Latest HR News - July 2, 2009

Workers Whose Companies Have Experienced Layoffs Report Being Burned Out

A recent survey revealed that 30% of workers whose companies have experienced layoffs are burned out. 47% of workers reported they have taken on more responsibility because of a layoff within their organization. 37% said they are handling the work of two people. Additional findings included:
-- 34% are spending more time in the office
-- 17% are putting in at least 10 hours per day
-- 22% are working more weekends

Read full survey results...

David Lewis

CEO

Operations Inc - Stamford, CT

Human Resources Outsourcing and Consulting

AKA -- Mister HR

http://www.OperationsInc.com/

Reader Question of the Week - July 1, 2009

Straight from the mouths of Mr. HR's readers

When should a company outsource?

--Office Manager, Financial Services

In many cases the decision to outsource pieces of your business comes down to availability of those with needed skills, time to complete, consistency in need. Some consideration to start needs to be given to how many hours per week the task in question consumes, as well as how consistent the need may be. Outsourcing overseas is about cost. Outsourcing domestically tends to be about a combination of securing high talent support along with supporting a need with less than a full-time consistent need.

David Lewis
CEO
Operations Inc - Stamford, CT
Human Resources Outsourcing and Consulting

AKA -- Mister HR

http://www.OperationsInc.com/

Interview Question of the Week - June, 30 2009

Tips from Mister HR on questions to ask and how to interpret the responses

Would you object to working overtime/weekends?

If the job you are trying to fill requires overtime and weekends then you need to insure candidates for hire know this fact and are accepting of the requirement. You need to then layout the requirements for the position, including the OT and weekend issue, ideally by telling the candidate this is possible / probable and then asking them if there is anything that would preclude them from being able to meet the requirements for the job. Objecting is one thing. Being unable to do the job is another.

David Lewis

CEO

Operations Inc - Stamford, CT

Human Resources Outsourcing and Consulting

AKA -- Mister HR

http://www.OperationsInc.com/

Handbook Tip of the Week - June 29, 2009

Tips from Mister HR on key components of a good employee handbook

Disability accommodation during the interview/selection process

There always is a lot of confusion pertaining to what an employer's obligation may be when it comes to someone who is disabled and seemingly unable to perform the job available. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has several areas that are vague and non-specific, leaving the employer to make judgment calls. As a result it is imperative to not dismiss a candidate's viability for a slot due to disability, instead consulting an expert on your legal obligations and options. Generally speaking the ADA calls for employers to make a "reasonable accommodation" for an employee so that they may perform their role. To that end a business may need to provide a lifting device to someone wheelchair bound for a warehouse job that requires the lifting and placement of boxes. What's not 100% clear is how small a business needs to be before the burden to make such a purchase is too great and therefore considered an unreasonable accommodation. Bottom line - seek out expert advice.

David Lewis
CEO
Operations Inc - Stamford, CT

Human Resources Outsourcing and Consulting

AKA -- Mister HR

http://www.OperationsInc.com/

Latest HR News - June 25, 2009

Employers Concerned About Facebook, Twitter

According to a recent survey, 60% of executives believe they have a right to know how employees portray themselves and their companies on online social networks. 53% of employees say content posted on their Facebook and Twitter accounts are not a boss's concern. However, most employees recognize that using online social networks make it easier to tarnish a company's reputation.

See Full Press Release...

David Lewis
CEO
Operations Inc - Stamford, CT
Human Resources Outsourcing and Consulting

AKA -- Mister HR

http://www.OperationsInc.com/