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News and insight about working in and with today's contingent workforce.
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Workforce news and insight from Sean Rehder, a former Recruiter, 1099 Independent Contractor Compliance Manager, and Supplier Qualification Program Manager turned web developer.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2003
 General
News Postings
Airline Workers Losing Perks
Over the last two years billions of dollars in losses have forced not just deep pay cuts on airline unions. They also have brought an overhaul of the so-called work rules that will drastically revamp how employees of the major airlines do their jobs.
Settlement Talks Delay Dial Harassment Suit
Dial Corp., maker of Dial soap and Purex detergent, is in talks to settle sexual harassment allegations by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, postponing a federal trial that was scheduled to start Monday.
Workers' Wages, Benefits Up 1.3 Percent
U.S. workers' wages and benefits rose by a brisk 1.3 percent in the first three months of 2003, the biggest increase in nearly 13 years, even as businesses struggled with the lackluster economy.
Sex Discrimination Cited at Wal-Mart
Lawyers suing Wal-Mart for sex discrimination in pay and promotions made their case Monday for a nationwide class action on behalf of 1.5 million women, portraying the giant retailer as a company that sees men as breadwinners and women as housewives supplementing their incomes.
Consumer Spending and Personal Incomes Both Post Increases in March
Americans flocked to the shopping malls in March, boosting spending by 0.4 percent, the best gain this year, as consumers started to shake off their worries about the Iraq war.
The Business Implications of SARS
Managing risk is something companies do all the time. In that sense, one of the corporate world’s responses to the new strain of pneumonia – curtailing travel by employees to affected areas, for instance – is prudent and rational, say Wharton faculty members and business executives.
Jobless Claims Soared to Highest in Over a Year
The number of Americans lining up for state unemployment benefits last week rose more than expected to the highest level in more than a year, the government said on Thursday in a report showing further labor market erosion.
What Makes Southwest Airlines Fly?
How does Southwest Airlines keep making money? The secret to its success, said Southwest chairman Herb Kelleher during a talk at Wharton April 22, is available for anyone, including its competitors, to see.
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:19 PM, (Permalink)
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General Benefits
News Postings
Employers Can Lower Mental Health-care Costs
Clinical depression, anxiety disorder and other mental illnesses have become increasingly common in the workplace, and increasingly costly.
Eldercare Benefits Expand Beyond Referral Services
Eldercare benefits, when offered at all, tend to begin and end with resource and referral programs. But as useful and necessary as these services may be, many employees could use a little extra support handling their eldercare responsibilities.
Valley Firms Offer Financial Incentives to Employees Who Get Fit
Most wellness programs have a unique focus. While the city of Phoenix concentrates on eating healthier and exercising more, UnitedHealthcare and Phoenix Union focus on improving flexibility, cardio endurance, strength and body composition. Others, like AMEC Infrastructure, start out by offering simple weight-loss contests.
With Health Costs Escalating, Firms Get Creative
Here are three examples of approaches employers have taken to integrate the efforts of their financial and benefits teams and senior leaders and balance their benefits budgets.
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:15 PM, (Permalink)
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Friday, April 25, 2003
General Recruiting and Staffing
News Postings
Employment Ads Tell Tales of Changing Social Norms
Classified ads, both help-wanted and position-seeking notices, tell the history of America from an offbeat perspective -- the pithy commercial dialogue of ordinary people.
Talent Management: Something Productive This Way Comes
Talent management is nothing new, but it is a concept whose time has come. If you are an HR professional looking to justify your existence, bringing talent management to the forefront of human resources is a step in the right direction.
Defense Jobs Go Begging Due to Clearance Issues
The military and intelligence community is seeking thousands of engineering, computer and other technical professionals. The problem -- a veritable Catch-22 -- is that you can't get the high-level government security clearance required unless you land a job that requires one, and in most cases, you can't land that job unless you first have a clearance.
The Demand Remains Strong for Emergency Medical Professionals
Emergency medical technicians are in great demand today, and the outlook for employment opportunities in all areas of emergency medical services looks strong for the foreseeable future.
posted by Sean Rehder at 2:22 PM, (Permalink)
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Thursday, April 24, 2003
General Workplace Safety
News Postings
More Mouse May Mean More Pain
Two new studies by Danish researchers indicate that the risk of developing an upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) may have a direct relationship to the percentage of time spent mousing.
Text Messaging Takes Off but Not Without Warnings
While military action is causing a boom of text messages, with everyone from the BBC, AOL and even the U.S. military turning to handheld technology to transfer information, receive feedback and even clarify radio messages, the price of this portable convenience, warns the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), could come in the form of potential pain or even a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).
Safety Means Avoiding, not Confronting, Danger
While few companies feel the need to provide round-the-clock bodyguards for their CEOs, a growing number are giving more thought to executive protection -- a broad category that covers everything from making sure someone has proper locks and an alarm system at home to escorting traveling executives overseas.
OSHA Cites Coke for 222 Violations
Last year The Coca-Cola Co. and its network of bottlers were cited for 222 violations of federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration standards and fined $156,831.
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:28 PM, (Permalink)
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Wednesday, April 23, 2003
General
News Postings
New SARS Travel Warning Issued
Responding to the global spread of the deadly SARS virus, the World Health Organization on Wednesday counseled against travel to Beijing, China’s Shanxi province and Toronto, Canada’s business capital.
Exec Pay Faces More Pressure
Today and Friday, shareholders of General Electric and SBC Communications, respectively, will finish voting at their annual meetings on shareholder resolutions that urge the companies to adopt performance-based stock options for management.
Soothing Workplace Gifts for These Tough Times
Tens of thousands of gifts will land on workers' desks on April 23 in honor of this year's Administrative Professionals Day. Especially in these days of high stress, layoffs and tight budgets, the day is an opportunity to make a small gesture that sends a meaningful message to valued workers.
Court Approves Kmart Plan
A federal court approved Kmart Corp.’s reorganization plan late Tuesday, paving the way for the giant retailer to emerge from bankruptcy in less than two weeks.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:53 PM, (Permalink)
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Tuesday, April 22, 2003
General
News Postings
War Wanes, but Travel Jitters Linger
Travel agents face a public that isn’t sure where to go and what to do — if, in fact, travelers are even willing to leave the house.
Justices to Weigh Age-bias Lawsuit
The Supreme Court said Monday it will decide when companies can be punished for treating older workers better than their younger colleagues, a type of reverse discrimination.
Employers Give Nod to Training Program; SFWorks Lifts Hundreds into Workforce
Employers want highly trained workers who will give them a return on their investment. San Francisco's low-income residents need good jobs that will help lift them out of poverty. So far, San Francisco Works has been able to deliver on both counts.
Case Law Has Yet to Define Workplace Obesity Guidelines, but California Has Some New Rules
Lawyers and activists for the fat continue to pursue new laws to protect them from discrimination at work. In California, the trend has produced new safeguards for workers who are overweight due to medical conditions.
