(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...Low Productivity? Blame high gas prices!
A recent survey completed by Florida State University professor Wayne Hochwarter reveals that when the price at the pump goes up, employee productivity and morale goes down.
“People concerned with the effects of gas prices were significantly less attentive on the job, less excited about going to work, less passionate and conscientious and more tense,” Hochwarter said. “These people also reported more ‘blues’ on the job. Employees were simply unable to detach themselves from the stress caused by escalating gas prices as they walked through the doors at work.”
Hochwarter surveryed over 800 people early this spring when gas prices were hovering around $3.50 per gallon. Everyone surveryed each used their own personal transportation to cummute to work and traveled on average of 15 miles each way.
Some of Hochwarters main points:
The interesting point about this survey is that is was completed in the spring with gas prices significantly lower than what they are today. Here in Arizona, with gas prices hovering around $4.19 per gallon for regular unleaded, I wonder if these same statistics will hold true in our own backyard. I'd be willing to bet the results would be staggering now that the prices have increased and more than likely will continue to rise. I recently heard of a man here in Phoenix taking a significant paycut to find a new employer within walking distance of his home. His only reasoning for it was the cost of fuel since his trip was about 30 miles each way. I personally know people driving double that mileage just to get to work.
Many companies are now getting very creative in an attempt to boost moral and get their employee motivated by helping privide solutions or band-aids for the increased prices of fuel.
A few suggestions we have seen from helpful companies are:
- Organizing car pools
- Telecommuting or allowing employees to work from home a few days of the week (if it's feasible for your position),
- Exchanging tips with one another on fuel coservation
- Pre-Paid Gas Cards as incentives instead of movie and lunch gift certificates
Hmmmm, what would you rather have? A gift certificate for $25 to Chili's or a $25 pre-paid gas card? I'll take the gas!
Posted June 20th, 2008 by Vincent - Posted in Benefits, Human Resources, Other, Productivity | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5) Loading ...Being Green While Making Green
We are jumping on the “green bandwagon”, explaining a few very simple ideas for office employees to turn their office into a more eco friendly place. Any HR department can try and implement these ten tips!
I picked my favorite ten tips that I think are the easiest and that people can start today.
- Recycle-offices produce a lot of waste including paper, soda cans, and cardboard shipping boxes. Set up a simple recycling program in your office so it is easy for your employees to do the right thing. Also use recycled products such as printing paper on a regular basis. In addition, recycle batteries and ink cartridges. Staples will even pay you for them!
- Turn off lights-whenever you leave for lunch, the day, or even a meeting next door, turn off your light when you don’t need it. It will save a lot of energy.
- Coffee and Water- If your office doesn’t already have a water cooler or make its own coffee everyday try and encourage it. In addition, bring your own coffee cup and water bottle in so you are not wasting Styrofoam or plastic.
- Screensavers-Many people don’t know but leaving a screensaver on will waste energy, it is better to not have one or better yet turn your computer completely off when your not using it.
- Real Plants- Even though fake plants always look nice and are less maintenance, real plants produce more oxygen for all of us and the environment.
- The Thermostat- I know where we are in Arizona it’s almost impossible for us to turn up our thermostat to a warmer temperature, but try doing it a few degrees. It will make a big difference. In addition, definitely turn the air conditioning off at night when no one is in the office.
- Telecommuting- some businesses find a lot of challenges with this system, but instead of converting to it completely find certain times where you can do it, for particular employees. This will cut down on usage of gas for your employees.
- “Go virtual” with meetings-If you can save money on a plane ticket to an out of state meeting then do it. If you don’t have to drive across town for a meeting then try not to. There is a lot of new technologies out there that make there no need to commute.
- Do you really need to print that? If you can just as easily read something on your computer and save it in a digital folder then you don’t need to print it. Doing this will save a lot of paper over the course of a year.
- Use staple-less staples. – The “staple-less” staple seems to be a new trend emerging today, as it can save a lot of steel. They are available online and at most office supply stores. According to gogreenintown.com “we would save 120 tons of steel if every office worker used one less staple a day for a year (that's about the equivalent of 25 SUV's!”
Just imagine the impact we could have if just one person from every business in the US followed these simple steps…
Posted June 19th, 2008 by Jessica Spinks - Posted in Human Resources | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5) Loading ...What Dress Code?
