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HR Issues Head to the Hill in New Congress

By Joanne Kaldy / January 30, 2019

Now that the government shutdown has ended, Congress is settling in and getting down to business. Watch for action on a number of issues affecting HR.

While not all issues or proposed bills will go anywhere, paid leave has the best chance of being signed into law. This issue has some broad bipartisan support; and the president has even spoken out favorably about the concept of paid family leave and paid sick leave.

Most likely, the issue will be addressed with an expansion of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. However, some Republicans have expressed support for a voluntary paid-sick-leave program or one where employees shoulder the cost through a reduction in Social Security or other benefits. However, these ideas have not been well-received by Democrats.

Take Training Up a Notch to Increase Worker Competence, Confidence

By Joanne Kaldy / January 29, 2019

A new survey shows that many workers don’t feel qualified for their jobs and hesitate to ask for help.

According to a recent survey, one-third of the workforce doesn’t feel qualified for their jobs, and over half say they have a colleague who they think is unqualified for his or her position. At the same time, many hesitate to ask for help; and one in three say they turn to Google or YouTube instead of a supervisor or coworker.

Be the Digital Transformation Leader Your Organization Needs

By Joanne Kaldy / January 28, 2019

Go from tech cheerleader to digital quarterback to promote quality, efficiency, and employee engagement.

You don’t have to be a tech expert to promote digital transformation and the use of technology in your organization. However, you should embrace your role as HR leader to identify and promote digital competencies for employees and other team members.

Solving the Recognition Program Puzzle

By Joanne Kaldy / January 25, 2019

Most companies have some formal employee recognition programs, and many invest big bucks in them. But they don’t all work.

Studies suggest that up to 79% of people who leave their jobs say “lack of appreciation” was the main reason. Now is the time to look at your recognition program and consider if it’s ripe for an update.

Customize Turnover Solutions with Workforce Analytics

By Joanne Kaldy / January 24, 2019

Data collection and analytics done right can help reduce turnover.

Just as technology can help identify the best people for your organization and its culture, the right workforce analytics can help target customized turnover solutions. Start with consistently measured and tracked metrics.

Put Ageism in the Past

By Joanne Kaldy / January 23, 2019

As the workforce ages and people are working longer, understand age discrimination and how to prevent it.

The number of employed older Americans (65 years old and over) rose by nearly 35% between 2011 and 2016, and this is projected to be the fastest growing segment in the workforce through 2024. HR professionals need to ensure their company complies with the laws regarding older workers and promotes a positive environment for workers of all ages.

Send Workplace Stress Packing

By Joanne Kaldy / January 22, 2019

Serious workplace stress is soaring, but you can help clip its wings.

Workplace stress is more common than you may think. A vast majority (80%) of workers feel job-related stress, according to the American Institute of Stress (AIS). Nearly half say they need help learning to manage stress; and 42% say their coworkers need help.

Get on Board: AI Is Coming

By Joanne Kaldy / January 21, 2019

HR and artificial intelligence (AI) are forging relationships to improve recruiting and hiring, employee management, and the ability to analyze the success of diversity.

If AI isn’t on your radar screen, you could be missing out. In fact, while some people may shy away from AI and other technologies, believing that they take the human touch out of HR, AI actually can help identify people who are the best fit for the job and the organization’s culture, plus much more. As a result, HR teams can spend more time focusing on benefits and other efforts to retain workers and keep them engaged and productive.

Know the Laws to Prepare for Flu Frenzy

By Joanne Kaldy / January 18, 2019

Paid sick-leave laws dictate what eligible employees can expect if they call in sick this winter. Are you prepared?

Cue the sneezing, coughing, red noses, and watery eyes. It’s flu season, which means you are likely have employees calling in because they or family members are sick. Make sure you know relevant state and local paid-sick-leave statutes; and clarify who is covered, the rates at which sick leave is accrued, and the waiting periods before paid sick leave is available.

HR Can Help Ease Stress, Anxiety of Government Shutdown

By Joanne Kaldy / January 17, 2019

From empathetic listening to identifying various resources, there is much you can do to help employees and their families affected by the government shutdown.

As the partial government shutdown drags on, it is having an impact on the 800,00 federal workers furloughed without pay and others in their families and communities. You may have employees, contractors, or other workers affected by the shutdown and not even realize it. It’s important to know how the shutdown is affecting people and what you can do to help them.