Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Astronology - Building Workplace Morale

Astron Website Top 

Astronology

Volume XII

Issue 30

May 29, 2012

Dear Andrew,

Astron Solutions provides high-quality, low-cost, innovative human resources consulting services to organizations like yours. Call us for advice, innovative program design, and user-friendly Web/PC based software.

 

The Astron Road Show  

There's one stop on the Astron Road Show coming up in early June!  From June 5th - 7th, National Directors Mike Maciekowich and Jennifer Loftus will be exhibiting at Premier's 2012 Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition - a major event for those in the healthcare field.  If you'll be in Nashville, please stop by Astron's exhibit booth at the conference and say hello!  We'll be in booth #561.    

 

Building Workplace Morale 

There are plenty of reasons why workplace morale needs a closer examination. A shaky economy, a wave of talent loss, the gain of new talent - any big change an organization is going through can result in the need for a morale boost. Most organizations have some programs dedicated to motivating employees to do their best and to feel valued. In this issue of Astronology, we'll take a look at some cost effective practices you may want to implement moving forward.....more  

 

Have a Question?

If you have a topic you would like addressed in Astronology, or some feedback on a past article, don't hesitate to tell us!  Simply reply to this e-mail.  See your question answered, or comments addressed, in an upcoming issue of Astronology.

Looking for a top-notch presenter for your human resource organization's meeting?  Both Jennifer Loftus and Michael Maciekowich present highly-rated sessions on a variety of compensation and employee retention issues.  For more information, send an e-mail to info@astronsolutions.com.

 

The Fine Print

We hold your e-mail address in trust.  Astron Solutions promises never to share or rent your personal information.  We also promise never to send you frivolous e-mails and will allow you to leave our list, at your option, at any time.

To remove yourself from this list, please follow your personalized subscriber link at the bottom of your Astronology alert e-mail.

Copyright 2012, Astron Solutions, LLC

ISSN Number 1549-0467

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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Astronology - Telecommuting Concerns..Are They Blocking the Progress of the Flexible Workplace?

Astron Website Top 

Astronology

Volume XII

Issue 29

May 15, 2012

Dear Andrew,

Astron Solutions provides high-quality, low-cost, innovative human resources consulting services to organizations like yours. Call us for advice, innovative program design, and user-friendly Web/PC based software.

 

The Astron Road Show  

There's one stop on the Astron Road Show coming up later this month!  On May 31st, National Director Mike Maciekowich will present at the Society for Human Resource Management of Tompkins County's 2012 conference.  Mike's topic is "Designing an Effective Total Rewards Strategy to Meet Today's Economic and Regulatory Demands."  Click here to learn more about the conference. And if you'll be in Ithaca, NY on May 31st, please stop by Astron's exhibit booth at the conference and say hello!  

 

Telecommuting Concerns...Are They Blocking the Progress of the Flexible Workplace?  

Back in 2008, research firm IDC predicted that 75% of the workforce would be mobile by 2012.   In contrast, the Telework Research Center reports that only 2% (2.8 million) workers identify home as their primary location of work, and 17.2 million people work from home at least one day a week. Additionally, Forrester Research reported in 2009 that 34 million Americans work at least occasionally from home, and predicted that by 2016 that number will jump to 63 million. There is definitely growth in the number of telecommuters, but also some evidence of hesitancy on the part of employers in pursuing this alternative work arrangement.....more  

 

Have a Question?

If you have a topic you would like addressed in Astronology, or some feedback on a past article, don't hesitate to tell us!  Simply reply to this e-mail.  See your question answered, or comments addressed, in an upcoming issue of Astronology.

Looking for a top-notch presenter for your human resource organization's meeting?  Both Jennifer Loftus and Michael Maciekowich present highly-rated sessions on a variety of compensation and employee retention issues.  For more information, send an e-mail to info@astronsolutions.com.

 

The Fine Print

We hold your e-mail address in trust.  Astron Solutions promises never to share or rent your personal information.  We also promise never to send you frivolous e-mails and will allow you to leave our list, at your option, at any time.

To remove yourself from this list, please follow your personalized subscriber link at the bottom of your Astronology alert e-mail.

