On the surface, Mary may seem like a natural for a position as a floor nurse in the dementia unit. She has 10 years of experience in an assisted living facility, and her values are consistent with the organization’s culture. But as time goes on, she is unhappy. What happened? It’s easier than you think to hire the right person for the wrong position. To avoid this, align competencies needed to be successful—and content—with a job to the candidate who is naturally strong in those areas. For instance, Mary has strong skills and interest in identifying patient goals and helping them achieve these; she is very outcomes driven and has extensive knowledge of community resources. As a result, she might be happier working with short-stay patients and helping them successfully transfer home. For other employees, providing advice, motivation, and leadership comes naturally. These individuals might function best in a management role. The types of competencies applicable here include team … [Read more...] about (5/31) Are You Putting Your Great Talent in the Wrong Roles?
Mountains of Data Feel Like Everest?
HR finds data-mining intimidating, but you can turn high-tech mountains into info-rich molehills. There is data out there—easily accessible to you—that could do much to support your work and enable better hiring and greater retention and engagement; but you’re not using it. You may not even know it’s there. In fact, a new survey suggests that HR professionals have access to good technology but don’t take advantage of all of the data it provides. Over a third (39%) of HR professionals said that they have adequate technology and infrastructure but don’t use the data it produces as extensively or effectively as possible. Nearly 30% said their “data maturity” is sufficient to support diverse needs, although only 12% said their technology or tech know-how is advanced enough to support all possible data and analytics efforts. … [Read more...] about Mountains of Data Feel Like Everest?
(5/30) Workplace Interventions May Improve Sleep Habits and Duration for Employees
Studies show that employer-sponsored efforts to encourage improved sleep hygiene and healthier habits have resulted in less worktime sleepiness complaints by employees and greater productivity. Most common workplace interventions involve educational programs that emphasize sleep hygiene, fatigue management, and how personal habits (such as caffeine consumption and exercise) that affect sleep. However, other interventions include providing quiet places where employees can rest on breaks (as possible and appropriate), daytime exercise activities and programs, and increased natural light in workspaces. Researchers also suggest the benefit of: · Setting limits on the number of hours that can be worked in 24-hour and 7-day periods. · Establishing a minimum of 10 to 11 consecutive hours off from work per 24-hour period. · Providing workers who have serious sleep problems access to an accredited sleep disorder center. [Read more...] about (5/30) Workplace Interventions May Improve Sleep Habits and Duration for Employees
How Do You Help Employees When Disaster Strikes?
Five steps help put the “H” in HR center stage when employees need emergency assistance. While your organization must continue to function well if a flood, hurricane, fire, or other disaster hits, your employees aren’t immune. They can lose their homes, possessions, and their peace of mind, and your compassion and support can make a tremendous difference. Following five steps can help ensure your employees have the tools, resources, and guidance to heal after a disaster. … [Read more...] about How Do You Help Employees When Disaster Strikes?
(5/29) Are Employers’ Health and Family-Friendly Benefits Up to Par?
Nearly half (40%) of working women say that the women’s health and family-friendly benefits at their current employer isn’t up to par, according to a new survey. At the same time, 87% say these benefits are important or very important to them in considering a job offer. According to responses, certain benefits—such as paid leave or comprehensive health coverage—can lead women to view a company more positively, apply for a job there, and stay at that company longer. Women also are more aware of and interested in benefits such as coverage for invitro fertilization and egg freezing. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (5/29) Are Employers’ Health and Family-Friendly Benefits Up to Par?
Survey: Healthcare Organizations Benefit from Women Execs, But Don’t Do Enough to Advance Them
Health execs say gender parity in leadership would increase profits, reduce turnover. According to a new Korn Ferry survey of CEOs, CHROs, and other C-suite healthcare executives, women are taking on more leadership roles; but more effort is needed to get women through the glass ceiling. While 80% of healthcare workers are women, they hold only 20% of key leadership positions industrywide; and only 4% of healthcare companies have a female CEO. While nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents said that there is more opportunity today than five years ago for women to advance to senior positions, 55% say that women sometimes get passed over for promotions due to their gender. … [Read more...] about Survey: Healthcare Organizations Benefit from Women Execs, But Don’t Do Enough to Advance Them
(5/28) A Careful Balance: Managing Political Activity and Speech at Work
While free speech has protections, political talk in the office may not be okay. There is no right to “free speech” in private workplace; and even the First Amendment doesn’t protect political speech at work. Many states have laws protecting employees from discipline or termination for exercising their free-speech rights, but these protections aren’t necessarily comprehensive. HR can help by establishing and communicating clear expectations about political expression in the workplace, then training supervisors and managers on these policies. You also can set some limits, such as restricting access to bulletin boards or e-mail systems for political purposes and not allowing third-party political activity on the premises. Clearly communicate and enforce dress codes, especially in regards to politically-related attire. Make sure staff understand the importance of respecting those with different opinions. Investigate any complaint of harassment or bullying promptly; and make sure everyone … [Read more...] about (5/28) A Careful Balance: Managing Political Activity and Speech at Work
A Message from the Class of 2016
Gain a hiring edge: Learn today about the needs, wants of tomorrow’s workforce. Today’s teenagers and college students will be tomorrow’s job candidates and employees. In your efforts to appeal to this demographic and understand how they might fit in with your organization, take a look at the class of 2016. Their habits, attitudes, interests, and philosophies speak volumes about the newest generation of American workers. … [Read more...] about A Message from the Class of 2016
(5/27) More Men Say They Are Uncomfortable Interacting with Women at Work
According to new survey data, men aren’t always comfortable interacting with women on the job. Over half (60%) of male managers said that they are uncomfortable mentoring, working alone with, or socializing with a female colleague in light of #MeToo. This represents a 14% increase from last year. Elsewhere, senior-level men are 12 times more likely to express hesitance to have a working dinner with a junior-level female than a comparable male worker. They are five times more likely to hesitate to travel on business with a junior-level woman. These attitudes seem to be reflected in behavior. One survey of Women in the Workplace found that women receive less day-to-day support and access to senior leaders than men. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (5/27) More Men Say They Are Uncomfortable Interacting with Women at Work
10 Reasons Veterans Are Great Hires
On Memorial Day and every day, vets bring top-notch training, skills, experience to your workforce. On Memorial Day, we honor those who died in active military service; but you can honor our military all year long by hiring veterans. Currently, there are nearly one million unemployed vets across the U.S. They possess many skills that make them ideal job candidates, and they can be the answers to your workforce shortage woes. Consider these 10 reasons to focus on hiring veterans. … [Read more...] about 10 Reasons Veterans Are Great Hires