We start out here on this Wednesday night with an article from HR Daily Advisor with a question if Super Bowl pools are illegal gambling or teambuilding (or both): click here
What is your office doing about the big game? Are people passing around "squares" in your office. Ironically, these squares are going around at the same time as Girl Scout Cookies and many employees feel pressure to get involved in both. This is definitely something to monitor in your office...to a degree...
Also from HR Daily Advisor, an article following up on what not to do during EEO investigations...with 4 tips of what to do during investigations: click here
Next, from SecurityProNews, an article about how HR could be endangering the company...by opening up applications/resumes in e-mails: click here
CNNMoney and CareerBuilder are last with an article about the salaries HR Professionals are making...so you can measure yourself up against the competition: click here
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
What I'm Hearing...401(k)s
Anyone who’s familiar with the magazine Time Out New York knows that they like to publish articles that push boundaries and get people talking. In issue 642, they published an article called “401ks are for suckers.”
The best part of the article is that I recognize the location on 10th Avenue where they took the picture. It’s right by our old office.
In short, the author hasn’t saved a penny for retirement because she’s “living life” and enjoying eating out. She plans on living off “the dole at 65, eating cat food out of a rusty hubcap.”
Why should the falsely maligned “Steady Eddies” have to support her – and the millions of people like her – because some people take no responsibility for themselves? I know that she is not the only person who hasn’t saved for retirement. America’s going to be facing a large retirement crisis very soon.
Read it for yourself here
The best part of the article is that I recognize the location on 10th Avenue where they took the picture. It’s right by our old office.
In short, the author hasn’t saved a penny for retirement because she’s “living life” and enjoying eating out. She plans on living off “the dole at 65, eating cat food out of a rusty hubcap.”
Why should the falsely maligned “Steady Eddies” have to support her – and the millions of people like her – because some people take no responsibility for themselves? I know that she is not the only person who hasn’t saved for retirement. America’s going to be facing a large retirement crisis very soon.
Read it for yourself here
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bonuses Down On Wall Street
You can tell the economy is really going poorly when Wall Street bonuses are down as reported by this CNNMoney article: click here
HR Daily Advisor has six killer mistakes for EEO Investigations: click here
And if you happen to live in Kentucky, you'll love this Business First article which details the best places to work in your state: click here
HR Daily Advisor has six killer mistakes for EEO Investigations: click here
And if you happen to live in Kentucky, you'll love this Business First article which details the best places to work in your state: click here
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A Plethora of Articles...
We have a plethora of articles for you to get you ready for your next week...
We start out with a Vault video on how employers are using social networking sites to snoop on employees: click here
Next, from USA Today, word that employers are paying more to relocate workers: click here
Next, from Fast Company, a look at the job outlook for 2008 and where all the top jobs will be: click here
Back to USA Today, word that small manufacturers are desperately seeking skilled staff: click here
Going back to an article we talked about a long ways back, MSNBC has word that the verdict of a woman spanked at work has been overturned: click here
Lastly, a blog entry about, of all things, Human Resources in the video game world of Second Life: click here
We start out with a Vault video on how employers are using social networking sites to snoop on employees: click here
Next, from USA Today, word that employers are paying more to relocate workers: click here
Next, from Fast Company, a look at the job outlook for 2008 and where all the top jobs will be: click here
Back to USA Today, word that small manufacturers are desperately seeking skilled staff: click here
Going back to an article we talked about a long ways back, MSNBC has word that the verdict of a woman spanked at work has been overturned: click here
Lastly, a blog entry about, of all things, Human Resources in the video game world of Second Life: click here
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
HR going Green
Catching you up on this Wednesday starts with the 2008 Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Green Workplace report...
First, from Environmental Leader, word that the study shows that half of workplaces surveyed have a formal or informal environmental responsibility policy...but 43 percent do not and have no plans of implementing one in the next 12 months: click here
From the Washington Post, on the same report, says that environmentally friendly practices make for a happier workplace: click here
From HR.BLR, word the The Society for Human Resources Management is launching a campaigning to show the importance of HR: click here
Lastly, going back to the Washington Post, a study finds that most diversity training is ineffective: click here
First, from Environmental Leader, word that the study shows that half of workplaces surveyed have a formal or informal environmental responsibility policy...but 43 percent do not and have no plans of implementing one in the next 12 months: click here
From the Washington Post, on the same report, says that environmentally friendly practices make for a happier workplace: click here
From HR.BLR, word the The Society for Human Resources Management is launching a campaigning to show the importance of HR: click here
Lastly, going back to the Washington Post, a study finds that most diversity training is ineffective: click here
Monday, January 21, 2008
Totally Unrelated...and then Related
On a totally unrelated not from out HR blog, we have this video for you from "Coming to America"...
