to safeguard businesses and foster a fair and legally sound work environment.

Who Will Benefit From This Program?

This program is designed not just for HR professionals but also for business owners, office managers, finance professionals, and team leaders who make workforce-related decisions. Whether HR is your primary role or a responsibility that has fallen into your hands, this program provides the knowledge and tools to help you lead with confidence, reduce legal risk, and build a compliant, people-first workplace.

What You’ll Learn

Each session of the HR Law Certificate Program is carefully structured to address key areas of employment law, providing actionable insights and expert guidance:

April 23, 2025 – Understanding Wage and Hour Law

Gain clarity on exempt vs. nonexempt classifications, overtime rules, wage deductions, and paid time off policies to ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws.

April 30, 2025 – The Americans with Disabilities Act & NJ Law Against Discrimination

Learn how to define disabilities, implement reasonable accommodations, address drug and alcohol issues, and manage leave requests effectively.

May 7, 2025 – Equal Employment Opportunity Law

Explore anti-discrimination laws, documentation best practices, EEOC responses, and strategies to prevent harassment and retaliation in the workplace.

May 15, 2025 – Workplace Privacy

Understand the legal boundaries of employee privacy, including searches, off-duty conduct, electronic communications, and social networking policies.

May 21, 2025 – Whistleblowing and Wrongful Termination

Dive into whistleblower protections, retaliation laws, and best practices for termination policies that minimize legal risk.

Why Choose EANJ’s HR Law Certificate Program?

EANJ’s HR Law Certificate Program stands out because it’s more than just legal theory—it’s a practical, real-world approach to HR law. Participants will gain insights from industry experts, engage in interactive discussions, and leave each session with actionable strategies to apply immediately in their organizations.

Upon completion of at least four of the five live sessions, participants will receive a personalized Certificate of Achievement—a testament to their commitment to professional growth and excellence.

Program Details & Registration

• Live Online Sessions: Attend from anywhere! Sessions run from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST.
• Earn 10 HRCI & SHRM-CP/SCP Recertification Credits: Stay ahead in your professional career.
• Affordable Pricing: Special discounts available for EANJ members and group registrations.
• Registration Deadline is April 16, 2025: Secure your spot early!

Lead with Confidence While Empowering People and Driving Business Success

Knowledge is empowering in today’s ever-changing world. Whether HR is your passion or an unexpected part of your role, mastering employment law helps you make informed decisions that protect your organization, empower your employees, and contribute to long-term business success. EANJ’s HR Law Certificate Program is your opportunity to strengthen your expertise, minimize legal risk, and lead with confidence. Register today!