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Making job descriptions live and breathe, not sit dusty in the files

The task of writing and revising job descriptions may sound dull, but at the same time be daunting. With so much to consider—essential versus nonessential functions, varied job responsibilities, experience and education requirements, etc.—the job can be mind-numbing. Then throw in the legal issues to consider, including things like how to prevent discrimination and wage […]

Train Supervisors to Communicate Effectively in Emergencies

The material in today’s issue is adapted from BLR’s 10-Minute HR Trainer session, “Communicating in Emergencies.” Supervisors such as yourself play a critical role in emergency communication. In fact, communicating emergency information is a crucial part of your job. In addition to conveying information to employees, you also play an important role in communications with […]

Compassionate Impulses—Understandable, But Dangerous

The Two Problems Fentin, who is a partner in the Springfield, Massachusetts, law firm, Skoler, Abbott & Presser P.C., points out the two sometimes opposing desires of dealing with employees with chronic illnesses: Supporting the employee with chronic illness, and Managing the employee with the chronic illness. Balancing these two needs isn’t easy, Fentin admits. […]

The 9 Things NOT to Include in Your Documentation

In yesterday’s Advisor, we covered Attorney Franck Wobst’s key things to include in documentation. Today, things not to include, plus an introduction to a timely BLR Bootcamp on performance management. Do not include the following in your documentation, says Wobst: Personal opinions. Rumors or speculation about the employee’s personal life. Theories about why the employee […]

Let your voice be heard in 2014

by Dan Oswald As we kick off 2014, it’s my hope for you that you have the courage of your convictions both in your personal life and at work. I hope you will speak and act according to your beliefs, even in the face of disagreement or criticism. We live in a world where being […]

10 Hot Job Titles That Didn’t Exist 5 Years Ago

What job titles current to today were nowhere to be found in 2008? This excellent Linkedin infographic examined data from 259 million members’ profiles to determine the top 10 most popular job titles that didn’t exist 5 years ago. by taniacreative. Explore more infographics like this one on the web’s largest information design community – […]

Do Your Supervisors Know How to Communicate in Emergencies?

The material in today’s issue is adapted from BLR’s 10-Minute HR Trainer session, “Communicating in Emergencies.” Supervisors such as yourself play a critical role in emergency communication with employees. In fact, communicating emergency information is a crucial part of your job. How effectively you communicate could make a big the difference to the safety of […]

Incentive Schemes May Mean Transparency of Data

An incentive program can be a great way to motivate employees and help the organization achieve their goals. But it doesn’t come without potential pitfalls. For example, tying an incentive to reaching specific sales or profit goals means that the company will have to be candid with employees about those figures—which may be uncomfortable if […]

Chronic Illnesses—Tough to Balance Compassion and Business

As an HR person, you care about people, says attorney Susan Fentin. Your impulse is to help; however, if the problem is driving the business down, you may not be able to help. You need to balance these sometimes-competing interests, and that’s not often easy. What are the issues when an employee is chronically ill? […]