HRS Quarterly Fast News Fall 2007

Quarterly Fast News: With our compliments, please enjoy the following reader in 4 Minutes or Less. (We know you’re busy!) Fall/Holiday 2007.

Generation Y Offers New Expectations and Workplace Dynamics
As Traditionalists move out and Millennials move in, workplaces adapt and begin to foster successful mentoring programs as a competitive edge. Catch our current workshop series to learn the facts and "how to's" as the situation "snowballs." More than half of HR professionals report generational workplace conflict. (USA Today article) HRS most recently delivered an advisory program to a Financial Human Resources Association event hosted by Assurant Health. Look for our upcoming informative interview in the next issue of Scottsdale at Work magazine. This program will also be included in our February presentation to Wisconsin's Society of Human Resource Professionals. HRCI credits for Global, Senior and Professional HR certifications will be awarded to attendees.

Although most states were already operating with minimum wages higher than the federal, new postings of the federal minimum are required for compliance. This summer the federal minimum was raised to $5.85. Summer 2008 promises an increase to $6.55 and Summer 2009 raises to $7.25. (Federal Chart)

With increased scrutiny at state and national levels, for example the controversial and sometimes intimidating Legal Arizona Workers Act, employers are cautioned to keep an eye on changing requirements with immediate attention to I-9 compliance. Employers operating across state boarders may also be responsible to comply with each state's compliance routines at a national level, potentially including E-Verify. (Government Recommended Best Practices)

As promised HRSAZ opened this year in the Kierland - North Scottsdale area at Greenway Parkway and Scottsdale Road. As many of our national and global clients were already operating with facilities in the Phoenix valley and we were already enjoying regular visitation for 14 years, the office simply made good sense and confirms us as an "employer of choice!" Currently working with the Scottsdale Chamber to support the Young Professionals initiative GET, our CEO has also joined the Chamber's Public Policy Advisory Council. "HRS Commits to Kids" and "HRS Commits to Business" initiatives have been extended to the valley with leadership, volunteerism and sponsorship support to organizations which also include Junior Achievement, the Greater Phoenix Chamber, APRO and Valley of the Sun Human Resources Association.

Although employment rose slightly in October, the nation's unemployment rate holds steady at 4.7%. Service sectors added jobs while manufacturing lost jobs, and wages creep upward, even in manufacturing. (Employment Statistics).

Our CEO, Jessica Ollenburg, accepts invitation to join Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors, to include legislative advocacy and public awareness leadership. More than 300,000 children suffer from some form of arthritis. Jess and husband John were recognized earlier this year with the Distinguished Service Award, and sponsored by HRS, they donated a televised awareness campaign/fundraiser with healthy support in September. (www.arthritis.org)

"Lost Time Is Never Found Again"

- Benjamin Franklin

"Hectic family schedules, soaring gas prices and the e-leashes of technology will prompt more workers to opt for long weekends that serve as mini-vacations instead of taking long blocks of vacation time as in years past," according to recent surveys and a trend forecast. 3 and 4-day vacations are replacing the once-a-year, 2-week vacation for U.S. workers, according to Chicago-based outplacement consultant firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., which offered up a forecast of vacation habits based on workplace and family trends. (Article at SHRM.org). Revisit HRS 2007 Magnet & Motivator Survey (currently ranked #1 by Google) for more info regarding overall employer value in flexible scheduling and work-life balance.

Paraphrasing Peter Drucker, the goal of business is to build upon strengths to the extent that weaknesses become insignificant. As problem solvers and troubleshooters we tend to focus on the negatives and forget to reinforce the positives. The "4 D's" of AI help keep us on track amidst the mayhem and chaos of the workday. Employers of choice build AI into the standard team meeting agenda as a powerful organizational development tool. Ask us for details! (Appreciative Inquiry - Wikipedia)

Amidst major job board promotion of video resumes, in our Spring newsletter we asserted our skepticism! Apparently many begin to agree with us! "Applicants can leave unwanted impressions, often look unprofessional." (MSNBC Article)