Posts by The HR Pros
Organizing Your Company for Effective Communication
Imagine a car so poorly designed that pressing the accelerator sometimes feeds gasoline to the engine, sometimes feeds it onto the tires, and sometimes feeds it into the trunk. The car would always stink and only sometimes drive. Seems silly, right? No one would try to drive a car like that! And yet many companies…
Read MoreFLSA Changes: FAQs
The new FLSA rules go into effect December 1, 2016. Here are some common questions we’ve received. What are the new minimum salary levels, and when will they go up next? As of December 1, 2016, most exempt executive, administrative, professional, and computer employees need to be paid at least $913 per week ($47,476 per…
Read MoreThe Performance Evaluation Cycle
The Performance Evaluation Cycle Many people look forward to annual performance reviews the way they look forward to oil changes and tune-ups. Sure, these are standard operating procedures, but they can be a hassle and they could reveal bad news. As a result, reviews are often done poorly. They’re treated as an afterthought and rushed…
Read MoreWhen to Take a Chance on an Applicant
When to Take a Chance Every hiring manager receives applications from people who are clearly unqualified for the job. Sometimes, however, a candidate with no direct or seemingly-relevant experience applies for a position and, for some reason or another, captures their attention. Often the manager believes the promising applicant could be an exceptional employee, but…
Read MoreWhen Exempt Status Is a Status Symbol
When Exempt Status Is a Status Symbol Employees who will be transitioned from an exempt to non-exempt classification because of the new FLSA overtime rules may resent the change in classification. They may feel that tracking time is beneath them, that they’re being micromanaged, that their position has less prestige, or that their work has…
Read MorePolitical Discussions in the Workplace
Political Discussions in the Workplace This election season has given us generous helpings of drama, and the general election itself is only two months away. With the final stretch before the candidates—and us—you’ll no doubt overhear political small talk in the office. Maybe even a heated argument or two! While a respectful debate over lunch…
Read MoreConsider Progressive Discipline Before Termination
Consider Progressive Discipline Before Termination Terminating employment always comes with risk, even when it’s done for good cause. You can reduce this risk by using progressive discipline. As its name suggests, progressive discipline involves a progression of disciplinary actions with escalating consequences. When used to give employees with behavioral or performance problems time and opportunity…
Read MoreStrategic Management of Vacation Requests
Strategic Management of Vacation Requests You want to support employees by providing the opportunity for work/life harmony, but you also have customers to service and a business to run. Sometimes it is difficult to juggle multiple vacation requests around popular vacation times, especially during the summer months and other holiday times throughout the year. Below…
Read MoreCommunity Service Projects
Community Service Projects It may come as a surprise to find that many job seekers take a company’s community service outreach programs into account when applying for and accepting jobs. If all things are equal, a highly desirable job candidate could decide between your company and a competitor based on your work in the community.…
Read MoreAdministering Unusual Hourly Schedules
Administering Unusual Hourly Schedules When recruiting for unusual hourly schedules, such as graveyard or on-call shifts, it’s important to sell the position in the right way. Some people prefer unusual schedules because of their sleep habits, their family’s needs, or their recreational habits; but not everyone can be successful working odd or irregular hours. Here…
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