HR Industry Brief

Background screening is an important part of the hiring process. It can seem overwhelming, but it may help to focus on some key determinants of a job candidate’s suitability. These include Social Security validation, sex offender registry and criminal records checks, and a terror watch list check. If a candidate is applying for a job requiring technical training/professional skills, checking licensing and certification records will be key. Many companies check credit records, particularly for positions where the employee will handle company funds, have access to financial records, and/or have a company credit card. This check should include looking for issues including tax evasion, status of any and all mortgage loans, and other pending credit issues. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (2/11) 6 Background Screening Options That You Should Use for Your Next Hire

In an effort to attract and keep good performers in a competitive job market, you will need innovative engagement efforts. In 2019, prepare to offer schedule and shift flexibility, year-round employee appreciation, and benefits that satisfy employee lifestyle needs. It also will be advantageous to take a more holistic approach to wellness (think beyond gym memberships and healthy snacks to yoga, financial counseling, and other efforts that address mental, emotional, and physical health). Also increasingly attractive to employees are digital games, apps, and mobile communication. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (2/08) 7 Employee Engagement Trends That Are Gaining Momentum

According to a new report, staffing shortages are causing work challenges for directors of nursing (DONs) and adding to job dissatisfaction and burnout. Three-quarters of DONs cited staffing shortages as their leading challenge; and 63% said that having inadequate staff to provide resident care is a major concern within the nursing department. DONs also suggested that there is a need to prioritize staff competency; and those who cited nursing staff training and education as a concern said they are more likely to find preparing for surveys more challenging. The report also looked at DON salaries and found that nurse leaders in urban facilities are paid an average of 19% more than their rural counterparts. Read the full article.   … [Read more...] about (2/07) DON Job Challenges Rise as Shortage of Nurses Continues

In under 10 years, Generation Z—those individuals currently between age 18 and 24—will make up about 20% of the U.S. workforce. There is lots of talk and speculation about this demographic, but it’s important to dispel some common myths. For instance, in contrast to what many people think, only 4% of Gen Zers want freelance jobs; most prefer traditional work arrangements and in-office environments. While this generation values autonomy and independence, they also appreciate feedback and mentorships; and they prefer a collaborative setting. Finally, while they are digital communication pros, they also value face-to-face interactions. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (2/06) 5 Myths about Gen Z Workers

When winter weather takes your organization by storm, how will you handle snow days? Employers must know the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules applying to exempt and nonexempt workers and how they’re paid for weather-related absences. The law is pretty clear about nonexempt workers—they generally must be paid for the time they work.  Exempt employees may be subject to pay deductions if they miss work for personal reasons (such as they are considered essential personnel during a snowstorm but choose to take the day off). Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (2/05) Winter Weather Tests Employers’ FLSA, Safety Compliance

According to a recent survey, most women believe that people who take more career risks progress more quickly than others, but they themselves are hesitant to take professional chances. Survey results showed that women with less than five years of experience are more open to career risk-taking (45%); only 37% of women with 15 or more years of experience said they’d be willing to take chances. Women who have achieved success credited it to good work habits such as organizational skills and attention to detail, as opposed to risk-taking and leadership abilities. Read the full article.   … [Read more...] about (2/04) Women See Taking Big Chances at Work as Risky Business

43,531. That is the number of jobs posted by nursing home, assisted living facility, and continuing care retirement community employers in January. That’s 10,000 more than an average month is 2018. These numbers suggest a fierce competition for workers, and jobs in January stayed posted for an average of 38 days. HR professionals and other hiring professionals will have to be more aggressive and creative in their recruitment efforts if these numbers continue to trend. They will need to actively track down applicants. At the same time, they will need to keep good people from leaving by ramping up engagement, teaching leadership skills, and providing advancement opportunities. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (2/01) Big Rise: More Than 43,000 Jobs Open in Long Term Care as Leaders Plot

People skills. Emotional intelligence. Mindfulness. These so-called “soft skills” are getting more attention by employers. According to some experts, employers increasingly value nontechnical skills such as teamwork, creativity, problem solving, operational thinking, collaboration, strategic self-awareness, and adaptability. Some see these as essential for employees seeking to climb the management or corporate ladder. In one 2018 job outlook survey, employers cited problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work in a team as the most desired skills for new hires. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (1/31) Viewpoint: The Case for Soft Skills

While not all turnover is bad, you don’t want to lose good employees, those who do quality work and seem to fit in with the organizational culture. Consider a few ways to reduce these “regrettable” turnovers. For starters, realize that people often quit their jobs because of their bosses. Make sure managers understand the importance of recognizing employees and expressing appreciation for them on a regular basis. Infuse transparency into recruiting; make the company culture clear to job candidates from the start. Many younger employees don’t just appreciate this; they expect it. Elsewhere, define milestones with actionable, achievable, and measurable goals; and encourage managers to embrace a coaching role to build lasting relationships with their employees. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (1/30) How To Reduce Regrettable Turnover with 4 Simple Tactics

Want to keep the best and brightest? Free snacks and beverages might be nice (32% of employees offer them), but the key word today is flexibility. Workers, particularly millennials, want flexible hours and schedules, the ability to juggle work and family, and the option to sometimes work offsite (when possible). Other attractive benefits include unlimited paid time off (PTO); 5% of employers offered this in 2018. Whatever benefits you implement, experts say, you need to think beyond free food or a coffee bar. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (1/29) Free Snacks Won’t Retain Workers Long Term. Here’s What Will