"Admins" Taking Ethics Seriously -- Even if Bosses Aren't
This week is Administrative Professionals Week. And if you invite your administrative support employees to lunch, don't be surprised if they launch into a conversation about ethical dilemmas in the workplace.
Advocates for Farm Laborers Seek a Ban on Hand Weeding
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is considering a request by worker advocates and labor unions to ban all hand weeding in commercial agriculture.
Economies Hurt by SARS, and Fear
SARS is causing the worst economic crisis in Southeast Asia since the wave of bank failures and currency devaluations that swept the region five years ago.
American Air Faces Union Wrath
American Airlines faces bankruptcy concerns again this week — just days after avoiding Chapter 11 — as unions for its flight attendants, ground workers and mechanics threaten to pull back concessions in anger at lucrative payment plans for the AMR Corp. unit’s top brass.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:05 PM, (Permalink)
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General Compensation
News Postings
Today's Executive Perks Are Much More Mundane
The perks many U.S. executives are bragging about in the steam room these days aren't the lifestyle luxuries of the past, such as country-club memberships and limousines. Now they're talking about more mundane benefits such as tax and estate advice.
Stock Options Retain Importance in Pay for Executives
Even in the wake of a number of corporate scandals and -- perhaps more significantly -- even in the midst of a dismal stock market, stock options remain a central component of executive compensation.
Managers Boost Titles, but Pay Stays the Same
Employers are handing out new job titles as a way to keep their top performers without spending a lot of money. But some employees say they'd prefer bigger paychecks instead of fancy names.
Execs Tread a Fine Line
Corporate values have changed -- and sought-after managers aren't demanding as much during pay negotiations. Here's a closer look at the new breed of senior leader.
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:50 PM, (Permalink)
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General Recruiting and Staffing
News Postings
Four New Roles for Staffing Agencies
In an article a few weeks back, Kevin made the controversial point that the traditional staffing agency model was doomed. In this article, he talks about four things agencies can do to adapt and evolve.
"Help! Half My Staff Has Gone to War"
Along with the stress of worrying about colleagues who are fighting overseas, employees here have a ton of extra work to do. Here's how to cope.
Wanted: New Nurses
Faced with a scarcity of nurses and a move to establish higher nurse-to-patient ratios, area hospitals and healthcare systems are trying hard to draw workers back into nursing.
Describe Opportunities, Not Requirements
The purpose of metrics is primarily to monitor the status of a process. When the process isn't working, the idea is to change the process as soon as the metric indicates you're no longer within an acceptable range of performance. Here's an example of how this approach to metrics will convince you of the importance of describing opportunities, not requirements, in your job postings.
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:40 PM, (Permalink)
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Monday, April 21, 2003
 Four Don'ts When Dealing With Recruiters
HotJobs.com
By Erin Hovanec
What's the first step to getting a job interview? Getting past the recruiter.
Recruiters are usually your first contact with a potential employer. And they often decide whether your resume lands on the hiring manager's desk or in a far-off filing cabinet.
While it's important to know the basics of what recruiters do, you also need to know what they DON'T do. After all, you don't want an inappropriate request to ruin your chances for an interview.
Here are four things you shouldn't ask of a recruiter.
Don't Be Overly Friendly
Sure, recruiters are usually warm, friendly and helpful. After all, it's their job to put you at ease and guide you through the hiring process. But they're professional colleagues, and it's crucial that you never forget it.
Think of the recruiter as a respected coworker and treat them accordingly. Be friendly, but not overly casual or familiar. It's wise to keep personal conversations, jokes and physical contact to a minimum.
After a tough interview with a hiring manager, you may be relived to see a recruiter's smiling face. Don't be tempted to let your guard down though; you're still "on," even if the interview has ended.
A useful rule of thumb: Don't say or do anything in front of a recruiter that you wouldn't say or do in front of your boss (or your mother).
Don't Expect Career Coaching
The recruiter's goal is not to help you get a job. It's to help you navigate the hiring process at one specific company.
Recruiters aren't career coaches. It's not appropriate to ask them to help you craft your cover letter, edit your resume or plan your career path.
You can ask questions about the company or industry in general, but try to relate your questions to the job you're being considered for. And save your best, most thoughtful questions for the hiring manager -- that's who you need to impress most.
Don't Ask for Insider Information
There's only one job candidate you really need to worry about: You.
Though it may be hard to resist, don't ask about who you're up against for a job. Recruiters generally won't share information about other candidates. And asking for specific details about the competition makes you look insecure in your own skills.
However, questions about the hiring process or the position itself are fair game. Here are a few questions you can feel comfortable asking:
- Are you still interviewing candidates?
- How large is the current pool of candidates?
- How would you describe the ideal candidate for the job?
- Is there anything I can do to make myself a stronger candidate?
The best way to get an edge on the competition? Make yourself a more competitive candidate.
Don't Request Special Treatment
Although you may wish you were, you're probably not the only candidate for the job.
And, while recruiters are often happy to help, their aim is not to be your advocate to the hiring manager. Their aim is to fill a position.
Never ask a recruiter to put in a good word for you with the hiring manager. If they think you're a strong candidate, they'll probably sing your praises anyway.
Also, don't ask them to relay a message to the hiring manager for you. Instead of saying, "Tell So-and-So it was very nice to meet him ...," send a thank you note.
Taking the initiative and speaking for yourself shows the hiring manager that you're capable, confident and conscientious.
Remember, if you treat the recruiter well, chances are they'll treat you the same way.
posted by Sean Rehder at 7:53 AM, (Permalink)
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Saturday, April 19, 2003
12 Ways Job Seekers Botch Their Resumes
By Joe Hodowanes, Career Strategy Advisor of J.M. Wanes & Associates Successful people are frequently good at many things, but few are experienced at writing an effective resume. As a result, the general standard of resumes ranges from poor to lousy. Simply by avoiding these common pitfalls, you will be well ahead of the pack. - Impossible to read in 30 seconds: Most resume readers make their first "trash can" decision after 30 seconds. By this point, if they haven't been able to figure out basically what you are, expect to find yourself in the round file. Poor organization, typeface and layout often contribute to this problem. Including a summary, or leading with your most relevant skill are good solutions.
- Too vague: Far too many resume fail by making claims that are vague to the point of banality. Examples include "good interpersonal skills," "fast learner," and "conscientious." If your resume reads like a politician's stump speech or a beauty pageant interview, start over.
- No Specialty: Mr. Jones is good at consumer marketing and Internet start-ups. Ms. Clark is a quality specialist and a PR whiz. The trouble is, few people are looking for these exact combinations; they tend to want one thing or the other. You also make yourself needlessly hard to categorize in a compartmentalized world of job titles and job functions. The solution is to lead with the expertise most relevant for the type of position you are now seeking, while treating the rest as "additional experience."
- Too short: You won't win any prizes for droning on and on, but you are no longer required to cram your accomplishments onto a single sheet of paper. Excessive editing of a resume tends to cut into muscle: you are left with company names and job titles, but nothing about what you actually did.