So your co-worker or subordinate is dressing a little bit "out of their element" at the office. They obviously don't see themselves from your perspective and you think it might be affecting their ability to represent the company or the internal morale. It might even be a blatant disregard for the company dress code. Especially as the heat picks up in Arizona, more folks are trying to wear less clothing while still being in compliance with dress codes. Lets face it, some things are meant to be worn in the privacy of our own homes!
Here's some thoughts:
1.Know your audience and be careful how you say whatever it is you want to say.
2. Don't ignore it if its going to affect other people in the office or the company's image to the businesses they serve. Especially if you're a manager, you need to deal with it…sorry 
If you don't precedence is set and its a slippery slope.
3. Keep in mind Sexual Harassment issues if the person's dress is inappropriate in a sexual way. What is ok for you might be offensive to someone else.
4. Most importantly, use Common Sense. I see clients not dealing with this all the time, and that is not good, but don't overreact to a minor violation with official company meetings and punishments. However, sending out communication prior to the summer season isn't a bad idea. Then the whole company is reminded of how it should be, and those outside the lines can expect someone to discuss it with them, even if they disagree or don't "understand the infraction". Its tough enough to handle without all the drama.
Stay cool, but please stay dressed!
For more on HR tips, sign up for the Free HR Newsletter at http://www.cbri.com/
Posted June 18th, 2008 by Aaron Witsoe - Posted in Human Resources, Productivity, Uncategorized | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...Employer Sanctions Law results in states first arrests in Golfland, Waterworld
azcentral.com just annouced that the State of Arizona's first arrests have been made and will continue an investigation to determine whether or not Golfland Entertainment and Waterworld locations in North Phoenix and Mesa have been "knowingly" hiring undocumented workers.
The Employer Sanctions Law, more commonly known as the Legal Arizona Workers Act (HB2779), was passed on Jan, 1st 2008. The law states that Arizona business owners can face stiff fines and more importantly, a 10 day business suspension for the first violation and permamnet business suspension if found guilty for a second time. Employers are required by both federal and state law to verify the status of a new hire's eligibility to work in the U.S. through a program called E-Verify.
More info will be updated as the details unfold. For more informtation about the Arizona Legal Works Act, visit www.azimmigrationcompliance.com or www.cbri.com to speak with an HR consutant.
Posted June 10th, 2008 by Vincent - Posted in Human Resources, Immigration | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...Make your marketing department proud
Do you ever find yourself talking to someone about your company outside the office on multiple occasions? In reality, every employee is a member of the marketing department and should take this role very seriously, especially in today’s current climate of “shameless plugs”. As opposed to the traditional act of defining the four P’s of marketing (product, price, place, and promotion) direct mail ads, and email blasts, word of mouth marketing has become a new age phenomena over the past few years. Whether you are at the doctor’s office waiting room or in line at the grocery store, any time is a good time for marketing your company. WOMMA would probably agree. The Word of Mouth Marketing Association which houses members such as the Walt Disney Company and General Mills provides ethical and professional word of mouth tools to formalize and make the world of word of mouth marketing a whole lot better. WOMMA offers its multiple members with tips and tools to better their word of mouth skills, and in the end market their company in a more professional way. They define their five basic elements as “Educating people about your products and services, identifying people most likely to share their opinions, providing tools that make it easier to share information, studying how, where, and when opinions are being shared, and by listening and responding to supporters, detractors, and neutrals.” Without even being a member everyone in the workplace can learn from these simple tactics. There are many different types of word of mouth marketing according to WOMMA, including evangelist marketing, cause marketing, viral marketing, and viral marketing. It even includes blogging as a form of word of mouth marketing! Even outside of human resources where people and customer service are your specialty, anyone can follow these principles. So the next time someone’s asks you to explain what you do for a living, don’t be embarrassed to make your marketing department proud, and speak up in a more creative and professional way about your company. Visit their website at http://www.womma.org/ for more concrete ways on how to put these principles into action.
Posted June 9th, 2008 by Jessica Spinks - Posted in Human Resources | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5) Loading ...Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?!
We do it all the time – Communicate. But… it doesn’t mean we are good at it…
In talking to a co-worker today, I realized once again the importance of awareness in communication. Sure you might have delivered the message in a way that made sense, in a logical pattern of thought, and in the right setting – but is your job in the communication done?
In my opinion – NO! Delivering the message is only half the battle. Making sure the other party actually got it is crucial. Don’t be afraid to ask… but be careful it does not come across as you being condescending… (see title)
Oh that's right… then there is that whole thing about listening - I heard that is important too 
Posted April 29th, 2008 by Harry Glazer - Posted in Customer Service, Human Resources, Other, Uncategorized | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5) Loading ...Work Comp Fraud Caught on Tape
What better way to get over hump day Wednesday than a good chuckle?
