Rancho Mesa’s Brenda Colby sits down with Client Technology Coordinator, Chad Winder to discuss how employers can prepare for common HR challenges during the busy holiday season and how the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal can help.
Show Notes: Subscribe to Rancho Mesa's Newsletter
Host: Brenda Colby
Guest: Chad Winder
Editor: Vanessa Hanna
Music: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “Breaking News Intro” by nem0production
© Copyright 2026. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Transcript
Brenda Colby: You’re listening to Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, where each week we break down complex insurance and safety topics to help your business thrive. I’m your host, Brenda Colby, and I’m joined by Chad Winder, Client Technology Coordinator with Rancho Mesa.
And today, we're going to discuss how employers can prepare for common HR challenges during the busy holiday season and how the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal can help.
Chad, welcome to the show.
Chad Winder: Happy to be here, Brenda.
BC: We’re happy you’re here.
So as the holiday season approaches, many businesses can expect an increase in employee time-off requests, schedule changes, and staffing challenges. While this can be an exciting time of year, it can also create additional responsibilities for employers. Will you explain some of the common HR challenges organizations face during the holiday season?
CW: Absolutely. The holiday season often brings a unique set of workforce challenges. Employees may request vacation time for travel, family gatherings, or holiday events, which can make staffing schedules more difficult to manage.
At the same time, many companies may experience an increase in workload and customer demand, making it critical to maintain appropriate staffing levels. Which means employers are often tasked with balancing employee requests, attendance, and operational needs while remaining compliant with applicable employment laws and company policies.
BC: Yeah, those situations can certainly be difficult to navigate. What can employers do to help manage these challenges effectively?
CW: One of the best things employers can do is to plan ahead. Having clear policies regarding attendance, scheduling, time-off requests, and workplace expectations helps create consistency and reduce confusion.
And, distributing your holiday schedule well in advance allows employees to make plans with family and friends on their days off. It is much easier to set expectations and plan schedules ahead of time than to make last-minute adjustments because people made plans and did not know what days they had off.
It’s also important to address employee concerns proactively and communicate expectations early. When questions arise, having access to HR professionals can help employers make informed decisions and avoid potential compliance issues.
BC: I think that’s an important reminder. So, if employers have questions about these types of concerns or questions, where can they turn to for assistance?
CW: Rancho Mesa clients have access to HR experts through the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal. The portal provides employers with professional HR guidance on a variety of workplace issues. Having access to experienced HR professionals allows employers to address concerns quickly and confidently, especially during busy times of the year when unexpected situations can arise.
One of the biggest benefits of the portal is peace of mind. Employers don’t have to navigate complex workplace challenges on their own. Whether they’re dealing with scheduling concerns, employee relations questions, workplace celebrations, or compliance issues, they have access to expert guidance when they need it.
That support helps organizations remain compliant, make informed decisions, and stay focused on running their business while creating a positive experience for their employees.
BC: I completely agree. Having access to experienced HR professionals can make a significant difference, especially during one of the busiest times of the year.
Well, Chad, if listeners have questions about the RM365 HRAdvantage Portal, how can they get in contact with you?
CW: Clients can contact me at cwinder@ranchomesa.com or call me directly at (619) 499-7389.
BC: Great, and if clients would like to connect with me, you can reach me at bcolby@ranchomesa.com or (619) 486-6562.
Chad, thanks for joining me in StudioOne.
CW: Thanks for having me.
BC: Thank you for tuning in to our latest episode produced by StudioOne. If you enjoyed what you heard, please share this episode and subscribe. For more insights like this, visit us at ranchomesa.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.