Articles

Employee onboarding boosts retention, improves productivity

Published in the Rochester Business Journal
June 25, 2010
© HR Works, Inc.

Good talent is hard to find, hard to retain, and expensive. If your objective is to ensure new employees feel welcome, prepared and ready to make a positive impact as soon as possible, consider implementing a structured employee “onboarding” program.

Avoiding mistakes in day-to-day benefits administration

Published in the Rochester Business Journal
May 28, 2010
© HR Works, Inc.

How do employers ensure that day-to-day benefits administration is being handled correctly? Awareness and familiarity are good places to start.

In this column we’ll cover some of the basics, including ERISA, plan documents/SPDs, COBRA, domestic partner coverage and Medicare Part D.

Take complaints seriously, follow protocol for internal investigations

Published in the Rochester Business Journal
April 2, 2010
© HR Works, Inc.

What is an employer’s first line of defense against a harassment or discrimination lawsuit? Employers can begin by protecting employees with a zero tolerance rule that is backed up with formal policies and complaint procedures.

Employers also must be willing to conduct prompt, impartial and well-documented investigations when necessary and be prepared to take appropriate, corrective action when required.

Job satisfaction doesn't have to slip in turbulent times

Published in the Rochester Business Journal
February 19, 2010
© HR Works, Inc.

According to the Conference Board survey, only 45 percent of U.S. workers are satisfied in their jobs. Additionally, nearly one-quarter of those surveyed anticipate leaving their jobs within the next year.

As the effects of the recession linger, employers should examine the level of job satisfaction among employees, and take steps that will help their workforce feel valued.

Now is the time to create, or update, employee handbook

Published in the Rochester Business Journal
December 25, 2009
© HR Works, Inc.

There was a time when employee handbooks, with their drab green covers and stale, often outdated policies, were considered necessary but not particularly vital to a company's well-being. That view is shifting rapidly today as advances in technology change how we work and communicate, both on and off the job.

Take advantage of age diversity, leverage its strengths

Published in the Rochester Business Journal
October 16, 2009
© HR Works, Inc.

Generational differences among employees can be advantageous to any organization. Diversity fosters creativity and expands an organization's approach to problem solving. An age-diverse work force also can help to ensure that a firm's talent pool is fully tapped.

But diversity also comes with challenges. Today's work force is made up of three very distinct generations of employees. Understanding the differences in approach and expectations of each age group can help your organization leverage the strengths of each and create a more satisfied and productive work force.

Talent on a Shoestring: Internships offer win-win opportunity for employers and students

In an economy weighed down by uncertainty, layoffs and hiring freezes, smart companies in the Rochester area and across the country are turning to a group of highly motivated laborers willing to work hard for next to nothing and have fun doing it: interns.

Make use of tools, training for effective appraisals

“Wanted: An easy-to-use template for conducting effective annual performance appraisals, adaptable for all industries and for employees in all departments, from middle managers to account executives to receptionists. Must be designed to minimize awkwardness, save time and result in improved employee performance. Will pay top dollar!”

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October 17, 2008		The habits of exceptional CEOs
August 22, 2008		Handling layoffs correctly can minimize damage to company morale
July 4, 2008		How people-focused practices bolster M&A success rates
July 4, 2008		Communicating value of benefits package a must
May 23, 2008		Objective, expert advice crucial when choosing 401(k) vendor
March 28, 2008		How small companies recruit star performers
February 22, 2008		Building part-time and telecommuting options into a workforce management strategy
December 26, 2007		How 'topgrading' improves the odds of hiring winners
July 20, 2007		Harness technology to transform your HR function
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December 28, 2006		Blogs: What you don't know really can hurt you
October 13, 2006		Critical challenges facing human resources
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July 21, 2006		Transforming an HR department through self-service technology
May 26, 2006		Beyond good intentions and codes of conduct: What ethics in action really means
February 24, 2006		Crisis-preparedness plans reduce risks, keep businesses functioning
January 27, 2006		Local employers place priority on workforce development
December 30, 2005		Small businesses sharpen and simplify compensation strategies
October 10, 2005		Demonstrating human resources' value to the business
August 26, 2005		Benefits communication strategy pays dividends
July 22, 2005		Are you up to date on HR compliance issues?
July 1, 2005		Creating a climate of motivation for executives
June 10, 2005		How effective CEOs manage their most precious resource: Time
May 27, 2005		Expert HR planning eases acquisition process
March 11, 2005		Measuring the benefits of outsourcing human resources
January 28, 2005		Avoiding the perils of hands-off management
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November 26, 2004		Timeout: A different approach to executive development
October 1, 2004		Consumer-driven health care: Will it ease skyrocketing costs?
August 27, 2004		Test your employee benefits knowledge
August 6, 2004		The business case for hiring at-risk teens
July 23, 2004		Compensation 101: Building a strategy that supports small-business success
June 25, 2004		Web-based salary information: The untold story
May 28, 2004		Unearthing the real costs of 401(k) plans
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February 20, 2004		Employee handbooks for small firms
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November 28, 2003		Finding ROI in an executive education program
October 3, 2003		Conducting an effective human resource audit
August 29, 2003		Smaller firms' HR departments achieve top results
August 3, 2003		E-learning: An important tool in effective compliance training
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May 30, 2003		When a company restructures, a business-savvy HR department can play a vital role
April 18, 2003		To control health costs, show consumers the price tag
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November 22, 2002		PaeTec fosters practices for firm's lasting health
October 4, 2002		The case for outsourcing human resources
August 30, 2002		HR strategies must shift with a tough economy
May 31, 2002		Do variable-compensation plans for employees really work?
January 18, 2002		Maximizing your e-recruiting efforts
November 23, 2001		Controlling what we can in these uncertain times
October 5, 2001		The costs of not firing a mediocre employee
August 31, 2001		Creating an effective performance appraisal system
August 3, 2001		In search of the perfect performance appraisal
June 1, 2001		Maximizing internship opportunities in a tight labor market
March 16, 2001		Human resources now more than 'personnel'

HR Works, Inc., located at 246 Willow Brook Office Park in Fairport (Rochester), New York, is a human resource management outsourcing and consulting firm serving more than 700 clients. HR Works provides benefits administration outsourcing; full-time, part-time and interim on-site HR managers; HR audits; legally reviewed employee handbooks and supervisor manuals; affirmative action programs; compensation programs; training of managers and HR professionals; and HRIS and self-service technology.

Outsourcing to HR Works saves us between $10,000 and $20,000 a year.