UpstartHR

AUGUST 24, 2015

As HR is increasing its presence as a strategic part of the business, key performance indicators, or KPIs, are becoming a key part of the language for discussing how it is actually performing. Recruiting, in some ways, is actually easier to measure because it is very similar to sales: you either have results or you don’t. So I decided to try something. gathered information. Are they working?

Metrics 119

Metrics Recruitment Screening Coaching 119

UpstartHR

NOVEMBER 23, 2015

One of the most common terms around recruiting these days is candidate experience. If you’re late to the game, it’s basically a look at how candidates are treated as they enter your recruiting funnel all the way to getting an offer, if they move that far. Think about it. In addition, you’d probably be unsure just how to make that a reality. And to actively court them. The pay-off?

HR Function 113

HR Function Meeting Tools Strategy 113

UpstartHR

NOVEMBER 16, 2015

As I look back on the past five years and all of the people I’ve met, I have made some interesting conclusions about career choices. My background as an HR pro has helped to expose me to a wide variety of experiences, people, and career options. I was talking with a friend a few days ago about some of the HR positions I have had over the years. Think about it. So, what’s the answer?

Coaching 106

Coaching Comparison How To Competencies 106

UpstartHR

MAY 26, 2015

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Alabama SHRM Conference. It was a great experience, and I love taking notes from other speakers throughout the day as well. My friend Dawn Burke from Daxko was speaking about stress on our employees and most notably on the HR staff. have always thought that was somewhat silly, but hearing Dawn talk about it validated my thinking somewhat.

Metrics 104

Metrics Productivity Conference Compensation 104

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UpstartHR

FEBRUARY 9, 2015

HR Project Management Skills are Powerful Tools–Do You Have Them? When you look at a list of key HR competencies, one thing that often is lacking is a good set of project management skills. While it’s easy to try and segment the human resources profession away from the project manager role, I see it as a core part of what we have to do. What is HR Project Management? Benefits Change.

Competencies 89

Competencies System Tools Resources 89

UpstartHR

JANUARY 28, 2015

This week I’m hosting the Strategic HCM themed HR Carnival. For those of you that might be new, the HR Carnival is a series of links to blogs around the world that are gathered together for a single post. As you might have guessed, this time we’re talking about strategic HRM (or strategic HR, whatever works for you). took the SPHR exam , which focuses heavily on strategic HRM.

Case Study 86

Case Study Talent Acquisition Study Compensation 86

UpstartHR

APRIL 27, 2015

As I looked at my wonderful wife this week and think about our upcoming anniversary (8 years in June), I wondered about the spouses of other HR professionals around the world. Me and the love of my life–Diet Dew. Oh, and Melanie is there, too. Reasons to Marry Someone Working in HR You’ll never have to worry about your work benefits again. Policy workarounds are our thing.

Policies 83

Policies Compensation Resources Company 83

UpstartHR

OCTOBER 26, 2015

I’ve been reading a slew of books lately focused on neuroscience. One line in the latest hit me, and I thought it would be interesting to pull together some of the thoughts from a few to share. Here’s the tidbit (emphasis mine): What do [scientific] studies show, viewed as a whole? Source: Brain Rules Wow. Attention, Focus, and Work Another book that quickly hooked me was Two Awesome Hours.

Training 81

Training Workday Study Video 81

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How To

UpstartHR

MARCH 26, 2015

This week I connected with a wonderful person who shared something that I just had to plug here. You know I’m a fan of certification and the benefits it can bring to your career. But once that certification is done you have that teensy, minor detail of getting 60 credit hours in order to recertify every three years. For free. Over the Web. From the comfort of your home or office. What is it?

Certification 77

Certification Ultimate Software Time and Attendance Video 77

UpstartHR

JUNE 22, 2015

The most engaged… are first in line. Recently I read a blog post about email marketing and delivery, and that line struck me. Stick with me, because I think there’s an intriguing question it brings up. People that run companies and blogs often use delivery services to communicate with customers and readers. I use a tool called MailChimp and have for several years. have a little bit (okay, a lot!) of a geeky side, so I follow their blog to stay up to date on best practices for email marketing, product updates, etc. What if…? What are your thoughts?

Tools 71

Tools Productivity Groups Data 71

UpstartHR

FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Did I really just send that? Let me check my sent items. Yes, I did. Aaaggghhhhhh. Maybe they won’t see it. Who am I kidding? They are looking at it right now. Sigh. I may be the only person who accidentally sends emails on a regular basis, but in case I’m not, I have recently started doing something that really helps me to avoid that little problem. When replying to a message.

How To 70

How To 70

UpstartHR

AUGUST 10, 2015

My friend Lance Haun wrote last week about why he thinks we should fight for legislating parental leave in the US. I don’t know that I’ve ironed out my point of view 100%, but I don’t know that I agree with him at this point. Remember, mean, heck, getting paid to stay home with a baby would be pretty darn awesome. love my three kids and spending time with them is pure joy.

