Month: July 2012

Financial Education Programs Address Negative Impact on Work Performance

Among the nearly 460 HR professionals surveyed by SHRM, 52% reported that their organization teaches employees about financial planning—down from 64% in a similar survey 2 years ago. Types of Programs Offered Of organizations that offer financial education, 79% provide access to financial counseling and resources via their employee assistance program, SHRM found. Meanwhile, 68% […]

Training for Ironworkers Replicates On-the-Job Challenges

“Several times a year we meet with the contractors to get feedback about our ironworkers in the field,” says Randy Palumbo, apprenticeship and training coordinator for Iron Workers Local 48 in Oklahoma City (www.ironworkers48.org). “They tell us what they would like taught more in our classes, or taught less, and we build our programs accordingly.” […]

Ask the Trainer: Language Learning

A: In today’s multicultural workplace and economy, it is important for many employees to become multilingual. With companies of all sizes connecting with colleagues and clients across the globe via Skype, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, language training is playing an increasingly important role, says Michael Schutzler, CEO of Livemocha (www.livemocha.com), which describes itself as the […]

Flights Aboard Company Jet Could Be ‘Taxable Transportation’

Employers that own corporate jets and pay a management company to fly them  were not pleased by a recent IRS memo on tax treatment of such arrangements, and two private aviation trade associations have been working with IRS on relief. Chief Counsel Advice Memorandum 20120026 , although not binding (see note at end of this […]

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Human Resources–STILL Not a Strategic Partner?

Meanwhile, at the same conference, consultant Hunter Lott says he often hears, “HR, the people that keep me from doing what I want to do.” Where Is HR Really? Mundy, Vice President, Human Resources and Communications for the Climate Solutions sector of Ingersoll Rand, asserts that one of the problems is that HR managers lack […]

Rules changing on New Hampshire noncompete, nonpiracy agreements

By Jeanine Poole New Hampshire employers using noncompete and nonpiracy agreements face new limits beginning July 14. That’s when House Bill 1270 goes into effect. The new law requires that every employer provide a copy of any noncompete and/or nonpiracy agreement required for a position to a current or potential employee before or concurrent with […]

How to Handle Intermittent FMLA Leave for Exempt Employees

Managing intermittent FMLA leave has many challenges for employers, not the least of which is handling the issue of compensation for exempt employees taking such leave. Since FMLA leave is generally unpaid, yet salaried exempt employees are entitled to their salary regardless of hours worked, how should you proceed when an exempt employee takes intermittent […]

You Want a Seat at the Table? You ARE the Table!

Collins, who offered his remarks at the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition in Atlanta, says that one theme runs through every study his team has done—the biggest question is “who should be on the bus.” The 20-Mile March Every leader needs a 20-mile march, says Collins. His reference is to polar explorers Amundsen and Scott […]

Please Sue Me 2012

Special from Atlanta–SHRM Annual Conference and Exhibition Hunter “Please Sue Me” Lott’s annual presentation about how managers beg for lawsuits covered progressive discipline, probationary periods, and much more. His tips came at SHRM’s Annual Convention and Exposition held recently in Atlanta, Georgia. Lott, one of SHRM’s most popular speakers, counsels employers on lawsuit avoidance from […]