- Job seekers should write their resume with a human reader in mind: It is unwise to distort the creation of your "business stories" by skewing the language to pass muster with computer scanners and databases. Nevertheless, once you have finalized your basic resume package, it is wise these days to be aware that resumes frequently are scanned. Fortunately, most of the stylistic advice for a "scanner-friendly" resume is consistent with good resume style in general. Yes, document scanning is a fact of life these days, but it's not a reason to revamp your resume. Write your resume for a human reader and then check it to make sure it is intelligible to a machine. Beyond that, don't worry.
- Write your accomplishments with the employer's bottom-line in mind: Take a look at your resume from the employer's perspective: "I'm the company and I'm spending 'X' on you. What is my return on my investment? How can you make the company more profitable? That is what your resume should scream to the reader. Particularly your accomplishments, which should address how a previous employer's bottom-line benefited from your employment. When writing your accomplishments you want to answer the question for the resume reader: Why me? Why will they select me, and not one of the other 150 people whose resume are sitting on the employer's desk?
- Lack of numbers: Accomplishments need to be quantified whenever possible. As the Wall Street Journal shows, numbers are the language of commerce. Try dollars, ratios, and percentages, whatever - but do use numbers. If your resume doesn't have them, readers will simply assume that you didn't accomplish anything. Here's a brief example of a quantifiable accomplishment: Designed and installed over a 3 month period, a PC based human resources information system, which reduced recruiting costs by $85,000 per year.
- Edit and proof, proof: Ask any novelist or screenplay writer and they'll say the same thing: a great piece of writing is 10% creation and 90% editing. Expect to rework your resume extensively. Think of it as a living document, continually being polished and "spun" for its next outing. Proof your work obsessively. Get someone else with fresh eyes to proof it too. Use your PC's spell-checker but don't rely on it alone.
- To avoid being rejected on account of weak or no formal education, utilize a tone-down formal schooling approach: Education is less important for mid to senior level positions than for entry level. If your educational background is limited, simply keep it very brief at the end of your resume. Ensure that your employment experience more than makes up for it. Absent full degrees, list seminars and certifications. For incomplete degrees, say "graduate studies in…" or "studies in…" Do not fabricate or even stretch the truth about your education. It is the easiest, and thus first, item checked.
- Write with your reader in mind: Generic resumes don't work at the mid-senior level. Whether you are applying for a particular job as Vice President of Marketing in hi-tech, or mailing your resume to recruiters who specialize in senior technology marketing positions, your resume must show that you have the exact skill-set required to be a hero at this job, even if you are coming out of Business Development. Some executives customize their resumes from a single "core" skeleton, while others maintain a few different "starting point" versions.
- Essentially, employers look for what you can do for them: This will not sound flattering to most job seekers, but candidly, you are a product that you're selling and marketing to the resume reader. The ego needs to take a back seat during a job search. Just like in any other sales situation, you sell the sizzle, not the steak. The mindset is not to inform, but to sell, market, showcase your skills and results, highlight what you've done for former employers, and emphasize what you can do for a new company. This is where most people miss the mark tremendously.
- Make your resume a visually appealing document: How your resume looks is an important as the words it contains. That's why you should be very careful over the appearance of your resume. As many as a quarter of otherwise excellent resumes ruin their chances with bad layout. The phrase "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" applies in resumes just as much as in dating. Just as you wouldn't dream of going to a big interview in anything other than your best suit and polished shoes, your resume should score a "10" for how it looks. After all, your resume is the ambassador, your packaging, an extension of yourself. Give it the Brooks Brothers treatment - conservative and immaculate - and you can't go wrong.
posted by Sean Rehder at 6:18 PM, (Permalink)
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Friday, April 18, 2003
 Should You Use A Cover Letter?
Source: www.job.com
Your cover letter is your means of introducing yourself to the recruiter and showing why you are the right person for the job. Your resume is a list of your accomplishments and work history, but it does little to portray the person behind the credentials. Your cover letter is the first impression that a recruiter gets, and some recruiters won't look at your resume if they are not impressed with your cover letter.
General Format
Use a font that is easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman in a 12 point font. Be concise. Don't make your cover letter longer than one page. Recruiters read hundreds (even thousands) of cover letters and resumes for job openings, so increasing their reading material will not help your application.
Address and Greeting
Make sure you spell the recruiter's and/or company's name correctly. These errors are more common than you think and directly affect a recruiter's perception of your attention to detail.
Introductory paragraph
State the position for which you are applying, and if applicable, how you learned about the opening (i.e. someone referred you to the firm, you are responding to an ad, you spoke with a recruiter at a company presentation). Give your degree (or expected degree) and the college where you received it. Briefly mention why you are interested in the job and the firm. Show them that you have done some research about the position and the company.
1-2 Body paragraphs
Figure out what skills/experience/interests recruiters are looking for relating to the position and show how you have demonstrated these attributes. All human resource personnel are looking for people with leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, but you should also show that you possess the other important skills / experience / interest / experience specific to the position. For example, investment bankers look for people who have spreadsheet skills, consultants want people with analytical skills, and journalists want people with impressive writing skills.
Briefly discuss (don't just state) how your skills and work experiencequalify you for the position. Use a sentence or two to elaborate on one of the jobs or extracurriculars listed on your resume, or (for recent and future graduates) discuss how a certain course or class project has enhanced your skills.
Reminder: Be concise. Keep your content limited to a few paragraphs. Don't elaborate on all your past jobs and don't just list your skills.
Closing sentences
Tell the recruiter that you will follow up in a few weeks (Make sure that you do follow up when you say you will) Say something like "Thank you for your time."
Other Tips
Your cover letter should be one page. Proofread! Since recruiters view a cover letter as a reflection of the applicant, don't let sloppy mistakes slip by. And don't rely on your word processor's spelling and grammar check.
Get some objective feedback on your cover letter. It's difficult to step back from your writing, so have someone such as a friend, colleague, or professor review it. If you know someone who applied for a similar job in past, ask for their input. Also, if you are still in school, take your letter to your career center and have someone there critique it.
Remember that recruiters hire based on interviews, and your resume and cover letter are your means of obtaining an interview.
posted by Sean Rehder at 8:48 AM, (Permalink)
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Thursday, April 17, 2003
General
News Postings
American's Flight Attendants Approve Labor Concessions
American Airlines flight attendants approved $340 million in labor concessions Wednesday, pulling the world's largest carrier back from the brink of bankruptcy.
Nation's Inflation Picture Looks Healthy
The nation's inflation picture other than a war-related run-up in energy prices looked good in March, and housing construction rebounded, offering a dose of decent news for the struggling economy.
Lead Change to Become a Learning Organization
Instead of static organizations that are strictly hierarchical, learning organizations are flexible. This structure makes managers able to lead change instead of merely reacting to change.
ALRB: Gallo "Coerced" Workers
The state's Agricultural Labor Relations Board is accusing Gallo of Sonoma of engaging in unfair labor practices by "encouraging and coercing" its vineyard workers to sign a petition to oust the United Farm Workers Union.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:21 PM, (Permalink)
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General
News Postings
How to Deal Effectively with the Office Bully
Workplace bullying, also called generalized workplace harassment or status-blind harassment, is nothing new, of course. Yet few companies have policies in place to deal with bullies. And today's high-stress workplaces might be breeding grounds for bullies, experts say.
