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…)

With more than 8 percent of the nation’s workforce out of work, you’re probably finding a lot more résumés on your desk (or online as a website, or as a video burned to DVD).  As a recruiter or hiring manager, it can be a daunting task to find the best person for the job in such a large pool of applicants. (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…)

Would you relay the gory details of your podiatrist appointment to a room full of your coworkers?  We didn’t think so.  But what you may not realize is you’re doing just that on your loud cell phone call with your mother—and your coworkers don’t like hearing about your feet. (more…)

Is your employee handbook looking more like an episode of American Horror Story?  Inconsistencies, jargon, pedantries, and other nasties can be hiding in your employee handbook, especially if the handbook hasn’t been updated since the Prohibition Era.And what’s worse—like American Horror Story, these ghosts of handbooks past could be lurking right under your nose, ready to wreak havoc at a moment’s notice. (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…)

In our closing blog of 2011, YES! Your Human Resources Solution talked about ways to improve your time-management skills in the new year.  Prioritizing, organizing, and streamlining are all great ways to make the most of your work time, especially to prevent work hours from spilling over into personal or family time.  Improving your time management can give you a great start to 2012, but even the perfect schedule won’t save your productivity if you lack motivation. (more…)

When January 1 adds an extra digit to the new year, don’t you wish it also added an extra hour to the day?  Alas, even in 2012, we will still only have 24 precious hours to complete all of our daily tasks—a tough chore for small-business managers who feel like they work in a whirlwind of activity, only to realize they’ve accomplished nothing on their to-do lists.  If that whirlwind is getting the better of you and your good intentions (and your last nerve), improving your time-management skills might be the key you need to unlock your maximum productivity.  You can’t invent time, but you can reinvent your 2012 calendar with these time-management tips: (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…)