Management, professional, personal information and advice for human resource practioners

Saturday | 9.4.2010

Success Strategies For HR Professionals

The continuing recession saga means extra work for HR professionals, balancing current corporate needs against future demands. Some firms have used this period to upgrade staff. Others have trimmed jobs. Most companies are still in a wait-and-see mode when it comes to hiring and reinstating benefits.

The hoped for recovery is still not in place and even the Federal Reserve has admitted as such in its latest monthly meeting report. Better jobs numbers were not the case in July with the private sector adding just 71,000 new positions. This was unbalanced by the loss of 143,000 census jobs. Overall, there was a net loss of 131,000 jobs during the month

Into this picture must be the ongoing human drama of managing a workforce that considers itself, in many cases under siege. Here are some ideas on how to invest in staff.

Companies are also faced with managing a workforce that now includes five generational groups. Here are some tips on managing these groups and getting them to work together.

HR leaders are also faced with harassment problems that can lead to violence in the workplace.

Harder times has led many would-be employees to gloss over their past. Companies are spending more time on reference checking. Here are some suggested methodologies to find out more about a potential employee before they are hired.

The old saw about "not what you know but whom to know" is still very much alive in today's world. There are ways of building relationships and helping others within the workforce to become more internally successful. They are discussed by a team of experts.

There are some glimmers of hope on the horizon, as one industry observer says recruiting firms are becoming busier.

		Among Tools of Business, Don't Overlook the People Teaching employees human-relations skills helps companies to flourish.

		Tips For Managing Five Different Generations At Work Here are guidelines for resolving intergenerational conflict.

		Avoid the Pitfalls and Maximize the Benefits of Reference-Checking Identify what's most important to know about a new hire - and how to find it out.

		It's Not Just Whom You Know How to use the power of 'netgiving' to create meaningful relationships and build employee morale.

		Is the Recruiting Industry Rebounding? The need for specific talents and experience is helping to grow recruiting company assignments.

		Even Senior Executives Are Being Axed In Sexual Harassment Events The termination cause sometimes involves expense account fraud.

Question:

Are there ways of avoiding or identifying potential workplace violence?

Answer:

“While all workplace violence incidents are not identifiable, it is important to keep a wary eye open for potential dangers from employees who feel they are being abused. A recent incident in Connecticut clearly shows that even in the best run and most paternalistic small firms, violence can happen. It is up to management to identify potential problems and work with all employees to maintain a safe environment." - Sal Lifrieri, President of Protective Counter Measures.