Morgan Stanley and U.S. Agency Fail to Settle Sex Bias Lawsuit
Forcing the chiefs of Morgan Stanley and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to sit in a stifling federal courtroom in lower Manhattan for three hours yesterday was not enough to bring about a settlement in a long-running sex-discrimination lawsuit against the investment firm.
Try, Try Again for American
For American Airlines, changing the minds of a few hundred flight attendants is key to avoiding a rough ride through bankruptcy court.
ALRB: Gallo "Coerced" Workers
The state's Agricultural Labor Relations Board is accusing Gallo of Sonoma of engaging in unfair labor practices by "encouraging and coercing" its vineyard workers to sign a petition to oust the United Farm Workers Union.
Many CEOs Still Reap Riches Despite Slump
Enron and the bear market may have knocked corporate chieftains off their pedestals, but they've barely put a dent in CEO earning power. In many cases, corporate boards are continuing to reward mediocrity -- or bald failure -- with riches, in the name of providing executives with incentives to do better.
Strict Measures, Concerns Greet Start of Patient Privacy Law
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, widely known by the acronym HIPAA, almost immediately began altering the way doctors communicate with their patients and each other -- in ways big and small.
Psychologists Say Increased Workloads and Insecurity Put Stress on Job-cut Survivors
While some displaced workers get severance packages, outplacement assistance and a chance to start over, retained employees are often left with mounting workloads, fear of more layoffs and even guilt that they were allowed to stay on.
OSHA Develops Information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported very few cases of occupationally-acquired SARS in the United States, they have issued a number of recommendations for workers in health care, laboratories, airline flight crews and airport personnel, and air medical transport workers. OSHA has compiled this and other relevant information about SARS and the workplace and posted it on the agency's website.
Lockheed Machinists Go on Strike
Members of the union representing about 4,000 workers at Lockheed Martin Corp.’s aircraft manufacturing plant went on strike Monday, seeking higher wages and better medical insurance.
Business Inventories Climb in February
Stocks at U.S. businesses in February climbed to their highest level since September 2001, the government said on Monday in a report also showing the largest drop in sales in over a year.
Acquirers Desire "Secret" Workers
The nation's largest defense contractors have been quietly on the prowl for or privately held enterprises that often work on classified programs and are loaded with employees who possess highly coveted government security clearances.
State's Unemployment Rate Declines
California's unemployment rate was 6.6 percent in March, down from a revised 6.7 percent in February, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday.
posted by Sean Rehder at 10:16 AM, (Permalink)
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General Benefits
News Postings
Alternatives Sought to Stem Rising Health Care Expenses
While scientists continue to discover new ways to treat disease, no one has found a way yet to cure the rising cost of health care. When no cure is in sight, people look for alternatives that will help them deal with the problem while it exists.
Sharing the Vision: Even in a Bad Economy, Small Employers Are Boosting Vision Plans
Statistics show that the number of employers - even small companies - providing vision benefits has been increasing over the last several years, especially during tough economic times.
A Plan to Recalculate Pensions
Corporations would find billions of dollars of pension shortfalls eliminated overnight under a proposal being prepared to address a longstanding issue in pension accounting.
Bolstering the Case: Legal Plans as a Voluntary Benefit
Last year, a study by the American Bar Association found that seven out of 10 U.S. families encountered a situation that might have led them to hire a lawyer. However, many reportedly were reluctant to seek out legal services due to questions over attorney effectiveness and cost concerns. To alleviate such stress among workers and avoid potential setbacks in productivity, a growing number of employers are turning to legal plans.
posted by Sean Rehder at 10:10 AM, (Permalink)
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Wednesday, April 16, 2003
General Compensation
News Postings
Pay-for-Performance Doesn’t Always Pay Off
Paying your employees more for hitting specific targets may backfire, according to HBS professor Michael Beer. As he learned in his study of thirteen pay-for-performance plans at Hewlett-Packard, the unspoken contract may make or break these programs.
What Price Salary at a Nonprofit?
The chief executive of the nonprofit Children's Hospital has been paid more than $950,000 in each of the past two years, more than three times the national average for hospital presidents and higher than leaders of much larger nonprofit medical institutions.
Strategies to Help Women Earn What They're Worth
As a woman executive, do you suspect that you're earning less than men in the same job? Various reports indicate that as a group, U.S. women still aren't bringing home as much bacon as men.
PG&E Execs Awarded Big Bonuses
Bankruptcy is becoming a boom time for some executives at PG&E. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has paid $7.2 million in retention bonuses to more than 200 utility executives and managers who last month were also rewarded in a $57.4 million performance incentive program.
posted by Sean Rehder at 2:27 PM, (Permalink)
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General Employee Development
News Postings
Evaluate This! The New Performance Review
For many managers, writing performance appraisals is akin to root canal—only more painful. It shouldn’t be. Here are tips for improving your employee evaluation process.
Businesses Team Up with Schools to Train Future Work Force
Businesspeople say that relationships with primary schools--elementary schools, middle schools and high schools--are just as important as those with univerities and colleges. In fact, they may be more important.
It's Never Too Late to Get that Harvard Degree
A growing number of business schools now offer executive education programs that run from five days to three weeks. Here's a look at three top programs.
Seven Sure-Fire Ways to Motivate Your Team
The more we can do to keep the right people on our team and in our respective companies, the better. Motivating through recognition—without complex systems, analysis, or costs—will contribute to the bottom line and, as important, make you feel better, too.
posted by Sean Rehder at 2:20 PM, (Permalink)
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Monday, April 14, 2003
Some Good Articles from www.EcommerceTimes.com
Google, an Indispensable Web Tool, Expands as It Looks to the Future
By eschewing quick and easy profits and the temptation of an earlier public stock offering, and instead sticking to its unusual but uncompromising mission of changing the world with an Internet search engine, Google has become an indispensable tool for Web users. Founders and employees say they are only getting started...
Business-Process Fixes That Save Big Bucks
There has been a lot of buzz lately about shifting the focus of enterprise applications away from the customer and toward the company. The idea is that a customer-centric approach intended to increase sales is less beneficial to the bottom line than a business-process approach designed to save money. But the two goals are not mutually exclusive...
Opinion: The Next Browser War
As the wireless world matures, it will go through some similar experiences as its graying friend the PC. One of the most interesting to watch will be the browser war for the cell phone market...
High-Tech Job Cuts Down from Last Year
The number of high-tech layoffs in the first quarter fell 45 percent compared with a year ago as stabilization in the telecom industry helped slow the pace of job cuts, according to a new report from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas...
Pumping Up Sales Force Automation
The sales slump still plagues many industries, but wise organizations are making plans behind the scenes for better days ahead. Those plans include the acquisition of more powerful tools for their sales forces, and software vendors are moving to support the need, according to Aberdeen Group vice president Denis Pombriant...
