HR Industry Brief

Competition for the best workers has never been fiercer, but several key strategies can give you an edge in hiring. Start by spreading the word, through social media, marketing materials, and word-of-mouth, that your organization is a great place to work. Make your employees your best recruiters; consider offering rewards and prizes for productive referrals. Be honest about compensation; but also stress any unique or popular benefits you offer. Think about a new work paradigm. Consider hiring part-time or gig workers. Simplify job applications, and use tools such as video interviewing to speed up the application process. Stick to the essential questions in the early stages. Local schools make great partners. Build relationships with high schools and colleges. Offer paid internships, have team leaders teach classes or present programs, and advertise your job openings on campus. This is a great way to start building a steady talent pipeline. It enables potential workers to learn … [Read more...] about (7/15) Recruiting Experts’ Top 9 Strategies to Hire the Best Talent

To date, 18 states and 17 localities have adopted laws or regulations that ban employers from requesting salary history information from job applications. These laws are designed to end pay discrimination based on what someone earned previously. Some laws take this a step further by prohibiting employers from using pay history to determine compensation, even if that information is volunteered or accidentally discovered. Other laws prevent employers from taking disciplinary action against employees who discuss pay with coworkers. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (7/12) Salary History Bans

Bad behavior—rudeness—at work can have very real and very negative effects on your workers, their well-being, and their productivity. Recent studies suggest that even when employees reported a colleague as being rude, managers didn’t agree if they had a “tight” relationship with the individual or if the worker was a high performer. Researchers also found that some employees who reported being the victims of rude behavior often were rude themselves. At the same time, they found a disturbing trend of victim-blaming, where workers who did nothing wrong were seen as deserving rude behavior and disrespect.  The study authors suggested the need for training to reduce managers’ biases and subjectivity and to help them identify and address rude behavior fairly. This training should increase awareness of issues that may be influencing their perceptions and decisions.  Read the … [Read more...] about (7/11) Why People Get Away with Being Rude at Work

According to a new report from Gallup and Northeastern University, just 22% of American adults say they agree that colleges adequately prepare graduates for “future jobs involving technology.” Survey respondents identify on-the-job training as their preferred methods of education if artificial intelligence threatens to make their skills obsolete. About two-thirds of respondents (65%) say that the cost of education is a barrier to pursuing further training; and 61% say lack of time is an issue. Other leading concerns include the inability to pursue education while working, difficulty competing with others, and lack of knowledge about what skills are needed. The study results suggest that colleges and universities must seek new ways to make programs more relevant and accessible for working adults; and perhaps employers can partner with higher education institutions to develop and promote programs that are useful for workers. [Read more...] about (7/10) Survey: Only 22% of Americans Say Colleges Prepare Workers for Future Jobs

If you often or even sometimes think that you could get more done if only you had more time, you likely have a time management problem. The good news is that you can make time an ally with a few steps. Start by planning out your day. This doesn’t mean a minute-by-minute schedule. Instead, set and prioritize daily goals. Delegate your tasks and activities to one of four areas: to do first, schedule, delegate, and don’t do. Realize that you can’t do everything, and delegate accordingly. Another tip can be distasteful for some—wake up early. Just an hour or even 30 minutes can make a difference, but you have to use this extra time wisely; so plan a specific task or activity to accomplish during these extra minutes. Next, be flexible; and realize that “life happens” and you can’t always stay on schedule. Be realistic about how much time a task or responsibility will take. If something takes more or less time than you anticipated, note this for the future. [Read more...] about (7/9) 11 Time Management Mistakes You Are Probably Making

According to statistics, about two-thirds of full-time employees experience job burnout at some point. This can be caused by a variety of factors, from lack of control, unclear job expectations, and dysfunctional workplace dynamics to chaotic or monotonous work, lack of social support, and poor work-life balance. To fight burnout, take a few key steps. Start by improving your self-efficacy; believe in your ability to succeed. Next, have creative outlets—decorate your workspace, plan a workplace party or social activity, or organize a wellness activity such as a dance class or walking group. Elsewhere, look out for yourself, eat right, get exercise, and recognize signs of burnout; get support when you need it; and seek out people, places, and things that energize you and improve your resilience. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (7/8) A 5-Step Fix for the ‘Summertime Blues’

According to a new study, many younger workers are less than thrilled about their aging colleagues staying on the job longer. A survey of 1,400 workers found that about a third of respondents aged 18-49 think it’s good that people are working longer, while 39% see it as a negative. Only 38% of younger workers suggest that this trend would have a positive impact on the economy, and 30% say it will have a negative effect. The survey found that men are a bit more likely than women to see the aging workforce as troublesome; and those with higher salaries are more negative about it than lower-income workers. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (7/5) What Do Younger Workers Think of the Aging Workforce?

A new study shows that three-quarters of nursing homes never meet federal staffing expectations for RNs, with these staff members most often missing on the weekends. According to data, 96% of nursing homes had an RN onsite for at least eight hours daily for 80% of the year; while on the weekends, 91% of facilities met expected RN staffing levels less than 60% of the time. Researchers also found that 70% of nursing homes self-reported higher total direct staffing under the CASPER system than the Payroll-Based Journal that is now industry standard. The study authors suggested that adverse events (such as falls or medication errors) may be more likely during understaffed days and times. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (7/4) ‘Staggering’ 75% of Nursing Homes Almost Never Meet Expected RN Staffing Levels, Study Finds

According to government statistics, approximately a quarter of a million servicemen and women leave the military annually; and many have skills working as medical professionals and in other roles. To effectively interview and hire vets, start by understanding military mannerisms. For example, these people may come across as stiff or rigid in interviews, when they are just following military protocol that requires them to respect superiors, speak when spoken to, and keep answers brief. Do what you can to help them relax, but don’t hold it against them if they continue to behave and talk formally. Once you hire vets, remember that they are used to highly structured jobs. They generally are goal-driven and need regular input from supervisors, so try to accommodate as possible and appropriate. Read the full … [Read more...] about (7/3) Tapping the Veteran Pipeline: Best Practices for Hiring and Retaining Ex-Service Members

If you’re not already working to recruit Generation Z, you’re falling behind. This demographic, born after 1997, will add 61 million people to the workforce; and smart recruiters are already reaching out to high schools to engage them. By identifying students with an interest in healthcare and aging issues, you can coach or mentor them down a tailored career path and help them gain the skills and competencies they will need. You can use technology (i.e., social media) and partnerships with local high schools and community colleges to advertise scholarship opportunities, part-time jobs, training programs, etc. In your outreach efforts, remember that these young people find personal achievement extremely important and value “future-proof,” stable jobs that provide both opportunity and security. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (7/2) In the War for Talent, High School is Becoming the New Battlefield