Why You Need to Double-Check Your W-4 Withholding

If you've ever been hit with a surprise tax bill or a much smaller refund than expected, your W-4 form might be to blame. The W-4 tells your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck, and if it's outdated or inaccurate, you could be setting yourself up for financial headaches.

But here’s the bigger picture: being proactive about your W-4 isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s a smart move for your professional life. Financial stability and attention to detail are core traits of successful professionals. When you manage your finances well, you reduce stress, avoid costly distractions, and project competence — whether you're applying for a mortgage, launching a business, or negotiating your next raise.

Here are three major reasons to review your W-4 today:

1. Missed Refunds: Neglecting to file a tax return, possibly due to incorrect or missing W-4 information, can lead to unclaimed refunds. The IRS reported that over 1.1 million individuals failed to file their 2021 tax returns, leaving more than $1 billion in refunds unclaimed. This underscores the importance of accurate withholding and timely filing to ensure you receive any refunds due.

2. Underpayment Penalties: If you don't withhold enough tax throughout the year, you may face a penalty for underpayment. The IRS states that you can avoid this penalty if you owe less than $1,000 after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits, or if you paid withholding and estimated tax of at least 90% of the tax for the current year or 100% of the tax shown on the return for the prior year, whichever is smaller. Failing to meet these criteria can result in penalties and interest charges.​

3. Failure to Pay Penalties: If your W-4 doesn't reflect additional income sources or life changes, you might underpay your taxes throughout the year. This can lead to penalties and interest on the amount owed when you file your return. The IRS calculates the failure to pay penalty as 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month the tax remains unpaid, up to a maximum of 25% of your unpaid taxes.

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Want to set yourself apart professionally? Start by taking ownership of your finances.

Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to make sure your W-4 reflects your current situation. It’s quick, free, and a sign you’re in control — not just of your paycheck, but of your future.

Fostering Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Prioritizing mental health is essential for workplace wellness and psychological safety.

Psychological safety, as defined by Harvard Business School professor Amy C. Edmondson, is "the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes, and that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking." This environment of trust and openness is critical for team performance, innovation, and overall job satisfaction. 

Why Psychological Safety Matters 

Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that teams with high psychological safety are 27% more likely to be highly collaborative and 50% more likely to retain employees compared to low-safety environments. Additionally, the study "Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams" by Professor Edmondson found that psychologically safe workplaces see a 76% increase in employee engagement and a 67% rise in innovation-driven behaviors. Teams with high psychological safety experience: 

• Increased creativity and problem-solving capabilities 

• Stronger teamwork and cooperation 

• Reduced stress and burnout 

• Higher job satisfaction and retention 

For government contractors, where precision, compliance, and adaptability are key, fostering psychological safety ensures that employees can voice concerns, raise potential risks, and contribute solutions without fear of retribution. 

How to Support Psychological Safety in Your Workplace 

While leadership plays a vital role in shaping workplace culture, every employee can contribute to an environment of psychological safety: 

1. Encourage Open Communication 

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Simple actions, such as active listening and responding constructively to feedback, can go a long way. 

2. Normalize Learning from Mistakes 

Mistakes are opportunities for growth. When employees feel safe acknowledging errors without excessive punishment, they are more likely to proactively solve problems and improve processes. 

3. Recognize Contributions 

Employees should feel valued for their input, no matter their role. A culture of appreciation fosters confidence and reinforces positive engagement. 

4. Foster Equitable Discussions 

Encourage participation from all team members. Whether in meetings or brainstorming sessions, ensuring that everyone has a voice helps to build a culture of respect and collaboration. 

5. Lead by Example 

Supervisors and managers set the tone. By demonstrating vulnerability – admitting mistakes, asking for input, and valuing diverse perspectives – leaders show that psychological safety is a priority. 

Building a Stronger, Safer Workplace 

Psychological safety isn’t just a feel-good concept — it’s a business imperative. A work environment where employees trust that they can speak up benefits everyone, leading to stronger teams and more effective decision-making. By committing to open communication, continuous learning, and mutual respect, we can all contribute to a safer and more productive workplace. 

The Power of Focus at Work

By Terri Bozkaya

Despite the many multitasking myths out there, distractions actually hurt performance. Here’s what to do about it.

Life is full of distractions. You’re deep in work when an email notification pops up. A colleague swings by your office just as you’re finalizing a report. At home, an urgent work message interrupts dinner. In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking has become the norm — but at what cost? 

Shifting attention too quickly or failing to focus can have serious consequences, both in and out of the workplace. Studies show that frequent interruptions reduce productivity, increase errors, and heighten stress. In high-risk environments, such as construction sites or cybersecurity settings, lapses in focus can even put lives at risk. 

The Risks of Distraction 

Workplace Safety: Whether operating machinery, driving for work, or handling sensitive materials, distractions can lead to accidents and costly mistakes. 

