General HR Management
Job Applicant Rejection Letter Dos and Donts — Writing an Appropriate “Dear John” Letter to an Unsuccessful Applicant
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Back in 2006, we covered the topic of applicant rejection letters in a post linking to an article in Assessment Council News (Considerations in Rejecting Applicants, on p.4).
Since today’s economy [...]
Online Job Search and Recruitment Part I: The Classifieds Have Gone Electric!
From Job Boards to Recruiters’ Sites, the Internet is the Place to Go For Job Opportunities
Anyone who has been searching for a job recently (in other words, a lot of us) are well aware that job searches don’t mean getting our fingers dirty with newspaper print anymore. No — today we hie ourselves to the [...]
[AIG Bonus] Contracts Are Made To Be Broken — Or Are They?
“I expect you to be honest, hard working, and treat the company as if you own it.”
– C.V. Starr
“AIG’s ongoing efforts to be an outstanding corporate citizen and promote responsible and sustainable business practices are essential to our long-term business objective of creating value for our shareholders and serving the interests of our clients.”
“Honoring contractual [...]
Cutting Costs Without Layoffs? 14 Tips for Employers Seeking Alternatives to Pink Slips
News of layoffs has been rampant since our economy began lagging in 2007. Recently, it seems impossible to turn on the news without hearing about more people losing their jobs.
After all — the country is in a recession, businesses need to manage costs more closely, and layoffs are the best cost management tool, aren’t they?
Not [...]
Survey Documents Impact of Recession on Employee Health and Integrity
The most recent “American Workplace Insights” survey from Adecco Group North America gives great insight into the state of mind of America’s workforce.
The stresses and strains of the current economic situation have caused many Americans to consider unethical conduct on the job.
In addition, a staggering number of Americans report that the [...]
Charming the Stimulus Act COBRA:
New COBRA Rights and Employer Obligations
A federal subsidy of continued health coverage under COBRA is one of the main “ease-the-pain” provisions of the Stimulus Act enacted Tuesday, February 17, 2009 (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009).
This provision is intended to keep the recession from swelling the ranks of the uninsured, by making COBRA coverage more affordable for [...]
Overtime Pay, the FLSA & “Time Theft” — Part I (Introduction and White-Collar Exemptions)
Who “owns” an employee’s time? Are you stealing from your employer if you take a personal call at work? What about if you check your personal email, or take some time to send out resumes?
Does it matter whether you’re an hourly worker who is entitled to overtime pay under the Fair Labor [...]
HR Metrics and Strategic Human Resources Planning
Human Capital — Truly Your Company’s Greatest Asset
In this economy, measuring your bottom line or your company’s success on Wall Street isn’t enough.
Instead, says Denise Kingsmill, deputy chair of the United Kingdom’s Monopolies and Mergers Commission, “Directors need to transform the airy cliche about people being their greatest asset into a guiding principle of business [...]
How To Provide Reasonable Accommodations Under the ADA For Individuals With Hearing Impairments
With the recent passage of the Americans With Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAAA), employers are turning their attention to changes in the Act and how those changes might impact their business. Fortunately, resources to help you are readily at hand.
In addition to being an author of the
Despite Economy, Small Businesses Plan Holiday Parties
Most Small Business Owners Can Afford Holiday Celebrations
According to a survey conducted this month by online payroll service SurePayroll, most small business owners will end 2008 in celebration. The survey found that despite recent economic challenges, 6 of 10 small business owners are planning to hold a holiday party and 8 of 10 of those [...]
Layoff Survivor — What’s Your Plan?
After the Layoffs, the Intra-Company Depression
Lower productivity. An atmosphere of guilt, anxiety, and anger. The air filled with gossip. A breakdown of relationships and teamwork.
This isn’t exactly the scenario you need to see in your company during an economic downturn. But if your company doesn’t handle layoffs well, it’s exactly what you’re going to [...]
Is Workplace Bullying Cause for Concern?
When Bullies Grow Up
What happens to playground bullies who grow up to be workplace bullies? And what happens to the companies where they work?
This is the focus of an article entitled “Workplace Bullying Suits on the Horizon.”
Successful Bullying Lawsuit and Proposed Legislation
According to the article, a workplace bully was forced to pay $325,000 after [...]
Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring an Independent Contractor
Independent Contractor Agreements – A Match Made in Heaven?
Today’s employers are watching their bottom line more closely than ever before, including examining the costs associated with maintaining a full time workforce.
At the same time, workers are looking for ways to increase their independence, decrease their commutes and overall to increase their quality of life. [...]
Halloween in the Workplace? It Depends…
Halloween Will Soon Be Upon Us — Are You Prepared?
In addition to personally getting ready for Trick or Treating or costume parties with friends, a 2007 Halloween-practices survey by vault.com found that employees at an increasing number of companies are getting into the holiday as well.
Of course, the type of celebration will vary by workplace. [...]
Retail Scheduling Software Could Harm Employee Morale, As Well As Customer Service
The Way It Used To Be
Twice each year my mother would make her regular pilgrimage to the old B. Siegel’s store select her seasonal professional attire. It was always a leisurely, enjoyable experience – one that newly-introduced employee scheduling software may soon render obsolete.
While Mom’s profession as the first female lease negotiator for GM marked [...]
