HRS Fast News, 1st Quarter 2009

HRS Quarterly Fast News

With our compliments, please enjoy the following news summary in 4 minutes or less.  We compile this for you, because you're busy! Please reply with feedback or to change subscription status/contact info.

Employers “Miss the Mark” on HR Spending

With a wealth of metrics and case studies available, 80% of HR departments are still missing their target spending for optimized ROI.  Our audience performs much better against that norm, already challenging company initiatives with cost-benefit analysis on practices.  Are you spending in the right areas?  Consider an HRS Best Practices & Compliance review to ascertain risk exposure.
 

Don’t Over-Communicate Employee Fear!

Address and dispel fears with understanding that over-communicating fear creates more fear!  Leaders should be seen releasing and pushing past fears, while selectively admitting them!  A little positive energy goes a long way.  Remember the law of attraction.  Consider Appreciative Inquiry!  Be positive while practical when addressing these issues.   Consider HRS workshops.

Legal Compliance Alert for Employers:  New Laws in Effect!

    E-Verify Mandatory for Federal Contractors & Subcontractors: In addition to 12 existing state laws including Arizona's, federal contractors and subcontractors are newly required to use the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ E-Verify system.  Program flaws are under review. USA Today and Gov't Link

    ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008: Important provisions include Clarified Definition of Disability, Exclusion of Mitigation Measure Consideration, Expanded Definition of "Regarded As" and Burden of Proof Retention.  More Info

    FMLA & Military Leave New Rules: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule to update the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations. The final rule creates changes to mandates for Employee Notice, Medical Certification and Employer Notice, as well as implementation of the new military leave law as part of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.  FMLA Rule  

    Lily Ledbetter Pay Act: This restarts the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit each time an employee receives a paycheck that has been diminished by discrimination. It was part of a larger pay discrimination package that the House approved January 9. MSNBC Article

    I-9 Form to Change April 3, 2009:  Please don't initiate this change before or after the date!

    HRS senior help desk services are available for on call assistance with legal compliance and case studies as decision tools!

City of Milwaukee Mandated Sick Leave Injunction Granted!

An injunction has been granted, but no matter where your HQ resides, if you have employees working in the City of Milwaukee, keep an eye on this.   Business Journal Update

Jodi Rasmussen, SPHR!

Another certification for HRS as Jodi Rasmussen recently earned certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). The certification, awarded by the HR Certification Institute, signifies that Jodi possesses at a senior level the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field.  HRS offers certification prep and re-certification coursework.  It continues to be a true pleasure mentoring talented and dedicated professionals committed to lifelong learning without limits!  Jodi is among the finest!

Fighting Arthritis Pays Off - Juvenile Arthritis Gains New Attention!

It's an exciting time to join the fight against arthritis.  Following our 2008 successful advocacy in DC, the House approved the APCCA bill and just this past week the Senate approved an NIH funding amendment!  Understanding so many kids with arthritis remain undiagnosed, Juvenile Arthritis gains awareness, increasing media attention by 40% and recently finding a place on CNN's home page.  Offering committee leadership and sponsorship to the upcoming Arthritis Walk - Waukesha, we invite our metro-Milwaukee area friends and associates to join us for this May 30 event.   The Silver Spur will be cookin'… details to follow.  We send great thanks to the Arthritis Foundation - Greater Southwest Chapter for the Red Carpet and Oscar Events!

Current Survey:  What Motivates You?

Book of Lists "Rocks"

Climbing the list again to #3 of Largest Management Consulting Firms and #1 in our specific discipline, HRS thanks The Business Journal for another year of honor!  We send a "thumbs up" and gratitude for the recent celebration.  Enjoying the good company of acquaintances, both new and old, was a true pleasure! 

Most Popular HRS Blog Articles this Quarter

# 1: Employee Motivation is Volatile: Employers Must Both Create and Sustain It!
# 2: Catch Someone Doing Something Right
# 3: Self-Starters Can Make Terrible Managers!  Newest Article!

Top Selling HRS Programs this Quarter

Assessment Center for Retention, Selection, Change Management & Training Needs; Leadership Development Workshops and Policies/Practices.