Archives

Baby, It’s COVID Outside: Tips for Returning After Holidays

It’s just after the holiday season, when the kids came home from college, the Griswolds took vacation, and Santa Claus came to town. But for many, the most wonderful time of the year will have become a cause for concern. With COVID-19 cases on the rise and family gatherings inevitable, you may be worried the […]

procrastination

Addressing Employee Procrastination

The workforce is full of people with diverse working styles. Some are seemingly obsessed with getting ahead of the game and tackling assignments as soon as possible. Others tend to wait until the last minute.

Why More Companies Will Think of Benefit Plans as ‘Health Hubs’ in 2021

There’s no doubt that 2020 was a challenging year. As with other industries, we dealt with ensuring the continued health and safety of our employees and providing the ongoing service and support our customers have come to expect and appreciate during the COVID-19 pandemic. But, 2020 also gave Human Resources professionals a great opportunity to […]

The Unexpected Navy SEAL: A Lesson in Identifying Talent

Before I became a SEAL, I was a Recon Marine and scout sniper, having risen to the rank of sergeant. I was a skilled soldier and an experienced leader, and I thought I knew what it took to succeed in the military and Special Operations in particular.

Don’t Expect DOL to Let Up on Investigations in 2021

Aside from the personal and professional challenges 2020 presented (the COVID-19 pandemic, government shutdown orders, concerns about keeping employees safe, layoffs, remote working, homeschooling, and navigating the unknown), what stands out most to me in my practice—and had the biggest impact on my clients—was the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) continued uncompromising pursuit of investigations […]

engagement

3 Ways HR Departments and Public Health Officers Can Join Forces

If the pandemic has taught businesses one thing, it is the importance of adaptability and community. Our ability to change and respond to new challenges has been put to the test nearly monthly, as new business protocols and safety measures become the new normal. Most importantly, this pandemic has also taught us—as individuals, businesses, organizations, […]

learning

The Impact of Individual Learning Styles on L&D Outcomes

Everyone has his or her own most effective learning method, whether he or she knows it or not. Some people learn best by sitting through or watching a lecture. Others may learn best by reading a text or an instruction manual. Others may prefer to dive in and learn by doing.

Watercooler

How to Replicate Watercooler Conversations in the Age of COVID

In a typical workday, it’s almost certain that employees aren’t engaged in their specific job duties for a full 8 hours. Instead, employees frequently spend time tending to biological needs; scanning the Internet; and, of course, chatting with coworkers. Often, this chatting occurs around a literal or metaphorical watercooler—hence the term “watercooler conversations.”

5th Circuit Rejects Discrimination, Hostile Work Environment Claims

A former employee failed to establish she was subjected to a hostile work environment and discriminated and retaliated against by her former employer, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit (which covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi employers) recently ruled, affirming the district court’s decision. The appellate court’s opinion offers guidance on how […]