The people of an organization collectively form its most vital resource and should be made to feel valued, relevant, and needed. Employees that are nurtured and developed can prove to be the foundation of an organization. Yet, if I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times from managers “all I want is for […]
Five New Year’s Resolutions of an HR Leader
It’s 2019 and HR leaders everywhere are making their New Year’s resolutions. I’m not talking about false promises to lay off gluten, flatten that spare tire around the midsection, call grandma in Sheboygan more often, eat more kale, blah blah blah. That’s all well and good, but how about making a collective resolution to your employees […]
Managing Political Discussions in the Workplace
I recently had an employee burst into my office, “I feel targeted and ostracized!” I had a good idea why. Earlier that day I witnessed a passionate and intense discussion in the staff lounge about the most recent political headlines dominating the news. Something to do with unrequited and unconditional love that one world leader […]
Listening for Sexual Harassment
“Oh my goodness! He’s so nasty, what a pervert, I was so creeped out,…” was just some of the water cooler commentary I would hear about one supervisor I worked with many years ago. I was mildly curious about what he had done or said to garner such consternation from our female employees but mostly […]
Horrible vs. Extraordinary Bosses
I entered my office on Friday to a box on my desk. I assumed it was some equipment from my IT team, but upon further examination I saw it was from a Prime online retailer. I opened it to find a personal gift to me from my Chief HR Officer; something not random, but useful; something […]
Cultural Diversity: A Long-Term Investment Strategy
Mismanaging cultural diversity in the workplace causes unhealthy tensions and a loss of team productivity. Your company’s is exponentially stronger with you foster an atmosphere of acceptance. While recently reminiscing about my life with a previous employer I am reminded of a time where inside two weeks I had one employee tell another she looked like Aunt […]
Engendering Transgenderism In The Modern Workplace
Many years ago I worked with a guy called Terry. Terry was quiet, but friendly enough, a bit of a loner, but social enough. Terry was introverted, but just outgoing enough to be someone with whom to look forward to having a chat. We crossed paths often in the kitchen, the men’s room, the elevator, […]
Performance Management 101: How Does Your Organization Measure Up?
An employee’s annual salary review should not be the first time they are receiving feedback about their job performance. If an employee has been under-performing based on the expectation of the job without feedback or coaching to improve from their manager, who is ultimately responsible goals not being met? Whether or not performance is tied […]
Recruiting, Compensation, Benefits, and Human Resources – A Critical Partnership
HR Teams are a Critical Partnership As much as we all favor our respective Human Resource Management disciplines it’s time to give credit where credit is due. They are ALL critical to the success of an organization particularly in todays staffing environment where companies are clamoring to attract and retain the best and the brightest […]
Diversity in the Workplace: Not Just Skin Deep
Diversity in the Workplace What do a Vampire, Burlesque Performer, Professional Hugger, a Temporary Showgirl, and a Civil War Union Soldier that fights faithfully in the battle at Gettysburg every year all have in common? They could all have day jobs in your organization. The New Face of Diversity As a Benefits Manager, I have […]