Author: Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR

Stop Being an HR Terrorist

Yesterday’s Advisor featured consultant Tim Sackett’s What the CEO Wishes HR Would Do. Today, his 6-step program for HR managers. How is HR a terrorist? HR tends to use the law as a hammer, Sackett says. “No you can’t do it; it’s against the law.” A better approach is, “Yes, you can do it, but […]

‘I am appalled’ by SHRM/HRCI Brouhaha (Talk-Back)

Two readers cleverly turned the sample question against SHRM. (See “Back at You” below.) Here are the responses: ****************************************************** I am appalled at these two are having such a dispute. They should find common ground for the benefit of Advancing the Profession. Grow Up! ****************************************************** I have been SPHR-certified for several years and the news […]

10 Sins of Termination (When Managers Beg for Lawsuits)

Here are our 10 sins of termination: Sin #1. Terminating Rashly in a Fit of Anger Boss: That’s the last straw, you’re out of here—and I mean now! There are at least three things wrong with an on-the-spot termination: People don’t make good decisions this way. There are many factors to consider before terminating. Being […]

Are You Training Supervisors to Be Good Bosses?

If your organization has new, or recently promoted, supervisors or managers, see if any of these situations are familiar: “Do you think you might be depressed?” asks the concerned, but untrained, boss. “I didn’t think so,” says the employee, under her breath, “but since you ‘regard me as disabled’ my ADA lawsuit will probably succeed.” […]

What Your CEO Wishes HR Would Do!

“If I had a gun with two bullets, and I were in a room with Hitler, Bin Laden, and Toby, I would shoot Toby twice!” Michael Scott (The Office). That’s about how CEOs view HR, says consultant Tim Sackett. How did we get to this point? Sackett (www.timsackett.com) asks. He says, Check out the graphics […]

Appeals Courts Issue Opposite Rulings on Health Care Reform Subsidies

Two appeals court rulings with differing views on the availability of premium subsidies for policies purchased through state-based health insurance exchanges establish a circuit split that sets the stage for the U.S. Supreme Court to step in. One court ruled that federal subsidies should be available only in states that run their own exchanges; another […]

HAZWOPER Training Requirements for TSDFs

Under the requirements, employees who have received emergency response training under OSHA’s HAZWOPER rules do not need to receive separate emergency response training under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) rules as long as the overall training program includes all of the elements of the RCRA training requirements. HAZWOPER training for hazardous waste treatment, storage, […]

Can ‘60s Adman Give Advice to 2014 HR Manager?

SPECIAL from SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition, Orlando Yesterday’s Advisor featured consultant Dr. Frank V. Nunez’s “What Would Don Draper Do?” about organizational change. Today, more of Don Draper’s advice for HR managers.