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:28 PM, (Permalink)
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Following up after an Informational Interview - From WetFeet.com
When appropriate, recognize someone's generosity with a thank-you note. Follow the grabber-definer-convincer-concluder model. Why? Because it will help in your job search.
Writing Follow-Up Letters to Informational Interviews You've just returned from a wonderful meeting with Frank Carlson. You achieved everything you hoped you would, and then some.
More...
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:07 PM, (Permalink)
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Thursday, April 10, 2003
General
News Postings
Telecom Leads Decline in Job Cut Announcements
Job cuts announced by high-tech companies in the first quarter plunged to 61,032, down 45 percent from the 110,247 announced in the same quarter a year earlier. The decline was due solely to a significant drop in telecommunication job cuts.
New Employment Stats: A Rose-Colored Picture?
With all that is going wrong in the U.S. economy, economists are starting to suspect that the current unemployment rate of 5.8% -- the same as six months ago -- could be underestimating the true level of distress in the labor market.
House Backs Aid for Airline Workers
The House voted 265 to 150 to instruct its conferees to include a Senate provision in the airline aid package that would provide an extra 26 weeks of unemployment insurance for laid-off airline workers, even though the provision was not in its version of the bill.
Sweeping Reform Proposed for FLSA Regulations
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed sweeping changes to outdated Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations that will affect most employers in the United States and its territories.
posted by Sean Rehder at 6:58 AM, (Permalink)
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Tuesday, April 08, 2003
General
News Postings
Research Shows Rise in Audit Meetings
Audit committees met nearly 50 percent more often last year, as directors of the largest U.S. companies deepened their scrutiny of financial statements following corporate scandals and tighter regulation.
Supreme Court Sets Limits on Size of Damage Awards
The Supreme Court set new constitutional limits on punitive damages today in a ruling that the business community hailed as a major victory in the long-running effort to shield corporate defendants from unconstrained jury awards.
Cash-balance Plan Rule Change Scrapped
The Bush administration said Monday that it would scrap, for now, a proposed rule that sought to ensure that highly paid workers aren't unduly favored when companies switch to a new type of retirement plan.
Employers Relaxing Rules in War
Employers across the nation say they have relaxed their rules in an effort to help workers with loved ones in the military. Company-sanctioned breaks to check television, radio and Internet reports in some places have become part of the workday.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:44 PM, (Permalink)
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General Compensation
News Postings
Are You Paid Enough?
It's no surprise that where you live has a lot to do with how much you're paid. Salaries for the same job tend to be higher in cities where the cost of living is high. But the two don't always move in lock-step.
Safeway's Top Executive Gets 77 Percent Lower Bonus
Safeway Inc.'s top executive saw his annual bonus drop 77 percent last year to $258,000 from $1.2 million in 2001, according to a regulatory filing, as the grocery store chain struggled financially.
HP Shareholders Narrowly Approve Executive Severance Measure
Rejecting management recommendations, Hewlett-Packard Co. shareholders narrowly adopted a measure requiring their approval of large executive severance packages.
Options: "Probably the Worst Incentive"
Last month the Financial Accounting Standards Board voted to draft new rules requiring stock options, the incentive tool of choice especially for technology companies, to be counted as an expense on the income statement. That's likely to spur a number of new incentive pay methods.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:27 PM, (Permalink)
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Monday, April 07, 2003
General
News Postings
Travel Fears Cause Some to Commute Online
As fears of terrorism, the mysterious respiratory disease known as SARS and consequences of the Iraq war have mounted over the last several weeks, many businesses are reducing travel in favor of virtual meetings, and more employees are learning how to telecommute.
Congress Takes on H-1B Visas
As Congress prepares to reauthorize the controversial program for another three years in the fall, foes are calling for safeguards to stop the wholesale replacement of U.S. workers. They also want the annual cap on H-1Bs to return to the 65,000 limit established in 1990.
Many Types of Businesses Feel War's Impact
The war is rippling through the economy, affecting companies far from the fighting. About 8% of the nearly 8,000 companies that filed annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission this year say the war has affected or could affect them, says research firm 10K Wizard.
Companies Pick up Tab for Reservist Pay Difference
The thousands of military reservists being called for active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom know firsthand that the experience can be disruptive personally, professionally and financially. Some employers help reduce that disruption by paying the difference between what civilian jobs pay and what reservists make when they are on active duty.
posted by Sean Rehder at 2:43 PM, (Permalink)
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General Benefits
News Postings
Employees, Companies Squeezed by Health Costs
Smaller companies often face bigger increases than larger corporations because if one person in their health insurance pool becomes seriously ill, they have fewer healthy people to offset the increased risk, pushing up rates.
Smaller Firms Lining up for Cafeteria Plans
With health-care and insurance coverage costs rising annually, more businesses, especially smaller ones, are turning to defined contribution plans, better known as cafeteria plans, as a way to control costs.
Having It their Way - Intel's Benefits Plan Emphasizes Choice and Flexibility
Intel re-engineered the company health plan effective this year in order to broaden choice and flexibility for its 54,000 U.S. employees in 238 locations nationwide. An employee satisfaction survey in 2002 revealed that 80% of employees were satisfied with their health plan choices.
Following the Duck
Employee-consumers are exhibiting an ever-growing appetite for an array of insurance coverage, financial services and other products distributed through the workplace.
posted by Sean Rehder at 2:30 PM, (Permalink)
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Saturday, April 05, 2003
 New Yahoo
Company Group: Inside Advanced Personnel Systems
Today I added the Yahoo Group Inside Advanced Personnel Systems, they are located in Oceanside, CA. The group is open to anyone who wants to join and I will be sending an email to Cherri Carbonara who is their Sr. VP of Marketing Communications. I highly encourage everyone to join and I have listed a brief review of the company below.
“APS is dedicated to delivering quality software and services to our customers and providing an enjoyable, friendly and creative work environment for our employees. We provide software solutions and data processing services to the staffing and human resources industry, which make it "easy to do the job right".We intend to make a reasonable profit to finance continued growth and to share this profit with our employees to encourage independent problem solving, hard work and creativity. ”
posted by Sean Rehder at 9:44 AM, (Permalink)
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New Yahoo
Company Group: Inside ADCS
Today I added the Yahoo Group Inside ADCS, they are located in Poway, CA . The group is open to anyone who wants to join and I will be sending an email to their Human Resources Department. I highly encourage everyone to join and I have listed a brief review of the company below.
“Founded in 1995, Wilkes Corporation is an established leader in providing technology solutions to government and commercial entities. The Wilkes Corporation provides leadership, knowledge and personnel for several technology and defense-related business enterprises. The Wilkes Corporation supports multiple companies including ADCS Inc., MailSafe, Mirror Labs, Group W Outfitters, Group W Media, Group W Advisors, Group W Transportation, Group W Holdings, Al Dust Properties LLC, IDEA, PKMI, Akamai Info Tech, and Perfect Wave Technologies, LLC. The Wilkes Corporation maintains an ever expanding global presence with offices in San Diego, Washington D.C., Panama, Hawaii, and Germany.”
posted by Sean Rehder at 9:14 AM, (Permalink)
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New Yahoo
Company Group: Inside AcuPrint Technology
Today I added the Yahoo Group Inside AcuPrint Technology, they are located in Carlsbad, CA. The group is open to anyone who wants to join and I will be sending an email to their sales department. I highly encourage everyone to join and I have listed a brief review of the company below.
