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Archive for October, 2009

• 26 Oct

  

  Posted by
  Erik Bartz

  
  

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  Practice the ‘puppy theory’

  1

  The HR Fishbowl wrote an interesting piece titled, “Annual Reviews…Who Needs Them?”  It explores the perspective shared by Carol Bartz in a New York Times article regarding annual performance reviews and her general dislike for them.

  I have the puppy theory. When the puppy pees on the carpet, you say something right then because you don’t say six months later, “Remember that day, January 12th, when you peed on the carpet?” That doesn’t make any sense. “This is what’s on my mind. This is quick feedback.” And then I’m on to the next thing.

  If I had my way I wouldn’t do annual reviews, if I felt that everybody would be more honest about positive and negative feedback along the way. I think the annual review process is so antiquated. I almost would rather ask each employee to tell us if they’ve had a meaningful conversation with their manager this quarter. Yes or no. And if they say no, they ought to have one. I don’t even need to know what it is. But if you viewed it as meaningful, then that’s all that counts.

  Its an interesting perspective on the importance of feedback and the inefficiency of the annual performance review.  Perhaps its time not just to review your annual reviews, but the communication between managers and their staff.

• 15 Oct

  

  Posted by
  Erik Bartz

  
  

  Category

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  Social media drives culture change

  0

  Here is a great story from Rypple, “Social media drives culture change,” about how their social feedback application has led to a positive impact at one of their clients.  By using social media, the client grew out of the product because it led people to get comfortable sharing feedback face-to-face.  We know improving communication in the workplace is full of benefits – perhaps going online can help us improve our offline interactions.

  Check out Rypple.

• 15 Oct

  

  Posted by
  Erik Bartz

  
  

  Category

  • Commentary

  Employer’s 5 Responses to Ontario’s Cell Phone Ban

  0

  Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you’ve heard about the upcoming ban on using cell phones and other mobile devices while driving on October 26, 2009.  I’m going to assume you know about the new law and all the fines you can get hit with, and instead focus on 5 actions employers should take to prepare for this new legislation.  These action steps can help minimize your potential liability and protect the health and safety of your workforce.

  Develop and Implement a Cell Phone/PDA Use Policy. Employers should take steps to develop and implement a policy that sets out limitations on their employees’ use of cell phone and BlackBerry® devices and is consistent with Ontario’s new legal standards. At a minimum, the policy should prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving at all times unless the device is used in “hands-free” mode or the vehicle is off the road and not in motion at the time of the call.

  Educate Employees About Their Legal Obligations. Employers should develop a communications and mandatory training strategy to ensure employees are fully aware of company policy governing cell phone use and their new obligations under the Highway Traffic Act. Employees should be required to sign a form acknowledging that they have been informed about the policy changes, and the form should be kept in each employee’s file.

  Review Job Duties and Responsibilities. Employers should consider whether any of their employees are operationally required or expected to be responsive to calls and e-mails while in transit. These employees should be provided with clear guidance for placing and receiving calls and e-mails while driving, and should be protected from reprisals for failing to answer calls or e-mails while in transit.

  Consistently Enforce Disciplinary Measures. Employers should consistently enforce policies governing cell phone use by issuing warnings and, where appropriate, disciplinary measures commensurate with the severity of the infraction.

  Provide Hands-Free Devices. Where appropriate and feasible, employers may consider issuing hands-free devices to employees, particularly those employees who are required to use cell phones and other devices frequently throughout the workday.

  1. Develop and Implement a Cell Phone/PDA Use Policy.  Employers should take steps to develop and implement a policy that sets out limitations on their employees’ use of cell phone and BlackBerry® devices and is consistent with Ontario’s new legal standards.  At a minimum, the policy should prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving at all times unless the device is used in “hands-free” mode or the vehicle is off the road and not in motion at the time of the call.
  2. Educate Employees About Their Legal Obligations.  Employers should develop a communications and mandatory training strategy to ensure employees are fully aware of company policy governing cell phone use and their new obligations under the Highway Traffic Act.  Employees should be required to sign a form acknowledging that they have been informed about the policy changes, and the form should be kept in each employee’s file.
  3. Review Job Duties and Responsibilities. Employers should consider whether any of their employees are operationally required or expected to be responsive to calls and e-mails while in transit.  These employees should be provided with clear guidance for placing and receiving calls and e-mails while driving, and should be protected from reprisals for failing to answer calls or e-mails while in transit.
  4. Consistently Enforce Disciplinary Measures. Employers should consistently enforce policies governing cell phone use by issuing warnings and, where appropriate, disciplinary measures commensurate with the severity of the infraction.
  5. Provide Hands-Free Devices. Where appropriate and feasible, employers may consider issuing hands-free devices to employees, particularly those employees who are required to use cell phones and other devices frequently throughout the workday.