Cybersecurity Awareness: Scam emails and phishing attempts are increasingly sophisticated. Taking a moment to verify the legitimacy of requests for information can prevent security breaches. 

Efficiency & Performance: Constant task-switching reduces productivity. The brain takes time to refocus, meaning a five-minute distraction could cost much more in lost efficiency. 

Steps Toward Greater Focus and Presence 

1. Assess Risk: Before starting a task, ask yourself: Does this require my full attention? If so, set boundaries to minimize distractions. 

2. Set Digital Boundaries: Use “Do Not Disturb” settings on your phone and email when deep in concentration. Consider workplace guidelines on minimizing interruptions. 

3. Stay Engaged in Meetings: Resist the urge to check messages or multitask. Active participation improves retention and decision-making. 

4. Practice Cyber Awareness: Before clicking on links or responding to emails, pause and verify. If something seems suspicious, report it. 

5. Prioritize Mindfulness: Taking brief breaks between focused work sessions can improve overall attention and well-being. 

Remember that if there is a risk, give yourself permission to make safety and security a priority. 

Being present isn't just about safety—it’s about efficiency, security, and personal well-being. By fostering a culture of focus, we can work smarter, safer, and more effectively. 

A Smart Move for Your Financial Health — Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

A Smart Move for Your Financial Health — Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) 

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a great option for managing healthcare expenses while reducing your taxable income. If you're looking for a straightforward way to save money on medical costs, an FSA might be the right choice for you. 

What Is an FSA? 

An FSA is a tax-advantaged account offered by employers that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. By using pre-tax income to cover these costs, you lower your taxable income and save money overall. 

Why Consider an FSA? 

1. Immediate Tax Savings: Contributions to your FSA are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, reducing your taxable income and saving you money throughout the year. 

2. Wide Range of Eligible Expenses: FSAs can be used to cover a variety of healthcare costs, including copayments, prescription medications, dental work, vision care, and even some over-the-counter items. 

3. Convenience and Simplicity: FSAs typically come with a debit card that you can use directly at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare providers, making it easy to pay for qualified expenses. 

4. Helps Budget Healthcare Costs: By setting aside a specific amount each year for medical expenses, you can plan and budget more effectively. 

How an FSA Works 

Set Your Contribution: 

The open enrollment period to start an FSA is 12/6 through 12/19. During this time, decide how much you wish to contribute to your FSA for the year. The IRS sets an annual contribution limit. This year, that limit is $3,300 and $5,000 for a Dependent Care FSA. To learn more about using various kinds of FSAs, click this link. 

Use It for Eligible Expenses: 

Throughout the year, you can use your FSA funds to pay for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. To learn more about common FSA expenses and what qualifies as a medical expense, click this link. 

Plan Ahead: 

FSAs typically have a “use it or lose it” rule, meaning you must use the funds within the plan year or risk losing the unused portion. Some employers, including the PBDC-FG, allow a small amount of rollover (up to $660 for 2025), but it is essential to estimate your healthcare needs carefully. 

Is an FSA Right for You? 

FSAs are an excellent option for individuals or families who anticipate regular medical expenses each year, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, or dental work. They’re particularly beneficial if you want to save money on these costs while taking advantage of tax savings. 

Interested in starting an FSA? 

Contact the Benefits Department for more 

information: HRFederalBenefits@potawatomibdc.com 

The Slow Journey to Maturity: A Perspective on Self-Compassion

By Terri Bozkaya, General Counsel & SVP Human Resources

As we navigate through life, from professional projects to personal relationships, it's all too easy to be hard on ourselves, especially for moments when our plans aren’t realized.

This self-criticism is often fueled by a cultural assumption that we suddenly “crossover” to a full state of maturity at 18, 21, 25, or another other “magic number.” As I reflect on my own development, I remember feeling very grown-up at a surprisingly young age. But the truth unfolds much more slowly than our youthful expectations. Indeed, maturity doesn't arrive with the switch of a light.

Understanding the slow and steady path to true maturity is essential, not just in our personal lives but also in our professional ones. It's common to chastise oneself for projects that fell short of perfection, for relationships that fizzled out, or for any decision that, looking back, could have been better handled.

However, it’s crucial to realize that there might have been times when you simply didn’t possess the necessary skills or perspective to fully understand or respond maturely to high-stakes or ambiguous situations.

Practicing Self-Compassion

Consider adopting a new mindset: allow yourself the grace to acknowledge that growth is a continuous process.

Over time, experiences and reflections contribute to a deep well of understanding. With each passing year, opportunities arise that enable us to handle similar situations with increased wisdom and maturity.

Encourage yourself to look for these chances to elevate your approach—whether you're 35, 45, or proudly carrying an AARP card. Treat your evolving self with gentleness and recognize that you may still have areas that are under- developed. The key is not to remain stuck in an immature phase forever. A practical way to become unstuck is to recognize past moments of immaturity, offer a compassionate acknowledgment to that still-developing part of yourself, and then confidently move forward.