And on a related note...from The Office...Toby Flenderson's HR Nightmares
And on a related note...from The Office...Toby Flenderson's HR Nightmares
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Diversity
The key buzzword is back again with this Q&A from the Boston Globe's BostonWorks Hiring Hub with three trends in corporate diversity: click here
Next, on to the New York Times where they say that for a franchise, success is in the hiring: click here
The New York Times also has some advice for how to lose your job on your own time: click here
One more from the New York Times talking about the role of life coaches: click here
We go to our new link-partner HR Daily Advisor who says that now your worst moments are on YouTube: click here
Lastly, we go to one of our fellow bloggers with an article about Human Resource Management: click here
Next, on to the New York Times where they say that for a franchise, success is in the hiring: click here
The New York Times also has some advice for how to lose your job on your own time: click here
One more from the New York Times talking about the role of life coaches: click here
We go to our new link-partner HR Daily Advisor who says that now your worst moments are on YouTube: click here
Lastly, we go to one of our fellow bloggers with an article about Human Resource Management: click here
Monday, January 14, 2008
Still Have the Dream
Despite the fact that a Black man is a leading candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination, racial harassment is a still an issue in workplaces according to MSNBC: click here.
As Clinton/Obama campaign starts to turn this battle into a race/gender issue, they may be alienating more constituents and potential voters than they think. With gender and race issues in the workplaces still a great cause of concern for many people, one can imagine some distaste for two candidates to battle each other on those grounds for the White House. The Democrats have done well in recent years building a base of minority and women voters but one wonders if some irreparable harm will be done to the candidates after the latest banter...but I digress...
In other news, also from MSNBC, a look at which businesses hold up well during a recession among other recession questions in this Q&A: click here
Lastly, a blog suggesting that you should hire people that are better than you are: click here
As Clinton/Obama campaign starts to turn this battle into a race/gender issue, they may be alienating more constituents and potential voters than they think. With gender and race issues in the workplaces still a great cause of concern for many people, one can imagine some distaste for two candidates to battle each other on those grounds for the White House. The Democrats have done well in recent years building a base of minority and women voters but one wonders if some irreparable harm will be done to the candidates after the latest banter...but I digress...
In other news, also from MSNBC, a look at which businesses hold up well during a recession among other recession questions in this Q&A: click here
Lastly, a blog suggesting that you should hire people that are better than you are: click here
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Human Resources in Education
Education Week says that Human Resources of teachers is a weak spot that needs to be fixed: click here
Next, from HR Daily Advisor, word that quicker pay increases may save your best new hires: click here
Lastly from Reuters, continuing our previous theme, more information on how telecommuting can hurt office morale: click here
Next, from HR Daily Advisor, word that quicker pay increases may save your best new hires: click here
Lastly from Reuters, continuing our previous theme, more information on how telecommuting can hurt office morale: click here
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Don't Make Work Your Primary
Although it may be Primary time, the New York Times starts us out by letting you know that making it's time to take a Secondary look at talking about your politics or wearing your campaign button at work, among other topics in this Q&A: click here
We go back to the New York Times for an old article still prescient about job growth fading fast: click here
The Business Review (Albany) has an article which says that telecommuting can hurt office morale: click here
From the Boston Globe's BostonWorks Ask The HR Expert we get some answers in this Q&A about Benefits and Compensation: click here
Next, from HR Daily Advisor, they post the question: Is coaching the new management? click here
Lastly, some HR Management news from Occupational Health and Safety has news that the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) President/CEO is about to retire: click here
We go back to the New York Times for an old article still prescient about job growth fading fast: click here
The Business Review (Albany) has an article which says that telecommuting can hurt office morale: click here
From the Boston Globe's BostonWorks Ask The HR Expert we get some answers in this Q&A about Benefits and Compensation: click here
Next, from HR Daily Advisor, they post the question: Is coaching the new management? click here
Lastly, some HR Management news from Occupational Health and Safety has news that the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) President/CEO is about to retire: click here
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Small Biz HR
On our Two-for-Tuesday we do you one better her at Astron's blog...
First from the Wall Street Journal, a New Year and a new plan for small business HR: click here
Next, from the Washington Post, word that Lockheed Martin will have to pay $2.5 million in a racial discrimination case: click here
Lastly, from HR Daily Advisor, advice on why firing must be a group decision: click here
First from the Wall Street Journal, a New Year and a new plan for small business HR: click here
Next, from the Washington Post, word that Lockheed Martin will have to pay $2.5 million in a racial discrimination case: click here
Lastly, from HR Daily Advisor, advice on why firing must be a group decision: click here
Monday, January 07, 2008
Primary Colors
We're in the middle of the presidential primaries...and we're lobbying you to make Astron Solution's Blog your primary source for HR news...