  By taking proactive steps to address Ontario’s new law governing cell phone use while driving, employers can reduce their potential liability, help promote a culture of worker safety, and ensure compliance with the law.

• 15 Oct

  

  Posted by
  Erik Bartz

  
  

  Category

  • Commentary

  Tips for Flu Season

  0

  Flu season is lurking towards us as we head into this colder weather, and though we can certainly take vaccinations we might still catch the virus.  I wanted to re-post here for your benefit some practical Flu Tips posted by Mark Stelzner on Twitter – follow him on Twitter @stelzner.  We really shouldn’t go to work when we’re sick and spread our germs, but people often do.  Perhaps this flu season we can be more mindful of these actions.

  1. Don’t pretend to be “okay” and participate in public activities.  The flu Gods will laugh at your ignorance.
  2. You’re not that important.  Somehow the world will revolve without you, so take a sick day.
  3. Buy a Tivo (PVR for us Canadians).  This is the one time you’re allowed to watch TV in a zombie-like state.  Take advantage of it.
  4. Take a shower.  You’re sick and you smell like it.  And yes, those sweat pants will be burned.
  5. Don’t apply your limited energy to work and leave nothing for your family.
  6. You are not an extra on “Outbreak 2.:”  Cover your mouth/nose/face (head if necessary) and have some manners.
  7. Just when you think you might be better, you’re not, so stop pretending otherwise.
• 05 Oct

  

  Posted by
  Teresa Cirillo

  
  

  Category

  • Commentary
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  Flu Season Approaches…

  0

  Has your inbox been inundated with emails regarding the 2009 H1N1 Flu Pandemic?  The truth is…IT’S UPON US…..

  Spread of the H1N1 virus (“Swine Flu”) is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people who are infected with influenza.  You could be infected by touching something – such as a surface or object that have flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

  The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

  In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

  People infected with seasonal or the 2009 H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1Na1 virus.

  So how does an organization address what could be the “Perfect Storm” as it relates to flu season?  A suggestion is to take a two-phased approach:

  Phase 1 is all about Flu Prevention – Provide your employees and managers with practical tools to help prevent the transmission of the flu (seasonal and H1N1).

  Phase II is all about a Business Continuity Plan – This assumes a severe flu outbreak whereby business continuity is threatened in certain markets or regions.  This phase requires that you give careful thought to how you would continue to operate under a severe labour shortage.

  WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STAY HEALTHY?

  • Stay informed. Keep informed by visiting websites, such as www.Fightflu.ca, as important information becomes available

  • Take everyday actions to stay healthy. As influenza is transmitted person to person, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or use your upper sleeve and not your hands.  Throw tissues in the trash after you have used them.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective

  • Stay at home if you get sick. Limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.

  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

  Has your inbox been inundated with emails regarding the 2009 H1N1 Flu Pandemic?  The truth is…IT’S UPON US…..

  Spread of the H1N1 virus (“Swine Flu”) is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people who are infected with influenza.  You could be infected by touching something – such as a surface or object that have flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

  The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

  In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

  People infected with seasonal or the 2009 H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1Na1 virus.

  So how does an organization address what could be the “Perfect Storm” as it relates to flu season?  A suggestion is to take a two-phased approach:

  Phase 1 is all about Flu Prevention – Provide your employees and managers with practical tools to help prevent the transmission of the flu (seasonal and H1N1).

  Phase II is all about a Business Continuity Plan – This assumes a severe flu outbreak whereby business continuity is threatened in certain markets or regions.  This phase requires that you give careful thought to how you would continue to operate under a severe labour shortage.

  WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STAY HEALTHY?

  • Stay informed. Keep informed by visiting websites, such as www.Fightflu.ca, as important information becomes available
  • Take everyday actions to stay healthy. As influenza is transmitted person to person, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or use your upper sleeve and not your hands.  Throw tissues in the trash after you have used them.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
  • Stay at home if you get sick. Limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

  Here is another recent post with a great list of 8 Steps for HR to Create a Plan B.