Copyright 2012, Astron Solutions, LLC

ISSN Number 1549-0467

Quick Links


 

World of HR Blog

Bringing you Human Resource news from around the globe...compliments of Astron Solutions.

More

 

Join Our Mailing List

 

Monday, May 14, 2012

Networking a Different Way

Networking stinks. We are taught from early in our youth not to talk to strangers and we spend a lot of time in our adulthood walking past strangers on the street. But, if you're in a room with booze and business suits, you're supposed to be excited about everyone there and find exciting ways to hand the other person a small rectangular piece of cardboard. As you may be able to tell, I avoid networking events whenever possible.

But Forbes has some new ways to network that may make it a bit more enjoyable. I like #5 on their top-5 list: reconnect with your past. I think that everyone should make sure to tap into their alumni networks as great networking opportunities that are a bit less awkward. At the very least, you have one great topic of conversation: the school you shared together.

The other way I've found networking tolerable is to make sure to do it in groups. It's easier to network when you have someone else to pick up the conversation when there is that awkward lull. Find a friend or colleague in your field who you have a good banter with and get working with the room. At the very least, you'll have one person to talk to so you're not that awkward person in the corner of the room trying to look important on their smartphone (and, yes, I've been that person). Make networking work for you.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Top Leaders and Innovation Come from Within

Firms search far and wide for top talent, and, especially leaders. They want people who are innovative and different and add to the diversity of thought in the company. A recent study by The Hay Group via CBS News says that to foster innovation, the best way is to develop leaders from within. And the best way to develop those leaders is to foster collaboration and fairness from within, including this great point from the article:

Managers fail to set the right example by putting themselves before the team when it comes to workload, appreciation, and even compensation. In such a corporate culture, there may be two sets of standards -- one for managers and one for employees. That double standard erodes respect, undermines trust, and leads to disengagement. Employees lose heart and end up just going through the motions.
We've talked on this blog about how the wrong type of management can alienate and discourage good employees. They feel under-appreciated and need to find solace in finding new jobs. Companies are too interested in searching for talent outside of their company to notice the great employees they have already and many times they lose them to other organizations. The key is to make sure to develop from within, allow good performers to be promoted, foster collaboration and innovation and make sure the right people are managing your teams.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Astronology - The Challenges of Rehiring

Astron Website Top 

Astronology

Volume XII

Issue 28

April 29, 2012

Dear Andrew,

Astron Solutions provides high-quality, low-cost, innovative human resources consulting services to organizations like yours. Call us for advice, innovative program design, and user-friendly Web/PC based software.

 

Fact or Fiction 

New York City has over 700 miles of subway track.

FACT!

New York City actually has 722 miles of subway track!  Click here to find out other interesting facts about New York

 

The Challenges of Rehiring 

Back in 2009 we experienced some severe hits to our economy which resulted in record-breaking unemployment rates. Although things have gotten better, a number of organizations have been pondering the thought of rehiring talent shed during the economic downturn.  In a survey conducted by The Society for Human Resource Management, 45% of HR professionals indicated they have rehired some of their former employees.  Have you wondered the same? Keep in mind that perhaps it wasn't an economic reason for the dismissal.  Perhaps the employee left voluntarily and now decided that he / she wants to come back.  Does this scenario warrant serious consideration?....more  

 

Have a Question?

If you have a topic you would like addressed in Astronology, or some feedback on a past article, don't hesitate to tell us!  Simply reply to this e-mail.  See your question answered, or comments addressed, in an upcoming issue of Astronology.

Looking for a top-notch presenter for your human resource organization's meeting?  Both Jennifer Loftus and Michael Maciekowich present highly-rated sessions on a variety of compensation and employee retention issues.  For more information, send an e-mail to info@astronsolutions.com.

 

The Fine Print

We hold your e-mail address in trust.  Astron Solutions promises never to share or rent your personal information.  We also promise never to send you frivolous e-mails and will allow you to leave our list, at your option, at any time.

To remove yourself from this list, please follow your personalized subscriber link at the bottom of your Astronology alert e-mail.

Copyright 2012, Astron Solutions, LLC

ISSN Number 1549-0467

Quick Links


 

World of HR Blog

Bringing you Human Resource news from around the globe...compliments of Astron Solutions.

More

 

Join Our Mailing List