Astronology - Eliminating Workplace Negativity

Astronology Volume XI Issue 10   July 13, 2010 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.   News and Notes from Astron We're excited to announce that our own National Director, Jennifer Loftus, is the newest President of HR/NY! Jennifer started her term on July 1, 2010. HR/NY is the New York City chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). You can learn more about HR/NY at www.hrny.org. Jennifer says, "I hope to see our local Astronology readers at an HR/NY meeting soon, and if you're not a member, please join us! The ROI of an HR/NY membership is 85 times. You can't afford to miss out on annual benefits worth over $8,000!" We're also excited to announce that Astron's Brendan Williams is continuing for another year in his role as HR/NY Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. Congratulations, Brendan!   Fact or Fiction The popular game Monopoly has a misspelling on its board. FACT! The yellow-colored property "Marvin Gardens" was originally named after Marven Gardens, a neighborhood just outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1995, Parker Brothers formally apologized to the neighborhood of Marven Gardens for the error. What's your favorite board game for summertime fun? We'd love to hear from you! Please share your stories with us.   Eliminating Workplace Negativity As humans, each of us is bound to make mistakes, such as saying things that others may not perceive favorably, or making a decision that inadvertently affects ourselves and others negatively. Unfortunately, a culture of workplace negativity can turn these small issues, if not handled appropriately, into larger organizational concerns. You can avoid the extra time and effort spent to correct a festering negative environment by making targeted efforts to identify and eliminate concerns when they're small. In this Astronology article, we will explore the identifying marks of and list several ways organizations can overcome a negative culture....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 2010, Astron Solutions, LLC ISSN Number 1549-0467 Quick Links Client List Meet the Astron Team Contact Us   World of HR Blog Bringing you Human Resource news from around the globe...compliments of Astron Solutions. More

 

A New Generation Chasing the American Dream

On Tuesday the New York Times posted a column about a new generation of Americans who are finding the "American Dream" elusive in the current economic environment. The article is still the most e-mailed piece on the New York Times website, and rightfully so. As the article talks about "an age group — the so-called millennials, 18 to 29 — whose unemployment rate of nearly 14 percent approaches the levels of that group in the Great Depression." The rest of the article is equally bleak for the millennials:

For young adults, the prospects in the workplace, even for the college-educated, have rarely been so bleak. Apart from the 14 percent who are unemployed and seeking work, as Scott Nicholson is, 23 percent are not even seeking a job, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The total, 37 percent, is the highest in more than three decades and a rate reminiscent of the 1930s. 

The college-educated among these young adults are better off. But nearly 17 percent are either unemployed or not seeking work, a record level (although some are in graduate school). The unemployment rate for college-educated young adults, 5.5 percent, is nearly double what it was on the eve of the Great Recession, in 2007, and the highest level — by almost two percentage points — since the bureau started to keep records in 1994 for those with at least four years of college.

Yet surveys show that the majority of the nation’s millennials remain confident, as Scott Nicholson is, that they will have satisfactory careers. They have a lot going for them.

“They are better educated than previous generations and they were raised by baby boomers who lavished a lot of attention on their children,” said Andrew Kohut, the Pew Research Center’s director. That helps to explain their persistent optimism, even as they struggle to succeed.

Self-Policing In Your Organization

The Tampa Bay Rays baseball team has hit a rough patch. Although they held on to first place in the toughest division in baseball throughout the first few months of the season, they've been no-hit twice and lost their grip on the division. This past week their centerfielder, B.J. Upton lollygagged his way to the ball. For a team struggling to score runs, this was not the effort you want to see. Upton has been benched before for not hustling and this seemed to be another case of him just giving up on a play. When he got back to the dugout, 24-year-old Evan Longoria approached him about his behavior and the two went face-to-face and had to be separated by teammates. I wrote on a sports blog I post on regularly about this incident and about how it brings back memories to one sports writer of a young Derek Jeter, who had, at 24, called out one of his veteran teammates for showing up another teammate. This is seen as a great leadership skill in an organization--self-policing.

I bring this up because while this type of approach may work in baseball, it most likely has no place in an organization. If a co-worker is not pulling his weight or is trying to show up another co-worker, it should not be left to self-policing. Although a good measure of "that is not right" should come from everyone involved and whistleblowing is encouraged at times, the problem itself should be handled by upper-management and Human Resources. Employees can become embarrassed on confrontational when they are publicly called out. Instead, a manager should be doing the discipline--and doing it in a private environment. Publicly calling out a co-worker for a mistake or leaving an office to be self-policed may work in baseball but it is not a good way to handle an office. 

Astronology - The Importance of Whistle Blowing

Astronology Volume XI Issue 9   June 16, 2010 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 Cell phones were invented in the 70's. Fiction! The very first mobile telephone system was released in 1956. Astron's own National Director Michael Maciekowich owned one of the first car-based cell phones, which required its own suitcase-like carrying case! How times have changed. Now cell phones the size of the palm of your hand can do so many things - all at the same time!   Readers Write... In response to our microwave oven story from the June 15th issue of Astronology, reader Shari Marston of Milford, NH shared this gem: Years ago, an employee was microwaving one of those heating pads - not the kind with corn kernels or rice, but the gel kind - and it burned! We had to evacuate the building due to the stench! This was before Febreeze came on the market, so we had to use fans - and maybe Lysol spray - to get rid of the smell. You know, there really IS a worse smell than burnt popcorn!! Thanks for the chuckle, Shari!   The Importance of Whistle Blowing Whistle blowing. While some may view it as "snitching," others may view it as an action of bravery and stemming from a dedication to ethics. In this issue of Astronology, we take a look at the important role whistle blowing plays, along with its positive and negative considerations....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 2010, Astron Solutions, LLC ISSN Number 1549-0467 Quick Links Client List Meet the Astron Team Contact Us   World of HR Blog Bringing you Human Resource news from around the globe...compliments of Astron Solutions. More

 

The Resume and the Interview

Some good links on a HOT Wednesday for the resume and the interview:

The New York Times from back in February had some advice on writing a resume that shouts "hire me". Good advice at a time when so many resumes are being received--and they all look the same.