Retention and Turnover 68

Retention and Turnover Company Tools Trends 68

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Strategy

UpstartHR

APRIL 24, 2015

I have been thinking a lot lately as I cross the six year threshold of blogging about human resources management. started this as a tool for the entry level HR pros , but now I also teach about some fairly advanced concepts. One of the things I don’t do enough of is sharing about the community. There are more than 20,000 monthly readers on this site and about 5,000 email subscribers (the numbers still boggle my mind!). Who are these people? What do they do? Let’s find out. hope you like the series, and as always, I’d appreciate your feedback. Want to be profiled yourself?

Resources 68

Resources Industry Recruitment Compliance 68

UpstartHR

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

I was talking with a friend last week about technology–specifically the kind we use in the HR, payroll, and recruiting space. His organization is using an awful tool that costs quite a bit of money. It’s not user friendly. It doesn’t make data easily accessible. It sounds like they are in the perfect place to be considering other technology, right? What are your thoughts?

Payroll 65

Payroll Certification System Onboarding 65

UpstartHR

MARCH 17, 2015

If you’ve been tasked with conducting a training and development program, it’s important to look at the issue from all angles. This involves taking a deeper look at the role that each individual plays in the organization, and where there are gaps in the current employee training program. Here are five areas to focus on as you examine the organization’s training needs. 1. Assess the individual.

Training 65

Training Analysis Strategy Examples 65

UpstartHR

APRIL 8, 2015

The other day I happened across a blog that posed a very interesting question: Feedback would happen all the time if.? So, what would you say? I can’t reign it in to just one idea, so here are seven things I think would lead to more feedback in the workplace. You know they overestimate how much they give , right? Here’s when to use the different types. ” People like coaching.

Coaching 63

Coaching System Wellness Company 63

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UpstartHR

NOVEMBER 2, 2015

Please. For goodness sake, please stop measuring HR data. See, I know why you’re doing it. You heard this “ big data ” thing it was a good idea, and you started gathering information. Then you realized how easy it was, so you started pulling together even more from a variety of sources. know, it’s hard to stop. But then you did what many others do–nothing.

Data 58

Data Payroll Report Training 58

UpstartHR

SEPTEMBER 29, 2015

One of the sites I follow regularly is Ask a Manager , where Alison Green shares her thoughts and wisdom on management, job hunting, and the workplace. With a wildly popular site like hers, she gets all kinds of questions from readers about different situations. wanted to take the opportunity to get her thoughts on our (HR) side of the fence, so I pitched her a few questions. She was gracious enough to answer in detail, so check out the great Q&A below! Working in HR, there are times I would like to see some of the requests that these people raise. the answer is no.

Benchmarking 58

Benchmarking Discrimination Coaching Recruitment 58

UpstartHR

JULY 7, 2015

This is another installment in our “Day in the Life” series, this time focusing on the HR directors out there. Tici Company/industry: Non-Profit Residential Treatment Center for at-risk children and youth Years with current company: 6 months Years in HR: 6.5 My assistant is also the receptionist which is a challenge! plunge a toilet? Make friends with the maintenance and kitchen crews.

Certification 58

Certification Resources Payroll Industry 58

UpstartHR

MARCH 2, 2015

Employee communications are dominated by email. According to a recent survey, up to 28% of our time is spent creating, reading, and replying to emails at work. In the average workweek that’s about 11 hours of time that you won’t get back, and we do that  every single week. It’s personal. It’s easy to create. It conveys emotion and meaning. It helps to explore complex topics.

ADP 59

ADP Career Development Case Study Study 59

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Employee Engagement

UpstartHR

MARCH 11, 2015

Fun, happy, and crazy employees make this job awesome. absolutely love this profession, but we have some interesting challenges in front of us. On one hand, HR really wants to be strategic. On the other, we deal with unbelievable people issues. The variety really keeps us on our toes! Feel free to add your own to the list below! Might I suggest something radical? Certainly! Yes, I already checked.

Retirement 55

Retirement Conference Compensation Survey 55

UpstartHR

APRIL 15, 2015

A while back I was reading a story about a CEO being asked to return to his company after stepping down from the role years before. As usual, I started tying the thoughts back to HR and how that sort of “boomerang” employee, at any level of the company, might approach the decision to return. For instance, what would change? What would stay the same? Ben : Tell me a bit about your experience.

How To 52

How To System Performance Management Company 52

UpstartHR

APRIL 29, 2015

Today I have the pleasure of introducing my brother, Brandon, to the HR community. Brandon is an auditor for the federal government and has worked in the world of accounting for more than ten years. We’ve been talking about some of the needs that we have in the HR profession for being more number savvy, and that led to this interview. hope you enjoy! Thanks! Ben: Okay, great.

