Month: July 2013

Employee Benefits in Canada Versus United States

"In Canada, the government provides minimum protection to Canadians that find themselves in certain circumstances, such as when they're ill, unemployed, on maternity leave or parental leave, or even retired. However . . . government plans are often insufficient and therefore they will be supplemented by private plans that are offered by employers." Emilie Paquin-Holmested […]

Step by Step—Selling Your Ideas to the CFO

Read what your CFO reads, Ahlrichs says, and send article clippings to the CFO to make your case over time. For example, says Ahlrichs, check out: CFO Magazine CFO.com The Economist Ahlrichs, a consultant with Gregory & Appel in Indianapolis, offered his take on CFOs at SHRM’s Annual Convention and Exposition held recently in Chicago. […]

Train Supervisors to Make the Right Decisions

We want our supervisors to manage and participate, but there are several circumstances in which they must step aside, says Attorney Mark Schickman. Schickman, who is a partner with Freeland Cooper & Foreman, LLP in San Francisco, offered his training tips at a recent webinar sponsored by BLR® and HR Hero®. When the Supervisor Is […]

Elements of an effective telecommuting policy

Telecommuting has benefits for employees and employers alike, but implementing it fairly is still a challenge for many organizations. Employers want to keep employees happy while still keeping productivity up, so it’s crucial to think through the telecommuting policy in advance so that the program can meet organizational goals.

Basics of Compensation Metrics

“What are compensation metrics? Basically, when we talk about a metric, we’re talking about a measurement. We’re talking about a statistic or a measurement that is intended to assess value and effectiveness.” Terry Pasteris explained in a recent BLR webinar. “So, depending on what aspect of value or effectiveness or what aspect of our program […]

customer

You won’t know what your customers want if you don’t ask

by Dan Oswald Knowing what your customers want and need and delivering it are key concepts for any business. But how do you really know what your customers want? The first person I worked for after graduating from college knew exactly what his customers wanted and needed. He had that knowledge because he once held […]

How to Sell HR Ideas to CFOs

In yesterday’s Advisor, consultant Karl Ahlrichs filled us in on CFOs; today, he says, “Get in their mindset,” plus we introduce HR Audit Checklists Read what your CFO reads, Ahlrichs says, and send article clippings to the CFO to make your case over time. For example, says Ahlrichs, check out: CFO Magazine CFO.com The Economist […]

Electronic Recordkeeping Requirements for Employers during Litigation

Electronic recordkeeping is becoming the norm, and it presents special challenges for employers when records must be produced on demand. One such circumstance is when litigation is pending. Read more for details on employer requirements in these circumstances. Electronic Recordkeeping: What Records Count as Official Files? “It’s important that HR professionals and supervisors understand that […]

Can You Use Incentive Pay for Nonexempt Employees?

How Can You Use Incentive Pay for Nonexempt Employees? “Pay for performance can apply to all levels of jobs within an organization. Recent studies have shown that organizations are beginning to use more variable compensation (or incentives) as it relates to the proportion of base pay, and they’re marketing that to employees—not only when they’re […]

Are Your Supervisors Trained to Handle Tough Decisions?

Even organizations with the most rules and regulations get into trouble, Schickman says. It doesn’t matter how big you are, or how much money you have, or how many rules you have—if the supervisor doesn’t do the job, you’re in trouble. Schickman, who is a partner with Freeland Cooper & Foreman, LLP in San Francisco, […]