But wash your hands before reading it anyway.

Three quick things I’d like to share with you this week…

1. What To Do When An Employee Gets Arrested

On April 8th, I’m hosting a free webinar covering what to do when an employee gets arrested.

We’ll cover the notification policy you should have in place, how to discuss the arrest with the employee, how to corroborate the employee’s story, and how to evaluate the relevance of the employee’s circumstances to their position in the company.

The webinar is eligible for HRCI and SHRM recertification credits, so there’s that, too.

One of the questions that always comes up is “How will I even know if an employee gets arrested?

Well, you should have a policy that requires your employees to inform you of the arrest, and we’ll cover those details in the webinar.

Of course, employees often don’t want to notify their employer that they got into some trouble.

But, and this is where you can help me, we are considering rolling out a service that would notify employers proactively when an employee gets arrested.

Would you please do me a solid and complete this very short survey to help us evaluate offering such a service? You can also register for the webinar at that link.

2. Thanks, Mickey Mouse pajama guy!

Last week, in the middle of all the COVID-19-related uncertainty and just the hustle of a day at the office, I received a Be My Eyes call from a guy who needed to know the color of the pajama bottoms he was packing.

I told him they were multi-colored squares with Mickey Mouse faces on each square.

He thanked me and hung up.

That simple 15-second phone call reset my perspective. I was able to use something that I take for granted—my eyesight—to help someone out.

I’m not one to wax philosophical but I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity and ability to help.

Anyway, check out Be My Eyes for your own cool experiences like this!

3. Tasty Sugar-Free and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

I know a lot of you are working from home this week. That is a great opportunity to pack on a few pounds!

To make your snacking a little more healthy, here’s my favorite (keto) chocolate chip cookie recipe. Even my kids will eat them!

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter at room temperature (3.5 oz = 1/2 cup)
¾ cup monkfruit or erythritol sweetener (4.5 oz = 3/4 cup)
1 large egg at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups almond flour (6 oz = 1 1/2 cups)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp xanthan gum
¾ cup sugar free chocolate chips (3 oz = 3/4 cup)

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 355 F.
  2. Cream the butter and sweetener until it has good peaks.
  3. Separate the eggs and whip the egg whites until they are stiff.
  4. Add the vanilla and egg yolk and mix on low just enough to mix it. 15-20 seconds max.
  5. Fold in the whipped egg whites.
  6. Slowly add the almond flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt, until well combined.
  7. Add the chocolate chips. Use the mixer on low to distribute them through the dough.
  8. Use a spoon to scoop 12 dough balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (mostly for easy clean up).
  9.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Optional: Broil the cookies for a minute or so to brown them on top. But pay attention—I’ve burned them more than once while checking Facebook!

Notes:

  • I prefer Lankato Monkfruit Sweetener but I’ve had equal success with Swerve (confectioners).
  • I prefer Lily’s Dark Chocolate Keto Baking Chips. They are larger chips. If you like smaller chips, use Lily’s Dark Chocolate Baking Chips (no “keto” in the name). They seem to be identical products but for the size of the chips.
  • Here’s a great guide to creaming butter and sugar that works just fine with my alternative sweeteners: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2015/04/27/creaming-butter-sugar

If you try the recipe, let me know how it goes!

Have a safe St. Patty’s Day, wash your hands, and, as always, if I can be of service personally or professionally, please don’t hesitate to call!

—COFFEY