First, a report from the Society for Human Resources Management says that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is having HR issues of their own: click here
Next, from blog "McArthur's Rant", a New Year's Resolution for Human Resources: click here
From the Dallas Morning News, word that as the government cracks down on workplaces, ID theft has increased: click here
Moving on to the Republican American, we find an interesting story about when the head of HR doesn't get a performance review: click here
HR Daily Advisor gives five key steps to HR professionals to avoid termination-based lawsuits: click here
Lastly, Collaborative Thinking has a blog entry that says that socializing at work is no longer a waste of time: click here
First, a report from the Society for Human Resources Management says that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is having HR issues of their own: click here
Next, from blog "McArthur's Rant", a New Year's Resolution for Human Resources: click here
From the Dallas Morning News, word that as the government cracks down on workplaces, ID theft has increased: click here
Moving on to the Republican American, we find an interesting story about when the head of HR doesn't get a performance review: click here
HR Daily Advisor gives five key steps to HR professionals to avoid termination-based lawsuits: click here
Lastly, Collaborative Thinking has a blog entry that says that socializing at work is no longer a waste of time: click here
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Smart? How Smart?
Not exactly the Get Smart motto, but our title, nonetheless...
We apologize for missing you yesterday but how is this for catching up?
From the New York Times, a simple question: How Smart Is Your Manager?: click here
Next, Human Resource Executive Online writes about employee engagement: click here
Also from Human Resources Executive Online, an article that CEOs are getting that talent management is important: click here
From the Arizona Republic, word that more companies are offering fitness benefits for employees: click here
CNN and Careerbuilder to team up on this list of six tips to managing workplace conflict: click here
Lastly, from Workforce Management, an answer to the question of what are HR Certifications worth: click here
We apologize for missing you yesterday but how is this for catching up?
From the New York Times, a simple question: How Smart Is Your Manager?: click here
Next, Human Resource Executive Online writes about employee engagement: click here
Also from Human Resources Executive Online, an article that CEOs are getting that talent management is important: click here
From the Arizona Republic, word that more companies are offering fitness benefits for employees: click here
CNN and Careerbuilder to team up on this list of six tips to managing workplace conflict: click here
Lastly, from Workforce Management, an answer to the question of what are HR Certifications worth: click here
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
The Boston Globe starts us out on this first day of 2008 with an article about what's hot, what's not in the workplace for 2008: click here
Next, a Washington Post column suggesting that having employees make career resolutions can help them rise to the occasion: click here
Conde Nast Portfolio ends our blog today with an article about the risky business of hiring stars: click here
Next, a Washington Post column suggesting that having employees make career resolutions can help them rise to the occasion: click here
Conde Nast Portfolio ends our blog today with an article about the risky business of hiring stars: click here
Friday, December 28, 2007
End of the Year Data
Making up for lost time and articles and catching you up on the happenings of 2007...
CNNMoney and Fortune write that jobless claims are higher than analyst forecasts: click here
Also from CNNMoney and Fortune is word that the writer's strike has been crippling small business: click here
Next, from MSNBC, courtesy of the Associated Press, word that health insurance has jumped twice past inflation: click here
Lastly, the Christian Science Monitor, word that ethical infractions are back to pre-Enron levels: click here
CNNMoney and Fortune write that jobless claims are higher than analyst forecasts: click here
Also from CNNMoney and Fortune is word that the writer's strike has been crippling small business: click here
Next, from MSNBC, courtesy of the Associated Press, word that health insurance has jumped twice past inflation: click here
Lastly, the Christian Science Monitor, word that ethical infractions are back to pre-Enron levels: click here
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Back from the Holidays
Sorry about the layoff...but we're back with a lot of articles for you:
First, from the Tennessean, advice (which may be a bit belated) on how to survive the office party: click here
From Federal Computer Week, word that the USPS is consolidating their Human Resource system: click here
Next, from HR Daily Adviser Business and Legal Report, an article about laughing your way to wellness: click here
Also from HR.BLR, an advice column that tells you the things to never put into a job description: click here
From the Fresno Bee, tips for the HR personnel in the hot seat of the witness box: click here
Lastly, eight signs from Computer World that it's time to look for a new job: click here
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
First, from the Tennessean, advice (which may be a bit belated) on how to survive the office party: click here
From Federal Computer Week, word that the USPS is consolidating their Human Resource system: click here
