Human Resources 101

In Wally, Scott Adams has given us the classic workplace slacker. Wally not only excels at dodging work, he flaunts it. Of course, we laugh at Wally’s “skill-set” because we all know and have worked with a slacker.
There are two types of slackers in most organisations, those who are in over their heads when it comes […]

The workplace comprises of all sorts of people. Anyone of them can display troublesome behaviour that affects productivity, attitude and moral. If these behaviours are not curbed, they may even reflect on the manager’s image within the organization.
The average manager has to cope with many problem behaviours on the job. If you find yourself in a position […]

Zoho People is a Human Resource Management Application for HR team in an organization. Zoho People has several modules for HR Team (admins) and for Employees in an Organization.
Organization Module:
This module is used to define the structure of your organization including departments, designations/titles and also the Org Chart.
Recruitment Module:
The Recruitment module eases the hiring […]

1. Make a list of the strengths and weaknesses of the employees in your work-group.
What things do they do well? In what areas have they excelled in the past? What things do they like to do?
2. Match employee strengths to your responsibilities.
Exactly what part or parts of your present responsibilities might you delegate to a suitable […]

Another of the regular questions I get deals with the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor. As with so much in the Human Resources’ field, there’s not a simple black and white answer. Here are some of the tests which are commonly applied to make a determination.
N.B., this is my understanding, from a Canadian perspective. […]

Robert W. Cooper of the Canadian law firm McCarthy Tétrault has written an article outlining some of the issues that need to be considered before undertaking an internal investigation.
There are many situations (workplace accident, whistleblower tip, fraud, harassment) that will require an investigation, but each will require a different response. All investigations will need to be tailored […]

According to a Towers Perrin study, probably not.
Employee engagement is a hot topic in today’s corporate environment. However, there remains a huge gap between theory and practice.
Nic Paton looks at findings from the study in his article, The disengagement gap.
Most workers believe their senior managers are largely a waste of space, doing little to motivate them […]

Every supervisor’s goal Is to create and maintain an environment in which employees feel respected, fairly treated and that their needs are being met.
Employee want to:

know their work is appreciated and valued
be included in the decision making process
have fair working conditions
engage in satisfying and challenging work
grow through development and tactful discipline
receive appropriate help with personal problems

Supervisors […]

Frank Roche asks the question, What Kind of HR Person Are You? It’s more of a three-parter:

Do you believe more Theory X or Theory Y?
What’s your philosophical foundation for HR? Can be people be motivated at work, or is HR’s job to not demotivate?
What prepared you to be in HR? And what are you doing now […]

What can employers do to help employees cope with the pressures of today’s workplace and foster acceptable attendance?

Ensure the workplace is as pleasant, safe and healthy as possible.
Clearly communicate attendance expectations to all employees.
Be a role model of good attendance.
Provide education to employees outlining the importance of good attendance and provide information on company benefits […]