As managers and supervisors, we’d like to think all our employees will give 110 percent all the time.  But when we step down from the clouds, we see that on Earth, two camps of employees often prevail: those who are driven to take on additional tasks and challenges, and those who are content to sit at their desks and foster the status quo.  That’s not to say the status quo is a bad thing, as long as work expectations are being met.  The problem is, when employees only meet expectations, the workforce probably isn’t performing as efficiently as it could be. (more…)

In a recent blog, we talked about five soft skills every manager should have, from communication to leadership.  These skills are critical for any successful manager to lead and relate to the team, but they are especially critical for you, the new Human Resources manager.  See, the HR manager has the unique position of representing both the company and its employees, and striking a balance of what’s best for both.  That’s not always an easy task. (more…)

Every day, the rules for succeeding in business are changing.  A great product or service and a talented workforce are no longer enough to create that magic formula for success—that workforce also has to know how to relate to their customers and peers and how to handle themselves in a professional environment.  Most critical among that workforce is management staff. (more…)

Jim and Pam from The Office.  Mer and Der from Grey’s Anatomy.  Will and Emma from Glee.  Some of TV’s most beloved couples found love in the workplace, and real-life couples are no different; survey data suggests that up to one-third of real-life married couples met on the job.  So if you’re in the office this Valentine’s Day, you’re likely to see heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and jumbo-size bouquets of red roses.  At least a few of these affectionate offerings will undoubtedly occur between coworkers—maybe even on the sly.  And while these office romances make for ample whispering at the watercooler, they can also present a challenge to the Human Resources Department. (more…)

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but if your employees are skipping their meal breaks, it’s not just bad for their blood sugar—it’s bad for your company’s budget and legal compliance.

If you fall under the category of managers, small-business owners, or HR professionals, like us at YES! Your Human Resources Solution, you probably know the basic rules of meal and rest breaks in California.  (There are exceptions to the basic rules based on industry and other circumstances, but for this blog, we’ll just do a quick review of a typical office day.)  In a classic 8-hour workday, an employee is typically entitled to one paid 10-minute break during the first and second half of the shift, and one unpaid 30-minute meal break within the first 5 hours of the shift.  Your company’s policy may allow for 15-minute breaks and 60-minute lunches.  Either way, it’s your job to facilitate employee break time. (more…)

Lose weight.  Exercise more.  Figure out that Wii thingamajig from last Christmas.  We all make New Year’s resolutions to better our personal lives, so why should we do anything differently with our businesses?  This new year offers small-business owners the opportunity to evaluate operations over the past year and see what worked, what didn’t, and what can help the company develop in 2012.  Sometimes all it takes is a knowledgeable team and a nudge in the right direction.  With that in mind, here are some actions your company can take over the next few months to strengthen your business and its team, and to propel both toward the company’s long-term goals. (more…)

The December 12, 2011 issue of the Orange County Business Journal features Kathi Guiney’s latest article on a growing business trend: managing a remote workforce.

As business expands globally it is the “new” normal to have work teams broadly dispersed. As a manager you may have staff located everywhere from Ireland to India to Indianapolis. To successfully manage remote employees requires building a triangle of the right manager, the right employees, and the right communication techniques.

Read the full article

In anticipation of the winter holidays, most everyone would rather be at home with their loved ones than stuck behind a desk, and why not, after another year of layoffs, furloughs, and salary reductions?  Coupled with such morale reducers, many employees continue to shoulder the burden of increased responsibility caused by lighter staffing levels.  If you take a close look, you might see your employees suffering from the winter-holiday blues.  The good news is, there’s no better time of year to perk up employees by showing them that their hard work is appreciated. (more…)

Christmas music in the mall already?  That can only signal that the holiday season is on its way!  And as Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approach, employers may begin to notice a curious phenomenon: more employees calling in sick.  After all, who doesn’t want more time off around the holidays? (more…)

Human Resources is all about performance reviews, employee benefits, and talent acquisition, right?  Wrong!  Today’s HR team can do much more than fix and prevent employment problems.  If you’re not consulting your HR staff on key business decisions, including company acquisitions and requirements for RFPs, you’re missing out on the extra benefits of an experienced HR team.  Did you know skilled HR professionals can use these nontraditional platforms to help your business grow? (more…)