An increase in automation and dependence on technology often suggests depersonalization in the workplace; but, in fact, human connections and soft skills are more important than ever. Make sure your employees have the soft skills they need to thrive in a high-tech world. Start with a needs assessment. Do leader embrace innovation? Do teams collaborate effectively? Are there communication gaps? Use a gap analysis to assess skills and identify training and coaching needs; then make training accessible. Remember that interactive training involving multi-media programming and role playing is most effective for adult learners. Identify measurable outcomes to track so that you can identify gaps and opportunities on a regular basis. Don’t wait until there are problems such as turnover, conflicts, errors, and lost productivity to recognize soft skill gaps. [Read more...] about (4/26) The Need for Soft Skills Training Grows as Automation Transforms the Workplace
Leaders with Soft Skills Make for Solid Employee Engagement
Beef up your soft skills to retain employees, attract top candidates. There is a lot of talk about the importance of “soft skills”—such as communication, time management, and creativity—for employees. But leaders also need these abilities so that they can engage workers, encourage retention, and promote a culture where everyone thrives. Take a minute to inventory your soft skills and think about how you use them. … [Read more...] about Leaders with Soft Skills Make for Solid Employee Engagement
(4/25) Why Can’t You Fill That Vacancy?
Sometimes it’s hard to fill a job opening. It may seem like there just aren’t good candidates out there, but the problem might be that you’re not identifying or attracting the right people. Consider a few common reasons vacancies stay open and how you can address them. For instance, perhaps you’re not posting in places that the right applicant will see the listing. Think about broadening your reach via newer job boards, industry publications, and/or area schools/professional training programs. Perhaps you are focusing too narrowly on specific requirements. In this case, think about what skills can be learned on the job and limit the number of must-have qualifications in the job listing. Take a second look at the salary range—is it competitive with what others in the area are offering for a similar position? Maybe you’re not “selling” all of the job’s benefits. Create an accurate yet positive picture of the job and emphasize popular or unique benefits[Read more...] about (4/25) Why Can’t You Fill That Vacancy?
Telehealth Moves on the Fast Track
This technology is picking up speed with practitioners, payors; HR should partner with team leaders to get on board. Telehealth, or telemedicine, is getting more attention than ever, as senior care providers—especially those in rural areas—seek ways to improve care and outcomes with limited resources and staffing. There is a growing recognition of telehealth’s value, including by the government and other payors; and by 2022 between 340,000 and 590,000 physicians expect to be using telehealth. Yet healthcare organizations are still struggling with how to implement and use this technology. HR can play a key role in helping their organization’s efforts to adopt telehealth. Why the urgency? According to one survey, physician adoption of telehealth went up—from 5% to 22% between 2015 and 2018; and it continues to grow. Practitioners’ willingness to use … [Read more...] about Telehealth Moves on the Fast Track
(4/24) Putting Humanity into HR Compliance: Collapse the HR Triangle—Enable but Don’t Be an Enabler
Disciplining or dismissing an employee can be difficult for managers, and they sometimes look to HR to do the unpleasant task for them. However, while you certainly want to help, taking on this responsibility can result in employees feeling upset or angry with both management and HR. At the same time, however, simply telling managers to handle it doesn’t always go much better. The answer? Consider providing talking points or even a script to help guide the manager’s discussion with the worker. If that doesn’t work, sit in on a meeting between the manager and employee. You can prompt questions or discussions, but don’t take over the conversation; and let the manager make decisions about any issues that arise. You shouldn’t enable weak or inexperienced managers; instead, you can empower and support them; ultimately, you can help make them better leaders. [Read more...] about (4/24) Putting Humanity into HR Compliance: Collapse the HR Triangle—Enable but Don’t Be an Enabler
Be the Antidote for Toxicity
Take steps to create a workplace that grows positivity and empowerment. A toxic work environment doesn’t suddenly appear. It finds a welcoming host and grows slowly. HR can help identify signs of trouble—such as instances of discrimination, lack of accountability, hostile leadership, fearful staff, and information guarding—and address these before they have a chance to take root. … [Read more...] about Be the Antidote for Toxicity
(4/23) SCOTUS to Decide Whether Title VII Forbids LGBT Discrimination
The U.S. Supreme Court has announced that it will hear three cases to decide if employees are protected from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and transgender status. This will be a key decision that could resolve a circuit split and agency disagreement on this issue. However, experts say it many not have much day-to-day impact on employers, as legislators in 20 states and Washington, D.C. have passed laws to address gender identity and sexual orientation protection at work. Even if the SCOTUS determines that it is legal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity, state laws and other issues could still give employees a legal claim if, for instance, they are harassed by a co-worker for being LGBT. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (4/23) SCOTUS to Decide Whether Title VII Forbids LGBT Discrimination
Don’t Wait for a Tragedy to Address Workplace Violence
Increasingly, employees want to know: What are you doing to keep us safe? In May of 2017, an armed man with a history of domestic violence approached a nursing home where his ex-girlfriend worked. In a short period of time, he took two men hostage and killed three people, then turned the gun on himself. Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), homicide is the fourth leading cause of workplace deaths. To keep employees safe, HR needs to develop holistic programs addressing mental as well as physical health, plus stress management and financial well-being. … [Read more...] about Don’t Wait for a Tragedy to Address Workplace Violence
(4/22) How Widespread Is Pain Med Usage in the Workplace?
According to a new study, one-third of the U.S. workforces uses prescription pain medications. The study also showed that alcohol abuse and dependence rates exceed the problematic use of pain relievers and other prescription medications. However, excess absences associated with pain relievers were greater than those related to other substances. The problematic use of pain relievers was associated with 2.0 absences, or 1.2 excess days per month compared with non-users. Beyond concerns about opioid use, the study puts a spotlight on the problem of pain among the U.S. workforce and their use of medication to treat it. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (4/22) How Widespread Is Pain Med Usage in the Workplace?
When It Comes to AI, Human Capital Software, and Analytics, Don’t Snooze and Lose
The urgency for HR to become digital leaders is growing, but few have the confidence to take charge. If you’re still wrestling with how to harness technology and digital change, you’re not alone. A recent survey of 1,200 global HR executives suggests there is a huge gap between action and indecision. However, survey authors suggest that a “wait-and-see” approach to digitalization is risky at best and has the potential to leave stragglers in the dust. They say, “The trailblazers are exploiting uncertainty and doubt as a critical opportunity to drive new competitive advantage and leap ahead of the pack.” … [Read more...] about When It Comes to AI, Human Capital Software, and Analytics, Don’t Snooze and Lose