AOL's Barbara Safani (also of Career Solvers) wants to know if you're lying on your resume saying "it is critical that all information reported on the document is accurate and something you can back up with facts if questioned."

We go back to AOL and Safani for the toughest job interview question out there (what is your weakness?) as well as a few other tough questions and the best ways to answer them

The Staffing Advisor asks how you got all that from reading a resume and tells the story of a church committee rejecting Jesus Christ as a candidate

Lastly, FINS has some advice on making a good first impression and nailing your finance interview

Moving Up and Moving Out

A few links for your humpday:

The New York Times provides a toolkit for women seeking a raise and an opportunity to move up within their company.

The New York Times also provides a toolkit for making yourself indispensable regardless of your gender in this Career Couch Q&A

The Associated Press via Yahoo! News says that more employees are jumping ship as a sign the economy is improving (H/T Wendy)

And, lastly, from EW, who says you can't be promoted in The Office?

Astronology - Supervisor Training

Astronology Volume XI Issue 8   June 15, 2010 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 If you're attending the SHRM 62nd Annual Conference and Exhibition, please be sure to stop by the Astron booth, #1445.  The exhibition runs from Sunday, June 27th through Tuesday, June 29th.  Members of the Astron team, including National Directors Jennifer Loftus and Michael Maciekowich, Technology Supervisor Brendan Williams, and Lead Technology Architect John Sazaklis will be present to share with you our latest Flare™ modules and cutting edge trends in total rewards.  We'll also be unveiling our exciting new exhibit booth!  Please look for Astron in booth #1445, across from the ever-fun awards and incentives aisle!   Fact or Fiction The microwave oven was invented when a scientist's chocolate bar melted in his pocket.   Fact!   Percy Spencer, an American engineer was standing in front of a high-powered vacuum tube called a magnetron, when he noticed the candy bar in his pocket had melted. He then tested popcorn in front of the magnetron. After subsequent tests and investigations, in 1947 the very first commercial microwave was introduced, patented by Mr. Spencer.   Today, the microwave is an office pantry staple.  Have any humorous stories to share regarding your office's microwave?  Please e-mail them to Jennifer Loftus, and we may feature you in an upcoming issue of Astronology!   Supervisor Training The time has come within your organization to identify a leader for a new project or to supervise a new expansion. What recognizable traits are there to help you identify a potential successful supervisor among your employees? How do you train this new leader to effectively guide in such a way that proves successful? In this issue of Astronology, we share some helpful tips for identifying and properly training potential supervisors....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 2010, Astron Solutions, LLC ISSN Number 1549-0467 Quick Links Client List Meet the Astron Team Contact Us   World of HR Blog Bringing you Human Resource news from around the globe...compliments of Astron Solutions. More

 

Internal Candidates

Sometimes companies spend a tremendous amount of money on trying to find great employees when the best candidates for the job may already be employed by your company. Hiring internal candidates provide some of the best ways to drive down costs, cut down new employees adjustment times, and also to promote company loyalty and commitment.

But the right culture needs to be in place to make sure that the process goes smoothly. Employees need to feel comfortable talking to other managers about potential openings without fear of reprecussions. There also needs to be a fair process of making sure every internal candidate has an equal shot at the open positions. The last thing you want is to make the internal hiring process a way to show favoritism to only a select few.

Done well, an internal hiring process can provide many benefits for a company and help move up good employees--and keep them happy and employed at your organization.

-Andrew

Astronology - How to Deal: Performance Reviews

Astronology Volume XI Issue 7   June 2, 2010 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 On Friday, June 11th, National Director Mike Maciekowich will present to the Maine ASHHRA chapter on Human Resource Return on Investment. The meeting will be held in Augusta. For information on registering, please contact Mike. On Monday, June 14th, National Director Jennifer Loftus will present a webinar, in partnership with SHRM, on Building an Effective Organizational Pay Structure. The webinar is free for SHRM Learning System students and instructors. Interested in attending? Please e-mail Jennifer. The 2010 Annual SHRM Conference and Exposition is almost here! If you would like to visit the exhibit hall, Astron Solutions has a limited number of free passes available. Please e-mail Jennifer today to receive yours! We'll see you on the road!   Fact or Fiction Maine has over 5,000 miles of coastline, more than California. Fact! Maine's amazing coastline is another reason to see National Director Mike Maciekowich in action next week!   How to Deal: Performance Reviews From both sides of the conference table, performance reviews often are considered one of the least liked and often feared parts of working within an organization. The employer or manager may not have kept accurate records of an employee's progress, is unable to highlight performance highs and lows, and is not sure how to encourage the employee to set new goals based on the performance review. Employees may feel they did not receive the performance review they truly deserve, perhaps viewing their managers as overly critical. How does an organization get past these issues and make performance reviews enjoyable? Astronology investigates the concerns associated with performance reviews in this installment of How to Deal....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 2010, Astron Solutions, LLC ISSN Number 1549-0467 Quick Links Client List Meet the Astron Team Contact Us   World of HR Blog Bringing you Human Resource news from around the globe...compliments of Astron Solutions. More