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HR Management

SHRM announces shift to “I&D” and faces community backlash

08/07/2024
In a press release, SHRM declared it would adopt the acronym “I&D” (inclusion and diversity) instead of “IE&D” (inclusion, equity and diversity—also known as DE&I or DEI), effectively removing the explicit mention of equity from its primary framework. The decision has angered many HR professionals.

Beware relying solely on AI to screen job applicants

08/02/2024
Employers looking to hire staff increasingly turn to artificial intelligence programs to help them screen candidates. A recent case shows the perils of automated systems and the inherent risk some pose.

Microlearning: A powerful tool for developing your team

08/02/2024
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, continuous skills development is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival and success. As a manager, part of your job is fostering this growth and change, but traditional training methods may not always yield the desired results. Enter microlearning—a flexible, bite-sized approach to workplace training that could revolutionize how you develop your team’s skills and knowledge.

Metrics: More than numbers and crucial to track

07/31/2024
You need metrics, as this data provides powerful information and information is power. Metrics can show how managers manage, track terminations and employee morale, support decision-making (e.g., having the data to justify a new hire) and identify trends. All of this makes the payroll department a key corporate player.

FMLA, ADA and attendance: Consider health problems before firing for failing to call off

07/29/2024
Ordinarily, employers can require employees to notify their boss if they anticipate having to miss work. But there’s an exception for those times when the employee simply can’t make that call because of their disability or serious health condition. Always double-check and consider the circumstances before making a final discipline or termination decision based on an employee’s failure to call.

DEI under fire: Employers find legal ways to diversify

07/29/2024
A year after Students for Fair Admissions, which decided that affirmative action in college admissions violated anti-discrimination laws, some employers are finding novel ways to diversify their workforces without resorting to specific hiring and promotion goals. Here are some promising approaches.

Are RTO mandates just layoffs in disguise?

07/29/2024
More than a third of managers and senior leaders believe their organizations laid off workers because return-to-office mandates failed to make more employees quit, according to a new survey by Bamboo HR. They’re probably right.

Let’s talk politics (or not): Regulating political expression at work

07/29/2024
The run-up to a national or local election can spark heated debate around the watercooler. That can cause distractions, disputes—and, in some cases, lawsuits. You have the legal right to control employees’ activities on the job. That includes putting a stop to political activism or political solicitations at work.

Filing cabinet cleanup: Set up 4 folders per employee

07/29/2024
Too many HR files consist of fat folders, organized one per employee, with the most recent documentation at the front and everything dating back to Day One behind it. You can and must do better. Federal and state laws require employers to keep separate files for a variety of employee records.

Beyond the punchline: Create a culture of appropriate humor

07/24/2024
When used correctly, humor can lighten the mood, build relationships and even increase job satisfaction. However, it’s essential to strike the right balance to avoid potential pitfalls. Here are some key strategies for fostering an environment where humor is appropriate and beneficial.