Embracing this kinder, more understanding approach not only enhances our person- al development but also enriches our professional lives, allowing us to tackle challenges

with a more seasoned and comprehensive perspective. Remember, maturity is not a destination but a journey— one that invites patience, self-reflection, and, most importantly, self-compassion.

10 Incredible Tasks for Copilot

While Microsoft Copilot is now a familiar tool to early adopters, millions of professionals are still adjusting to the idea of an AI wizard who can summarize hour-long meetings into a list of three action items.

To demonstrate what Copilot can do, here are 10 common tasks that more and more professionals are delegating to this platform.

While it can seem unnerving, Copilot is ultimately a tool that can help you reduce busy work and focus on the activities that you truly find motivating. Familiarity with tools like Copilot is also increasingly vital for living up to your professional potential.

As Harvard Business School professor Karim Lakhani observed:

AI is not going to replace humans, but humans with AI are going to replace humans without AI."

1.  Produce presentations faster

"Add a slide on the history of the Potawatomi people."

2.  Summarize emails, meetings, long documents, and websites

"Summarize this recording/email/white paper. Point out key points and action items."

3.  Repurpose content

"Create a press release based on this report."

4.  Schedule meetings

"Find a time next Friday to meet with Paul and Emily. 30 minutes. Schedule in our calendars."

5.  Analyze data and create pivot charts

"Review these Q1 figures from the last five years. Project which products will be in the top three for 2025."

6.  Streamline research

"I am writing a report on EV trends in Texas. Find industry reports from the last 18 months I can use."

7.  Use animation

"Animate all slides in this PowerPoint so that each slide dissolves when you click."

8.  Proofread documents

"Proofread this RFP. Note any spelling or grammatical errors in bold for my review."

9.  Problem-solve

"[Describe problem]. Apply Six Sigma principles to this problem and list five potential solutions."

10.  Create images

"Make an image of robots dancing to country music."

How to Find Your Top Strengths at Work

If you are considering a career change, searching for a new job, or simply want to deepen your involvement in your current role, consider taking the VIA (Virtues in Action) Character Strength Survey.

In short, the idea of this survey is that individuals who routinely use their top three strengths report higher degrees of personal and professional satisfaction.

This clinically validated tool is free to use and takes under 15-minutes to complete. Click the link here to discover your strengths!

Credit: VIA Institute on Character

BACKGROUND 

Psychology has a reputation for looking for what’s wrong with people. Sometimes, this eagerness for a diagnosis can cause more harm than good. There’s even a word – iatrogenesis – for when a psychologist causes a condition they are treating because of how they act toward a client.

For example, take a child with an extreme fear of loud noises. A psychologist asks if the child is afraid of the dark because she wants to know what they generally fear. The child says no, they aren’t afraid of the dark. The psychologist asks why. The child suddenly thinks about the dark – all of the spooky things that can occur – and quickly becomes afraid of the dark. That’s a simple example of iatrogenesis.

In the late 1940s, several psychologists, led by Carl Rogers, aimed to avoid accidentally suggesting illnesses by moving to patient-centric models instead of diagnostic-centric models. Rogers became one of the founders of Humanistic Psychology, which gained popularity in the '70s. By the late '90s, Humanistic Psychology had moved to a data-driven field under the banner of Positive Psychology.

This movement shifted from dwelling almost exclusively on negative behavior, as earlier movements like Freudian psychology and Behaviorism did, to finding and reinforcing more positive and empowering impulses. One of its pioneers, Martin Seligman, noted that psychologists had spent a century studying what makes people unhappy, but rarely what makes us happy: “psychology was half-baked, literally half-baked. We had baked the part about mental illness […] The other side’s unbaked, the side of strength, the side of what we’re good at.”

Along with psychologist Christopher Peterson, Seligman conducted hundreds of experiments and thousands of interviews to understand what makes people happy. They developed in-depth methodologies and more applicable tools. In the workplace, one of their most popular tools is called the VIA Character Strengths Survey (VIA stands for ‘values in action’).

This survey is based on the belief that we all possess a set of core virtues; by exercising them, we contribute to our overall well-being. These virtues include wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence.

The survey measures 24 character strengths, such as creativity, perseverance, kindness, and leadership, that fall under these broader virtues.

Researchers found that employees who routinely exercised their top three strengths had higher job satisfaction and success. For example, someone with strong leadership and communication skills might excel in a managerial role, while someone with a knack for creativity and innovation might thrive in a more entrepreneurial setting.

Understanding your top strengths can also help you leverage these strengths to perform better and make a unique contribution. It can guide your goal setting and help determine which training, certifications, or conferences to attend. Lastly, knowing your top strengths will help you communicate your value to employers and clients, leading to greater opportunities for advancement and success.