"For the past 14 years, AcuPrint has fulfilled the secure document needs of over 5000 customers in North America. Founded in 1989 with the purpose of developing a secure and economical MICR laser check printing solution for the business customer, AcuPrint has become a leader in the secure document industry. AcuPrint's technology enables legacy systems to take advantage of today's printing solutions.AcuPrint is a worldwide technological leader in secure printing. As a member of a very elite group of Hewlett-Packard's Extended Solutions Providers (ESP), we are continually working to develop revolutionary technology that adds intelligence and security to laser printers."
posted by Sean Rehder at 8:41 AM, (Permalink)
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 BostonWorks.com Lists CWO on Their Job Blog
Jason Butler, a Product Development Manager for BostonWorks.com, runs their Job Blog and has listed the Contingent Workforce Organization in their link list under the category "Job-Related Blogs."
Thanks Jason! Its great to see the site making its way across the web.
posted by Sean Rehder at 7:42 AM, (Permalink)
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General
News Postings
United to Pay Laid-off Mechanics
United Airlines Thursday agreed in an out-of-court settlement to provide furlough pay and grant other rights to about 1,100 mechanics who are being temporarily laid off at a maintenance facility in Indianapolis.
Support Your Employees - It's Good for the Heart
New research suggests that workers who feel supported by their supervisors have lower blood pressure during work hours than others, particularly during periods of stress.
You Don't Have to Have a "Job" to Have a Life
Here's a novel way to achieve balance between your job and your personal life: Eliminate the "job," with its connotations of drudgery.
Have a Good Laugh and Increase Productivity
Make your company workplace a fun place to work. You'll not only see an increase in productivity, you will also build a loyal employee workforce. Employees will look forward to coming to work, and others will want to join your team.
Retirees on the Edge
Out-of-pocket expenses for all Americans are rising, for prescription drugs, insurance copayments, and premiums. Rising expenses fall hardest on pensioners when employers shift a growing share of their total cost to former workers on fixed incomes.
Weekly Jobless Claims Soar
New claims for unemployment benefits shot up last week to their highest point in nearly a year as businesses made work forces leaner amid a muddled wartime economic climate.
SARS Outbreak Already Causes Business Struggles
The mysterious life-threatening SARS illness is straining economic activity across Asia, forcing manufacturers to temporarily shut down, bankers to cancel face-to-face meetings and visitors to stay away.
Choice of Doctors Expands in HMO Ruling
States can force managed health care plans to admit qualified physicians into their networks, the Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in a unanimous decision that gives HMO patients more options in receiving medical care.
posted by Sean Rehder at 7:22 AM, (Permalink)
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General HRIS
News Postings
States Seen as Lax on Database Security
An overwhelming majority of states have failed to require insurance companies to protect their computerized data from hacking and other attacks, according to a study that raises questions about how aggressively states are tackling cybersecurity overall.
Stemming the Tide of On-the-Job Web Surfing
Few human-resources professionals or managers have not encountered a serious problem with an employee abusing company e-mail or Internet privileges. It's not surprising, since research shows workers increasingly access the Internet for personal uses while at work.
State Makes Payroll Info Self-Serve
Mississippi state government employees can now view their individual payroll and tax information through a secure Web-based, self-service application that has reached a 17 percent adoption rate so far.
Portal Productivity: HR Self-Service Expands Toward Strategic Applications
Budgets for human resource self-service and portal technologies dipped in 2002 and are expected to do so again this year, yet such technologies are "maturing as strategic, comprehensive solutions that support building high-performance workforces," according to The Cedar 2002 Human Resources Self-Service/Portal Survey.
posted by Sean Rehder at 7:19 AM, (Permalink)
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General Workplace Safety
News Postings
Ergonomically Sound Workspaces Lower Injury Costs
While the possibility of being crushed by a steel beam decreases in the white collar office world, the possibility of serious injury is still present. And the business of preventing those injuries is becoming more relevant these days.
Companies Must Add Rising Security Costs to their Overhead
Companies, like government agencies, have new homeland security costs. They run the gamut, from one-time costs for new security systems to shipping delays to lost time for workers stuck in security lines.
Predict, Prepare, and Practice
An emergency response plan needs to be developed prior to any anticipated emergency and should include both employers and employees—because both will be needed to make it work effectively.
Safety Issues on Front Burner
Firms that handle fire, security systems see increase in business.
posted by Sean Rehder at 7:16 AM, (Permalink)
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General Employee Development
News Postings
Work During Wartime - Rallying Your Own Troops during Times of Crisis
Even thousands of miles from the battlefield, war can be hell. Just ask any manager who's tried to lead a company through the psychological minefield of anxiety and fear that foreign conflicts inevitably produce at home.
Companies Stay Loyal to Worker Training
Despite a tough economy, employers continue to make big investments in training. If anything, they see training as more important in the bust than they did during the boom. What's different is how they're going about it.
Secure International Business Air Travel in Volatile Times
Because of a breakdown in law enforcement and security in many nations, mixed with the current air of global political conflict and tension, a company must take into consideration new risks when its employees travel abroad for business purposes.
IT Specialists Expand Skills to Survive Soft Economy
No longer do recruiters or IT managers want to spend money on a systems analyst to gauge business needs or a programmer to code an application to fill those needs. In these days of whittled-down budgets, the same person must do both.
posted by Sean Rehder at 5:45 AM, (Permalink)
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General Recruiting and Staffing
News Postings
IT Managers Predict Further Hiring Slowdown
It may come as a surprise to the tens of thousands of jobless tech workers in Silicon Valley, but nationwide there are actually more people working in information technology now than last year. But those doing the hiring say while jobs will need to be filled this year, the pace of hiring is slowing.
Is It Time To Be Bold?
Unemployment is running at 5.8% nationally, but if you probe into Bureau of Labor Statistics data you'll find that people with a college education have an unemployment rate of only 3.0%. That's about as good as it gets.
Staffing Firms Find their Services Needed in a Variety of Industries
With an uncertain economy wreaking havoc on their project schedules and bottom lines, a number of area companies have been looking to temporary staffing firms to fill their fluctuating personnel needs.
War Complicates Matters for Unemployed Executives
It was hard enough to find a job before the war started. Now, geopolitical conflict has made searching that much tougher.
posted by Sean Rehder at 5:41 AM, (Permalink)
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Wednesday, April 02, 2003
New Yahoo
Company Group
Today I added the Yahoo Group Inside Enfrasoft, they are located in Diamond Bar, CA. The group is open to anyone who wants to join and I will be sending an email to Jim Lin who is in their Human Resources Department. I highly encourage everyone to join and I have listed a brief review of the company below.
