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Greetings!
The Navigator is published every other week and is
filled with the latest HR related news, practical tips,
answers to our reader's questions and a whole lot
more! We welcome your participation in the makeup
of this periodical. Send your feedback, ideas and
input to:
enewsletter@operationsinc.com
| Working Vacations |
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A recent survey revealed that one in five Americans
work while on vacation. 14% of workers report feeling
guilty about missing work while on vacation. 70% of
employees get two weeks or more of paid vacation
and nearly 25% receive four weeks or more.
Employees also responded regarding how much
vacation they plan to take this year:
- 20% of workers report they won't take a vacation
this year
- One in four workers will take five days or less
- One in ten will limit themselves to weekend
getaways
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| Gossip Still Prevalent in Office |
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A recent study indicated that nearly two-thirds of
employees say that people in their workplace gossip
about company news. 28% of employees who work in
offices without a consistent method of communicating
news (such as a staff meeting) say gossip is their first
source of communication. Where are today's water-
cooler conversations most likely to take place?
- The office break room (36%)
- At a co-worker's desk, workstation or office (33%)
- Through email or instant messaging (10%)
- Water Cooler (1%)
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| What's on Your Mind? |
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Because we want to best serve our readers, we
feature a segment of our Newsletter where you
can submit questions directly to our
OperationsInc professionals. Do you have a
question related to the management of the Human
Resources function? Email it along to
enewsletter@operationsinc.com. The best ones
will make it into a future newsletter, along with the
answer... and those that don't get published will still
receive a response.
This week's question:
"Are we required to pay employees for vacation?"
--- HR Manager, Retail
Answer:
Interestingly enough there are no laws or regulations
that require an employer to provide time off on a paid
basis. While it is tradition in the US to provide paid
time off there are no requirements to do so. With this
in mind be sure that IF you plan on not paying for time
off that you are hurting your standing as an employer
of choice. Further, be sure your consistently and
universally apply this policy to all employees in the
classes or groups of your employee population.
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| Searching for Inspiration? A Few Words of Wisdom... |
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the
chance to work hard at work worth doing."
- Theodore Roosevelt
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| Ask Yourself... |
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How Strong Is Your HR Backbone?
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| Legal Disclaimer |
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Information provided in The OperationsInc Navigator
is researched and reviewed by the HR experts at
OperationsInc. The information in every issue of The
OperationsInc Navigator is in part gathered via
information available in the public domain, as well as
in part the original, copyrighted work of
OperationsInc and is protected under U.S. copyright
laws. As such, you may not reprint or publish in any
format any article or portion of article The
OperationsInc Navigator without the express
permission of OperationsInc.
OperationsInc provides the information in this e-
newsletter for general guidance only. The information
provided herein should not be used as a substitute
for consultation with professional human resources,
legal, or other competent advisers. Before making
any decision or taking any action, you should consult
a professional adviser who has been provided with all
pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation.
We encourage you to pass along any issue of The
OperationsInc Navigator by forwarding it to friends
and colleagues.
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Directing you to HR Solutions |
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INTERVIEW QUESTION OF THE
WEEK
Each Newsletter we will publish an interview
question which hiring managers can utilize to better
qualify candidates for hire, along with our analysis of
the answers you may receive and their meaning.
This Week's Question
--Based on what you know, what do you see as the
most challenging aspect(s) of this position?
GAUGING THEIR RESPONSE ---
The responses here will tell you a good deal about the
areas of concern for this candidate. Specifically this is
not just about the things they see as challenging but
more so in the way they state it and how they embrace
the challenge. Someone for example that talks about
the response in a tone or manner that implies
concern would be more negatively viewed as a
candidate than someone who sees the challenge
before them as something positive, something to
strive for and tackle. Listen to the tone. Listen to the
responses --- and probe away.
HR Best Practices Tips
--Protecting Against Office Theft
In 2008 it is more common than ever that employees
bring to work an array of valuables that are attractive
targets for office thieves. Things like iPods, Cellular
Phones, Headsets and even Designer Bags are
pilfered from the workplace every day in this country.
To stem this tide AND to limit the liability of the
employer you need to put out some policy statements
and postings. Warn your employees to keep close
watch on these valuables and to not be careless.
Stress that any theft can and will result in both
disciplinary action and in many cases the involvement
of the local police. Lastly make sure that items
brought into the workplace at the discretion of the
employee are their responsibility, not the employers,
in cases of theft.
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