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Employee Relations

Financial services firm promotes from within

07/03/2008
A bank teller who makes a career at Tampa, Fla.-based Amscot Financial is likely to wind up as a manager or executive. The consumer-oriented financial services company keeps employees by making it a policy to promote. “Every key position is filled with someone from within,” CEO Fraser MacKechnie says …

Remind employees often and clearly about handbook

07/02/2008
Smart HR pros set up tickler files to remind themselves to make sure everyone has the current version of the employee handbook—and any arbitration agreements you ask employees to sign. That file makes it easier to ensure every employee has an up-to-date copy and gets revisions every time policies change …

Back up even minor disciplinary action with solid records

07/02/2008
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Nothing wins lawsuits like good records. Tell all managers and supervisors that HR won’t approve any disciplinary action without a copy of the documentation used to justify the decision …

Funky fudge worries IU workers, police

07/01/2008

Nothing brightens up a dull workday like the appearance of a co-worker bearing treats. But when an Indiana University dorm worker and her 13-year-old daughter brought in a box of fudge, some fellow employees got more than they bargained for.

Conducting ‘Stay’ interviews: 7 questions to ask

07/01/2008
Don’t wait for employees to exit before you get their input on what your organization is doing right or wrong, says Greg Smith, author of the book 401 Proven Ways to Retain Your Best Employees. Conduct periodic “stay” interviews …

The No. 1 Low-Tech, High-Touch Retention Solution

07/01/2008
Companies spend millions on complex employee-retention strategies, but the best retention strategy is totally free, said Patrick Lencioni, author of The Three Signs of a Miserable Job. “The first requirement for a manager is to take a genuine interest in his employees” as people, said Lencioni. “Everyone has a fundamental need to be known in their work …"

How to master the art of effective delegating

07/01/2008
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Create wall calendars to remind staff of key HR dates

07/01/2008
Here’s a way for HR to stay top-of-mind with employees all year: Give each employee a calendar that highlights important dates during the year, such as open enrollment or when certain forms must be completed …

Don’t let trumped-Up excuses prevent sacking bad worker

07/01/2008
Employees who fear their jobs are in danger often try to find some way to protect themselves from being fired. For example, the employee will suddenly report sexual harassment, take FMLA leave or claim he or she has a disability that needs accommodation. Don’t dismiss those claims without an investigation …

Bad behavior was the kiss of death for Passaic employee

07/01/2008
Janice Keels joined the Passaic municipal payroll as a judiciary clerk in 1999. Almost immediately, her supervisor noted that she had poor interpersonal skills. For example, Keels complained in May 2000 about a co-worker, saying she would hit her if she had to, and repeating, “I’ll hit her” …