Located in Diamond Bar, CA., Enfrasoft, Inc. is a provider of custom ecommerce platforms. Serving manufacturers, retailers and service industries, we provide commerce functionality, as well as collaboration and management tools that leverage Internet technology for maximum efficiency.
Here are some current openings:
Inside Sales Associate
Enfrasoft develops custom ecommerce platforms through which second tier services can be re-sold by our clients to their customer base. The Inside Sales Associate will represent our clients in promoting and selling this second tier service to our clients’ existing and future customers via telephone and email contact. Sales leads will be gathered through a database of existing inquiries, as well as cold calling into our clients’ proprietary customer lists. In addition to generating sales for the second tier service, the Inside Sales Associate will be responsible for walking the customer through initial set-up procedures and some initial account maintenance and support.
Candidates must be conceptually familiar with all facets of website building, possess an understanding of the dynamics of online retail and ecommerce, and have excellent selling skills. We are looking for an individual with at least 2 years’ proven experience in sales or account management, as well as a bachelor’s degree. An excellent customer service attitude at all times is a must, as this person will be trusted to directly represent our clients.
Receptionist / Admin Assistant
We are seeking a front desk receptionist who will also be able to provide administrative support to various staff members. Reception duties include greeting visitors, coordinating front desk activities and fielding phone calls. Administrative tasks include copying, filing, faxing, scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements, doing research and drafting correspondence.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi task are essential. Candidate must also possess excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office. Ideal candidates will have previous receptionist and/or clerical experience and the desire to grow with our company. Technical knowledge (e.g. basic knowledge of Windows 2000 server, networking and HTML) is a huge plus.
Bookkeeper / Accountant
We are seeking an experienced bookkeeper/accountant with demonstrated experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, payroll, cash management, vendor relations, internal control supervision and general ledger to manage our day-to-day financial activities. Candidates must possess strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent analytical skills for forecasting and budgeting. Administrative and office management skills are also important. Proficiency with accounting software or online accounting ASPs a plus.
We require a degree in accounting or a related discipline. 2 years’ experience in a bookkeeping or accounting capacity strongly preferred.
System Architect
We are presently seeking a System Architect to assess the existing underlying solution/architecture, including platforms, servers, tools, and technologies for our customers running MS operating system based solutions. After initial assessment, the selected candidate will provide any troubleshooting immediately required, as well as provide and execute re-structuring strategies.
The ideal candidate will have in-depth experience designing and developing information systems, and a history of implementing large-scale system designs. Specific knowledge in the following areas is required: Hardware Platforms, Web Based Enterprise Management systems, Internet-based data communication concepts, Load Balancing, Content Switching, Microsoft Datacenter/Advance Server OS, Storage solutions, High Availability, Performance/Tuning and DBMS (any of SQL2000, Oracle, DB2). Experience in the creation of E-Business, E-Commerce, Enterprise Networking, and Distributed Systems environments is preferred.
This is a project-based contract position.
MIS Associate
We are seeking an MIS Associate to provide technical administration and support for the company’s computer hardware, operating systems, network operating systems and application software. This support will include providing support to end users, developing specifications for new hardware and software systems, and providing assistance on technical projects. Other responsibilities include data security, backup, archiving, and disaster recovery strategies, as well as proposing and performing upgrades to hardware/software.
Sr. Sales Associate
We are seeking a Sr. Sales Associate with outside sales experience in the B2B software or services arena. Responsibilities will include creating a strong sales pipeline through lead prospecting and development within our target markets; following up on existing leads; working with the Marketing department to develop sales presentations; making executive level sales presentations; closing the sales cycle; and managing existing accounts.
Candidates must have the proven ability to develop strong business relationships with new clients while maintaining and growing business with existing clients. An in-depth understanding of the business and technical issues faced by companies solving application and enterprise integration problems is desired.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills are a must, as is a proven track record of selling high value software solutions to the corporate sector. An existing "black book" or strong networking skills are very helpful. We are looking for an individual with at least 5 years' experience in Sales (or a stellar sales history with less than 5 yrs.), as well as a bachelor's degree.
This position offers a competitive base salary plus commission package.
posted by Sean Rehder at 7:24 AM, (Permalink)
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Tuesday, April 01, 2003
General
News Postings
Mass Layoffs Threatened for Teachers in California
California is projected to face years of increasing student enrollment. The state also continues to experience a shortage of teachers, especially in math, science and special education. But now, with the state's budget problems, many districts fear they cannot afford to pay those already in the classroom.
American Airlines, Unions Set Deal
American Airlines Inc. narrowly avoided filing for bankruptcy yesterday, after it reached tentative agreements with its pilots, flight attendants and mechanics in negotiations just hours before lawyers were prepared to file for Chapter 11 protection in a New York court.
Methodology Key to Affirmative Action Case before High Court
Corporations stand behind the University of Michigan in the affirmative action case that goes before the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Sixty-five large corporations have filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the University of Michigan saying business needs a diverse workforce and, therefore, it is paramount that colleges diversify their student bodies.
New Job-Market Survey Finds Cautious Optimism
Human-resource professionals and job seekers believe the employment picture will get better over the next year despite expectations of little economic improvement for the next six months, according to a new survey.
Wal-Mart Tops Fortune 500 — Again
Fortune magazine's annual rankings, based on publicly trade companies' revenues for the year, showed the usual trading of spots in the top 5, but Wal-Mart Stores Inc. held the top spot for a second consecutive year.
US Airways to Emerge from Chapter 11
US Airways is poised to exit Chapter 11 today, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to make it through the bankruptcy process since the Sept. 11 attacks depressed air travel.
Companies Must Add Rising Security Costs to their Overhead
Companies, like government agencies, have new homeland security costs. They run the gamut, from one-time costs for new security systems to shipping delays to lost time for workers stuck in security lines.
War Talk Affecting the Office Dynamic
Around the country, as workers crowd around office television sets or check Internet news sites for updates, wartime tensions are spilling into the workplace, according to human resources executives and employee assistance counselors.
posted by Sean Rehder at 2:12 PM, (Permalink)
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General Benefits
News Postings
Employees, Companies Squeezed by Health Costs
Smaller companies often face bigger increases than larger corporations because if one person in their health insurance pool becomes seriously ill, they have fewer healthy people to offset the increased risk, pushing up rates.
Smaller Firms Lining up for Cafeteria Plans
With health-care and insurance coverage costs rising annually, more businesses, especially smaller ones, are turning to defined contribution plans, better known as cafeteria plans, as a way to control costs.
Having It their Way - Intel's Benefits Plan Emphasizes Choice and Flexibility
Intel re-engineered the company health plan effective this year in order to broaden choice and flexibility for its 54,000 U.S. employees in 238 locations nationwide. An employee satisfaction survey in 2002 revealed that 80% of employees were satisfied with their health plan choices.