Next, from HR Daily Adviser Business and Legal Report, an article about laughing your way to wellness: click here
Also from HR.BLR, an advice column that tells you the things to never put into a job description: click here
From the Fresno Bee, tips for the HR personnel in the hot seat of the witness box: click here
Lastly, eight signs from Computer World that it's time to look for a new job: click here
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Talking About the Past
Diversity Inc. ends our recent theme about leaving jobs with some advice about how to answer the interview question of "why did you leave that last job"? click here
Next, Human Resource Executive Online has a review of what happened in the year 2007 in the world of Human Resources: click here
We also have an article from Smart Money that Facebook profiles can spoil job searches for some people when HR professionals do background checks (a past Astronology topic): click here
The New Jersey Star-Ledger says that staffing during the holidays can often be a slippery slope: click here
Lastly, from Spousebuzz.com, word that changes are coming for military pay systems: click here
Next, Human Resource Executive Online has a review of what happened in the year 2007 in the world of Human Resources: click here
We also have an article from Smart Money that Facebook profiles can spoil job searches for some people when HR professionals do background checks (a past Astronology topic): click here
The New Jersey Star-Ledger says that staffing during the holidays can often be a slippery slope: click here
Lastly, from Spousebuzz.com, word that changes are coming for military pay systems: click here
Monday, December 17, 2007
Two Weeks Notice?
No, we're not talking about the Sandra Bullock/Hugh Grant movie: click here
But like the movie, it can also be a bad idea although it seemed so good in your head (this author has never seen the movie, but can just imagine...and the Roeper of Ebert & Roeper says "This thing works on no level whatsoever for me." That doesn't seem like too good of a review...)
Anyways...Two Weeks Notice is the general way of quitting in many businesses, but there can be times it's a really bad idea...
This article in the Wisconsin Technology Network says that two weeks notice went out of style with nickel beers: click here
This Monster.com article asks what happens when you give two weeks notice and the employer tells you that two weeks is too many?: click here
HRMagazine says to make sure that the way your company treats departing workers is good for business and for those remaining: click here
This Yahoo! Question asks what are the ramifications of releasing someone before the two weeks are up: click here
But like the movie, it can also be a bad idea although it seemed so good in your head (this author has never seen the movie, but can just imagine...and the Roeper of Ebert & Roeper says "This thing works on no level whatsoever for me." That doesn't seem like too good of a review...)
Anyways...Two Weeks Notice is the general way of quitting in many businesses, but there can be times it's a really bad idea...
This article in the Wisconsin Technology Network says that two weeks notice went out of style with nickel beers: click here
This Monster.com article asks what happens when you give two weeks notice and the employer tells you that two weeks is too many?: click here
HRMagazine says to make sure that the way your company treats departing workers is good for business and for those remaining: click here
This Yahoo! Question asks what are the ramifications of releasing someone before the two weeks are up: click here
Saturday, December 15, 2007
How to Say Good-bye
Although the temptation may be out there to leave a job like Tom Cruise's character famously did in Jerry Maguire, the key is to say good-bye in the right way.
Even though you may have felt wrong or slighted or have all the reason in the world to tell your old boss off, don't do it. Similarly, if you're an HR professional, an employee leaving may feel like the right time to tell them how you REALLY feel about them; don't do it.
If you feel you have something appropriate and constructive to get off your chest, by all means do it, but do it in a good, respectful way. Even if it's very, very far from it, make it seem like it was your problem instead of the other person's. And by all means, if you're going to go out there and tell someone off, try not to drag anyone else under the bus.
Employment Search Guide says that when leaving a job, do not burn bridges: click here
The Boston Globe (with credit to Monster.com) answers in this Q&A that how you leave the old job is as key as finding the new one: click here
More on this to follow....
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Strike 3
The Baseball Analogy is key today on the day of the Mitchell Report release which tells you not to turn a blind eye on bad things going on within your organization....
First, on our strike theme, the Christian Science Monitor has an article about France and Germany swapping Strike Tactics: click here
Also from CS Monitor, word that workplace attitudes are changing to include more "face time": click here
Lastly, from Systematic HR, a resource for recruiters and applicants alike: a recruiting cheat sheet: click here
First, on our strike theme, the Christian Science Monitor has an article about France and Germany swapping Strike Tactics: click here
Also from CS Monitor, word that workplace attitudes are changing to include more "face time": click here
Lastly, from Systematic HR, a resource for recruiters and applicants alike: a recruiting cheat sheet: click here
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