A recent survey revealed that two-in-five employers are revamping their hiring process; Nearly half are revising retention strategies. The U.S. has lost 6 million jobs since the recession began in December 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to layoffs, the survey found 42 percent of employers have cut certain benefits or perks at their organizations in 2009. Bonuses, medical coverage and 401(k)-matching topped the list of areas most affected. Employers are working to remedy the fallout of a grueling economy: Thirty-seven percent of employers with employment brands are communicating more frequently with employees about company successes and 29 percent are promoting company successes and awards through press releases.

A new survey revealed that flexible schedules (38 percent) and leaving work early on Fridays (32 percent) are the most coveted summer benefits. Other prized Summer Benefits included the following:

• Activities (e.g., company picnic, potluck) (6%)
• More relaxed dress code (5%)
• Other (4%)
• Don't know/no answer (15%)

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:
"What is an appropriate amount of time for a new hire "probationary period?"

--- Operations Manager, Non-profit

Answer:
Most businesses see this as being 90 days, coinciding with when medical benefit's eligibility kicks in and even when time off is granted. Be careful though with these policies, ensuring that you do not state them in a way that compromises your "at-will" relationship. The first 90 days for example should not be the only time you can terminate someone without notice. Stating this means your at-will rights could be gone on day 91 and beyond.

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

- Thomas A. Edison

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.

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