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Technology’s Effect on Corporate Training

The training question is: “How is technology changing corporate training, and what do trainers need to keep in mind in light of that?” Here is how an expert responded: The primary way that technology is changing training is that “it’s disaggregating content,” says Karl Kapp (www.karlkapp.com), Assistant Director of Bloomsburg University’s Institute for Interactive Technologies, […]

How Should Reference Requests Be Handled?

Reference requests have come under scrutiny in recent years. This because negative references can be deemed an adverse employment action—and thus set the stage for a retaliation claim. On the other hand, even a good reference could be problematic. For example, if a good reference is given for an employee who was terminated due to […]

8 ‘Rookie’ Mistakes Hiring Managers Make

Most managers get thrown into hiring and interviewing without much guidance, and it shows—in poor performance and poor retention. Today’s expert shares the top eight mistakes managers make. Bad hires sap time, training resources, and psychic energy, says Susan M. Heathfield, blogging on About.com. Here are her top eight “rookie” mistakes (often made by experienced […]

Employee privacy in the accommodation process

By Keri Bennett We all know employees across Canada have an obligation to participate in the accommodation process. That extends to providing proper medical documentation. If an employee fails to provide such documentation, surely he or she could be disciplined. Not necessarily. Notwithstanding the employee’s obligation to participate in the accommodation process, an Ontario arbitrator […]

You Can’t Train Them if They’re Not at Work!

The vast majority of supervisors’ day-to-day HR problems relate to attendance, says Bob Gibson, blogging on Fedsmith.com But too many managers tend to be casual about it. That won’t work, says Gibson. Managers need a plan. Is Attendance Getting Worse? Gibson suggests that the following factors reinforce or encourage poor attendance: Sick leave policies under […]

Creating a Sales Compensation Philosophy

Sales compensation philosophies should be in alignment with company objectives while still motivating the sales team—all without going over budget. This can be a challenge, but there are some tips to help employers get it right. The 5 ‘Rights’ of Sales Compensation “When we’re talking about sales compensation objectives, we define them as the 5 […]

Impractical Jokes

Time magazine is running a feature about The Office and NBC’s invitation for viewers to send in photos of hijinks in their own workspaces, like those often featured on the show. Some of the pranks featured on the show have been hilarious. From simple things like Jim enveloping Dwight’s stapler in Jello, to more complicated things like […]

The Battle of Control vs. Collaboration

I think it’s a natural tendency for people to want to be in control. In fact, I read the other day that the feeling of a lack of control contributes significantly to a person’s stress level. So, it makes sense that all of us would prefer to be in control. It certainly beats the alternative […]

Premium Subsidy Extension Passes Congress

A bill that would extend premium subsidies for health coverage under the Health Care Tax Credit (HCTC) program has been passed by both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, meaning it’s on the way to President Obama’s desk. The HCTC was enacted as part of the Trade Act of 2002. As originally enacted, it […]