Hiring a new employee requires time, patience and a leap of faith. Interviews must be conducted to reveal professional strengths and weaknesses, depth of experience, interpersonal skills, and potential growth. References must be checked to confirm much of what is gleaned from the interview. And in many cases today, an applicant’s social media can be […]
Too many people in my life have said they’re experiencing elevated stress levels. Many of them have said they’re unable to relax, both at home and work. And even I admit there are times I’ve felt that way too; OK maybe more than a few times! Rising stress and constant anxiety is an unhealthy, compromising […]
Employee retention and internal promotions are good, right? The cost of finding, hiring, and training a new hire is reduced, while the potential for existing staff to grow within the organization is greater. Sounds like a perfect plan for succession and progress! Unfortunately this is not the reality for every employee at all companies. Promoting […]
Do you know any families that never disagree? I didn’t think so. Disagreements, or “squabbles,” are an immutable fact of life in most families and not surprisingly, in businesses too. Despite a business owner’s best efforts to promote a happy and congenial workplace, employees will not always see eye to eye, but that doesn’t mean […]
Business Owners face a myriad of issues every day, not least of which involves human resources and the people who keep the company operating. As I’ve written before, it is important to recognize employees when their job is performed well, and equally important to recognize when a job is done not well. It is also […]
(Originally published Sep. 24, 2014) What comes to your mind when you hear the word “bullying?” Brats in the playground, pushing and shoving on the school bus or perhaps it’s the online flaming that has generated so much press in the last few years. But bullying in the workplace, nah, it didn’t come to mind, […]
If you’re a business owner, it can be extremely disheartening to have an employee that is proficient and skilled at their job BUT frequently late or absent from work. While the quality of their work may be excellent their habitual lateness or absenteeism can create morale problems for other employees and impact the overall productivity […]
What’s going on in the office? They’re up to something and I think they might be planning a layoff. Did you hear about John? I hear he’s getting a divorce. I think they’re going to move the office. I can’t afford to travel any longer than I do now so I think I’m going to […]
With cell phones now such an integral, ubiquitous part of our everyday lives, it is entirely understandable that employers are concerned about decreased productivity and increased errors as a result of employees too focused on their phones and not enough on their work. Way before cell phones and the distractions offered by texting, calls and […]
Employee perks are intended to inspire, motivate, encourage, and reward Company loyalty. They can spur employees to do better work as well as prompt creativity. The variety of perks is limited only by your imagination and budget and can range from paid time off, free food in the break room, babysitting services, gym memberships and […]
