Author: Thomas Aronica, CEO/Founder, Biller Genie

A Culture of Success

After years of discussion and research, one thing is clear about workplace culture: Getting it right is very important. Like employer branding, culture exists in every organization, whether everyone is aware of it or not. Also as with employer branding, it is very important that leaders in organizations take the reins of their culture; otherwise, […]

ERISA

For the Record, Meticulous Retention of Plan Documents Is Crucial

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requires that every employer maintain sufficient records for each employee to be able to determine the benefits due to the employees now or in the future. The plan sponsor has responsibility for retaining retirement plan records even when a third-party administrator (TPA) is hired to provide recordkeeping and […]

A Careful Balance: Managing Political Activity and Speech at Work

HR professionals have the responsibility to enforce workplace rules, promote cooperation, insist on civility and respect, and—most of all—remind folks they are on one team, at least in the workplace. Meanwhile, another election season is imminent. How do you keep people working productively when those very divisive discussions are happening at work?

Creating an Effective Freelancer Strategy

Freelancers have become a large part of the global workforce. According to one recent statistic, there are more than 56.7 million freelancers in the United States today. From a recruiter’s perspective, there are a few reasons why hiring freelancers makes sense. One study published by MRI found that a shortage of qualified candidates was the […]

How to Use Humor to Boost Human Effectiveness

As an engineer, I am obsessed with efficiency. Even my name is efficient: My full name is Andrew, but I go by Drew because it’s only one syllable. But through my work with organizations around the globe, I’ve learned that you can’t be efficient with humans because they have “emotions” and “feelings” and get “sick” […]

7 Truly Terrible Offices on Film and What They Teach Us

“Third prize is you’re fired!” snaps Alec Baldwin in a bitter (and almost literal) punchline aimed at a cowering sales team. Baldwin’s character in 1992’s Glengarry Glen Ross is a bad boss who makes already devalued employees feel even worse—a plot line that seems central to Hollywood’s depictions of rotten workplaces.

harassment

Owner’s Alleged Harassment is Tough Pill for Pharmacy to Swallow

Individuals who claim to have experienced sexual harassment typically file claims under Title VII and any state-specific acts that might apply such as the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). But those aren’t the only potential legal claims an individual can level against an employer (or former employer). In some instances, the alleged conduct supporting a […]