We watch videos like like this and laugh but the harsh reality is that workers' compensation insurance fraud is no laughing matter.
In today's world, risk management departments and insurance companies have staff solely responsible for investigating your workers' compensation claim if foul play or a fish story is detected. We do too. To learn more about our risk management program visit our website here.
So if you are thinking about planting a banana peel in your company lobby and orchestrating an injury for the sake of hitting it big with your workers' compensation claim, take a look at these 3 con men who thought they could out wit the system.
Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy today's feature presentation.
Posted April 22nd, 2008 by Vincent - Posted in Human Resources, Insurance Fraud, Workers' Comp | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...Bring the Best Out in Employees by Showing You Care
An article I ran into at BusinessWeek.com talks about when employees know they are being cared about, they will in turn step up their efforts around the office. Also, it says to be careful not to neglect a valued employee because they can probably go elsewhere and make the same amount of money, if not more, doing something similar or more compelling.
With that said, you must be thinking, “what can I do to make sure my employees aren’t going to leave me? You are in luck. Another section of the article gave a list of suggestions for managing the type of valued employees that fit the about criteria? Rank-order each of your direct reports in terms of his contribution to your customers and your company.
• Ask yourself, "How many of these people could leave our company and get another job—with a pay raise—in three months?"
• Make sure you express your sincere appreciation for the contribution these great people are making to your company.
• Make peace with the fact that you need them more than they need you.
• Ask each of them, "What can your manager do to create an environment where this is a great place for you to work?"
• Don't focus on what you cannot change. Focus on what you can change. Let's say you can't give them a raise. Accentuate the things you can give them: recognition, educational opportunities, the chance to work with a wider range of people, both within the company and outside of it.
• Listen to their ideas, and do whatever you can to keep them coming to work with you.
• Treat them as a great human services leader would treat valued volunteers.
Posted April 18th, 2008 by admin - Posted in Human Resources, Performance Reviews, Productivity, Recruiting | | 1 Comments
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5) Loading ...Laughing at your co-workers
How many times have you found yourself at odds with a co-worker in another department in your workplace? Its like they just don't get it or something. How could someone be so dense!!?? What is our HR Dept thinking? Next time that happens, try laughing. Laughing about how different someone can be and still have a job. Seriously, when you really think about it, it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around, and yet we continue to get frustrated with each other when that reality hits home with a co-worker.
There isn't much chance that you will never have a disagreement with someone at work. What will you do with it? If you verbally attack, you get looked at negatively from your Human Resources Dept. If you stuff the feelings, you bring it home and let it out there, or worse yet, never let it out and suffer internal stress. What I am suggesting is an alternative way of relieving the stress by laughing at the differences, and then letting it go. Now, I understand that some folks will say that its kind of tough when their lack of "whatever" will affect my job performance, promotion, or satisfaction. You may be right, but getting ticked won't help either. If you tried it, you have to admit it doesn't solve much. So, its time to get creative. Find a way to get what you need and help the other person get there too. You might have to ask some hard questions, and really listen to what they're saying so you can understand their point.
Whatever it is, YOU have the ability to control how you will react to differences in the workplace. Nobody else is in your head (hopefully), so make a choice to laugh about it. Then, find a way to work with it. Have fun working it out creatively!
Posted April 11th, 2008 by Aaron Witsoe - Posted in Human Resources, President's Post | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...10 Unusual Excuses for Being Late to Work
Everyone has their reasons for being late at one point or another. Some of the stories can seem quite far fetched if you ask me. Here is a list of the top 10 unusual excuses for being late to work from the Business Journal.
According to the survey, hiring managers gave the following top 10 unusual excuses they've heard for being late to work:
- While rowing across the river to work, I got lost in the fog.
- Someone stole all my daffodils.
- I had to go audition for "American Idol."
- My ex-husband stole my car so I couldn't drive to work.
- My route to work was shut down by a Presidential motorcade.
- I wasn't thinking and accidentally went to my old job.
- I was indicted for securities fraud this morning.
- The line was too long at Starbucks.
- I was trying to get my gun back from the police.
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I didn't have money for gas because all of the pawnshops were closed.
Do you have any other stories that can top this list?
Posted April 11th, 2008 by admin - Posted in Human Resources, Productivity | | 1 Comments
