Dec. 17, 2009 - We started formulating our recruiting process five years ago. At that time, we were unhappy with our 15 percent turnover rate and not satisfied with our ability to predict whether a candidate would be a good fit for the position and for Service Express (SEI). Our recruiting experience told us there must be a better way to identify the right candidates.

Dec. 17, 2009 - As awareness of the direct link between unhealthy behaviors and increased health care costs continues to grow, a greater understanding of and appreciation for the value of a sophisticated corporate wellness initiative is motivating many firms to reassess their wellness strategies..

Dec. 17, 2009 - Meet GINA, your latest friend from the HR world. The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) went into effect late last month, requiring employers to obtain and post notices informing covered individuals of their rights under the new law. GINA’s purpose is to prevent employer discrimination against employees based on genetic tests and information.

Dec. 17, 2009 - The term “Melting Pot” was derived via a play developed by Israel Zangwill that opened on Broadway in 1909, originating the easily recognizable metaphor that glorified America. In brief, the main character, a Russian immigrant, celebrates his new home by pointing to the Statue of Liberty; with her magnificent torch, she exemplifies a nation whose glory rests on welcoming “all nations who come to labor and look forward.”

Dec. 3, 2009 - A sign of the times in Southeast Michigan is the number of experienced business professionals in the midst of career transitioning. Some are taking the intrepid step of tackling the job of CEO at a charitable nonprofit organization. This is potentially a real gain for the nonprofit sector and an important step for improving professionalism in the management of charitable organizations, but it is not without potential pitfalls.

November 5, 2009 - With Veterans Day upon us, we are reminded to take some time to thank a veteran for his or her service and to honor the memories of those who fought for our country and did not come home. But in the business community, we can do more than that, all year long, by bringing veterans into our organizations.

October 1, 2009 - Outsourcing has become a way of life in business. Small- to mid-size businesses often use external experts to manage their needs in areas such as accounting and law. However, many don’t realize resources are available to handle other such functions that are difficult and time-consuming to manage, including those in the human resources area.

September 17, 2009 - In many business settings the words “employee performance” strike a chord of discontent among supervisors and employees. Thoughts drift to the annual employee review, where numerous hours are spent completing paperwork, oftentimes at the final hour.

September 17, 2009 - Organizations are being forced to evaluate all options to reduce costs and operate more efficiently due to current economic conditions. These operational changes and cost reductions often lead employees to feel that things are being taken away from them and may result in lower morale.

September 17, 2009 - The pressures of the worldwide economic recession and the rising cost of health care have taken a toll on many employers. In an effort to stay financially sound, companies are scrutinizing their benefits packages with special concern and a renewed emphasis on cost control.

September 17, 2009 - It is not uncommon that the training budget is one of the first to go when times get tough. So while your company may not be putting too much effort into professional development right now, there are actually some very compelling reasons why training should be a part of your recession plan.

September 17, 2009 - As we experience the highest unemployment rates we’ve seen in nearly 30 years, most employers (and, truth be told, most employees) believe workers today should consider themselves lucky to have a job, and therefore employers don’t really have to worry about employee engagement and commitment. Nothing could be further from the truth.

September 17, 2009 - Strong internal communication is essential to most business interactions. Even more important is the communication that occurs between an employer and its employees. To keep employees informed at Prima Communications, Inc., the company publishes a bi-weekly internal company newsletter, The Chats, and the employee-profile publication, Who’s Who.