User:Mallahadeeb

Dear People:

I've received several notes this week about Human Resources and a depressed economy. Readers want to know what the impact has been on HR during the economic downturn we've experienced. As always, I prefer to dwell on the positive action side of any event. So, I emphasize my article about what an employer can do to avoid layoffs. I know that many HR staff are working more hours with less help as a result of the economy. I also emphasize what to do before you as an individual experience a layoff or job loss. The more prepared you are, the better you will weather the storm. If the future still looks murky from your seat, these are two excellent resources.

Then, too, take a look at my new article about employee motivation. I've compiled the best quick tips in the areas that are most important to employees. Are you listening?

Please forward this newsletter, in its entirety, to your colleagues, coworkers and friends, because you want to add value to their work and lives.

Regards and wishing you and yours the best this weekend,

Susan

Tips for Employee Motivation Employee motivation is a continuing challenge at work. Particularly in work environments that don't emphasize employee satisfaction as part of an embraced and supported overall business strategy, supervisors and managers walk a tough road. On the one hand, they recognize their power in drawing forth the best employees have to offer; on the other, they feel unsupported, rewarded or recognized themselves for their work to develop motivated, contributing employees. My word to managers? Get over it.

Tips for the Best HR Training In every company, Human Resources (HR) training in many employee-related and legally-related topics is mandatory, especially for managers and supervisors. We need to equip our employees to handle their employee relations responsibilities competently, including employee training. But, for maximum positive impact and learning, we need to make the training motivational and engaging. Here's how.

How to Demonstrate Respect at Work Ask anyone in your workplace what treatment they most want at work. They will likely top their list with the desire to be treated with dignity and respect. Popular songs by Aretha Franklin and Train tout the need for respect. Everybody needs a little respect...

Why Not Just Say, "You're Fired" Maybe I'm too straight forward and blunt. Or, maybe it's that I believe I have done everything possible to help an employee improve, before I fire the employee, but I'm not big on euphemisms. Those are the words that managers use to "soften the blow," blunt the impact," make the former employee (or themselves, frankly) "feel" better and dodge the reality of, "You're fired." What HR jargon do you love to hate?

Adeeb Ali Mallah 0333-2693362 with thanks to Susan M. Heathfield,