Following the Duck
Employee-consumers are exhibiting an ever-growing appetite for an array of insurance coverage, financial services and other products distributed through the workplace.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:23 PM, (Permalink)
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General Compensation
News Postings
Bubble Hasn't Burst Yet on CEO Salaries Despite the Times
Corporate America has been tarnished by high-profile scandals, fraud and executive chicanery. The sputtering economy and sagging corporate profits pounded stocks for a third-consecutive year. But when it came to pain and suffering — at least pay-wise — most CEOs barely felt the downdraft last year.
Economy, Rules Forcing Compensation Changes
Companies wanting to offer executive compensation packages that make both the employee and shareholders happy will have to get creative to meet challenges, said Steve Harris of Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
Cashing in on Your Paycheck
Short of tax-avoidance schemes — which spell trouble with the Internal Revenue Service — there are legal ways to maximize earnings, even without getting a raise.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:09 PM, (Permalink)
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General HRIS
News Postings
Web Holds Up as the World Surfs for News
Despite a massive surge in global demand for Internet news and streaming video about the war in Iraq, there's no sign that the overall network is experiencing significant slowdowns.
Going High Tech Also Means Simplifying the Workplace
If there is one non-technical word that best describes the future of office technology, it may be "simplification."
States Seen as Lax on Database Security
An overwhelming majority of states have failed to require insurance companies to protect their computerized data from hacking and other attacks, according to a study that raises questions about how aggressively states are tackling cybersecurity overall.
Stemming the Tide of On-the-Job Web Surfing
Few human-resources professionals or managers have not encountered a serious problem with an employee abusing company e-mail or Internet privileges. It's not surprising, since research shows workers increasingly access the Internet for personal uses while at work.
posted by Sean Rehder at 1:03 PM, (Permalink)
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General Recruiting and Staffing
News Postings
A Holistic Approach to Diversity Success
The business case for a diverse workforce is clear. Almost all organizations in this country serve a multicultural customer base. Therefore, from both a public-relations standpoint as well as a practical one, it benefits employers when their employees represent that customer base.
Survey: War No Threat to My Job, Say Workers
With war raging in Iraq, a poll commissioned by San Francisco-based Employment Law Alliance indicates that the vast majority of American workers do not believe the conflict poses a direct threat to their job security.
Take Me to Your Leader
The malaise, lack of direction, and inability of senior management to lead the organization forward and create value is palpable. Something must change soon. Very soon.
Screening vs. Assessment: Yes, There is a Difference!
As online screening and assessment continues to increase in popularity, more and more people are starting to talk about the value that these services can add to the staffing process. While this is music to the ears of those of us who have dedicated our careers to increasing awareness of the benefits of assessment tools, it has also been a source of endless frustration.
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:59 PM, (Permalink)
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General Workplace Safety
News Postings
Survey: U.S. Firms Lack Attack Plans
U.S. businesses lack solid emergency plans and are generally unprepared for another domestic attack, even as American forces are invading Iraq and the national terror alert is at its second-highest level, according to a survey released today.
Celebrity Execs Seek Protection
As bombs fall overseas, business leaders on the home front are increasingly fearful that they'll be targeted for retribution by America's enemies.
Ergonomically Sound Workspaces Lower Injury Costs
While the possibility of being crushed by a steel beam decreases in the white collar office world, the possibility of serious injury is still present. And the business of preventing those injuries is becoming more relevant these days.
UPS Facilities Cited for Injuries, Illness
United Parcel Service Inc. has 174 facilities, including eight in Georgia, on a list released Feb. 24 by the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration of workplaces with accident and injury rates that are higher than twice the national average.
posted by Sean Rehder at 12:53 PM, (Permalink)
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Sean Rehder is a Contingent Workforce Developer who administers this site and specializes in building online solutions for workforce issues. Also, a former Independent Contractor Compliance Manager and Program Developer for such companies as Oracle, Cisco, Seagate, Inktomi, Ariba, CommerceOne, etc.
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Sue Becker is the owner of From Piles to Smiles™ professional organizing service. She is a C.P.A., and spent 20 years in various auditing, accounting, finance, and marketing positions at a variety of companies, including The Quaker Oats Company and Ameritech. The organization and time management skills that she used in these positions led to numerous accolades, including a prestigious leadership award. She started From Piles to Smiles early in 2000.
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Alice Snell is Vice President of
iLogos Research, a division of Recruitsoft. As a leading industry analyst, Ms. Snell has authored numerous
articles and reports on recruiting technology issues including best
practice staffing management methodologies and jobseeker behavior online.
Ms. Snell has been frequently called upon to provide expert commentary and
analysis regarding staffing management technology issues and is quoted in
leading media including The Boston Globe, Chief Executive, The New York Times
, PC Week, IT Recruiter, Chicago Tribune, and CNBC.com.
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Simon Meth builds rock-solid staffing systems. Incorporated are all facets
of the recruitment process including recruiting, identifying, behavioral or
competency based interviewing, selecting, and hiring the best-and-brightest
candidates for his clients. These people make a difference each-and-every
day.
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James R. Ziegler, Ph.D. is author of the "Contract Employee's Handbook", a free,
online resource for technical and professional contractors. Dr. Ziegler is also the Founder and Executive Director of
the Professional Association of Contract Employees (P.A.C.E.),
a unique employer of record service for Contract Professionals.
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As a Passion Catalyst (sm), Curt Rosengren helps people discover their passions and create careers that ignite them. His work is based on the Occupational Adventure Guide (sm), a passion pursuit / career development model he created to offer people an easily understood and effective approach to finding the career of their dreams.
Curt shares his thoughts daily at the Occupational Adventure Blog, "an ever-unfolding mixed bag of nuts, loosely clustered around the the central theme of Occupational Adventure - that is, a career that really gets you juiced." He also writes a monthly passion pursuit e-newsletter called Passionkey (sm).
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Jason Butler is the editor of numerous workforce related sites including "The Job Blog" and "The HR Blog" on the BostonWorks.com website. He has also written for the past three years on his personal blog, at jpbutler.com. Jason has worked in the Internet space since 1997, as a project manager for PlanetAll, as a program manager for Amazon.com, and as Director of Product Development for Abuzz, a division of New York Times Digital.
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Allan Schweyer has been involved in Internet recruiting since 1994 when he pioneered e-recruitment solutions for Human Resources Development Canada. He also currently consults with large organizations on HR strategies and specializes in e-recruitment projects. Alan is a senior researcher and analyst with HR.com and the guest editor of the HR.com staffing vertical.
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Tom Mochal is President of TenStep, Inc., a methodology development, consulting and training company. He has published a book on project management called Lessons in Project Management (Apress 2003). He has also developed a complete portfolio management process for companies called PortfolioStep (www.PortfolioStep.com), a project management methodology called TenStep (www.TenStep.com) and a framework for implementing and supporting project management within companies called PMOStep (www.PMOStep.com). Tom has over 23 years of IT experience, at Geac Computers, The Coca-Cola Company, Cap Gemini E&Y and Eastman Kodak. Tom has published hundreds of columns, and has presented and trained on project management and life-cycle topics around the world.
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