Certification 48

Certification HR Function Company Course 48

UpstartHR

JANUARY 29, 2015

This post brought to you by National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The content and opinions expressed below are that of upstartHR. Over the past few months we have discussed restaurant skills and the impact they can have on someone’s long-term career options. Food and Beverage Service Competency Model. How complex can it be?” What I’d Like to Know.

Competencies 47

Competencies Industry Certification Training 47

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Today’s workplace is characterized by chaotic forces—low employee engagement and productivity levels, and declining employee well being. HR Leaders have a critical role in defining the vision and strategy to transform and create a more productive and happy workplace.

Productivity

UpstartHR

JUNE 30, 2015

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing my friend Steve Browne speak this morning at SHRM. His session was intended to fire up the audience, and I’d say it was a smashing success. One of his comments was powerful, and I thought it deserved to be repeated here because I talk about certification quite a bit. If your certification is only about getting hours and credits, get the heck out of this profession. Go ahead and leave. Or let it lapse. There’s no real value in that sort of attitude. The test is not the goal. Studying is not the objective. How has your certification helped you?

Certification 40

Certification Study Conference 40

UpstartHR

JUNE 29, 2015

Last week I had the chance to see Dr. Ben Carson speak at an event. For clarity, this was a faith-based event, not a political one. have seen the movie Gifted Hands  twice (highly recommended!), and I was excited to hear some of his story in his own words. picked up four pieces of wisdom on leading people and wanted to share those insights here. It’s a respect for the differences around us.

Meeting 40

Meeting Report Productivity How To 40

UpstartHR

JANUARY 26, 2015

What’s on your leadership reading list? No thanks, I read a book on leadership already. What else do you recommend? Someone dropped that comment in a conversation recently, and I wanted to take some time today to dispel this notion about leadership books, courses, content, etc. The concept? Once you’ve learned about leadership, you don’t need to know any more. The best part?

Handbook 40

Handbook Video Tools How To 40

UpstartHR

DECEMBER 7, 2015

One of the things that I have grown to appreciate over the past few years is marketing. One of the first things I wrote on the topic was actually around what Chief Marketing Officers can teach Chief HR Officers. There is quite a bit of activity that goes on in the marketing department that we should all appreciate. From tailoring your approach to your audience to relentlessly testing your campaigns, there are some great insights in how they operate. Today we’re going to specifically talk about split testing. cheerfully. That’s a split test, or A/B test. Think about your own role.

Case Study 38

Case Study Groups Study Course 38

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Training and development professionals often bemoan the lack of apparent initiative in their trainees. Learning professionals spend huge sums of money creating or acquiring skill aligned libraries of learning content, only to watch almost helplessly as learners refuse to engage with any training available that isn’t mandatory.

UpstartHR

AUGUST 17, 2015

Recently someone asked me about allowing employees to volunteer for free instead of being paid. wanted to answer that more fully here because it might be something you have run into or might be considering in your own business. For starters, here’s the DOL ruling on that. Let’s break it down and look at two broad categories: for-profit and non-profit organizations. Employing volunteers at non-profits The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) defines employment very broadly, i.e., “to suffer or permit to work.” As you might expect, non-profits have some leeway here.

Compensation 36

Compensation Screening Data Wellness 36

UpstartHR

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

When it comes to leadership, we hear the word on a fairly consistent basis. But what does it really mean, and how do people “get” it? Awhile back I reviewed the book Talent Leadership by John Mattone and really liked it. I was able to get a copy of the author’s latest book , Intelligent Leadership: What You Need to Know to Unlock Your Full Potential, and enjoyed it as well.

Competencies 31

Competencies Data Wellness 31

UpstartHR

MARCH 25, 2015

The other day I received an email from UPitch. It’s basically like Tinder for PR pitches. Still not sure? Here’s the gist: You open the app and see a pitch. Then you have two options: You don’t like it, don’t care, or generally are disinterested, then you swipe it left off the screen and see the next one (anonymously). What’s the point? Speed. Taking the Leap.

Training 31

Training Screening Meeting Recruitment 31

UpstartHR

FEBRUARY 16, 2015

If you’ve followed for a while you know I enjoy running (I’m on MapMyRun , if you’d like to connect!) I’m also a bit of a nutrition nut due to a high school stint in wrestling , several years of running marathon distances and longer, and generally being a nerd. Managers overestimate the amount of communication provided and underestimate the amount of desired feedback.

Study 25

Study Course Wellness 25

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Needed: A shift from traditional performance management systems (organized as an annual review process) to newer performance development systems (organized around real-time dynamics). Download part one in a series to gain insight into why this shift must happen and why it needs to happening now

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