Absence management comes in many different shapes and sizes. Oftentimes issues arise in the workplace regarding absence management or FMLA and the intricate compliance laws and requirements may make handling the issue more complicated than expected. ERC’s Help Desk compiled a list of frequently asked questions we receive from our local members and with the help of CareWorks, here’s the answers to those questions:

Weapons in the workplace: a growing concern

In a clear sign of the times, ERC’s research has seen “workplace safety” rise to the surface as an area of concern and action for many employers. Setting aside the high profile news stories about workplace violence over the past several years, even here in Northeast Ohio employers have experienced comparatively more incidences of violence in their workplaces firsthand in recent years.

Work can be stressful at times. Projects may be piling up or sales goals aren’t being met. Depending on the leadership in your organization, you may come across a supervisor or manager who tends to communicate in a more aggressive fashion, by yelling. A supervisor’s tendency to yell at employees may seem like it is the “wrong” way to manage people. But is it?

Download this free printable Daylight Savings Time Change Poster to alert your staff of the impending time change on Sunday, March 12, 2017.

Behavioral interviewing can be a powerful tool in the hiring process when used properly. Unfortunately behavioral interviewing is being used incorrectly every day. Whether it's not having identified skills-needed, not evaluating properly, or not asking the right questions, the misuse of behavioral interviewing can effect your ability to place the right candidate in the right position. 

We've been listening to our members and clients, and we're excited to share our redesigned ERC website! It's now even easier to access ERC's services on any device. From HR resources, to training programs, to consulting & coaching services, we've created a better and simplified experience for you.

1. Require Disclosure

Even if you are opting for a more relaxed dating policy within your organization, require that the two involved employees disclose their relationship. Have the involved parties sign a contract that states their relationship is mutually consensual, they are both free to end the relationship at any point in time without an impact on work, that they will not let the relationship effect their performance, and that they understand the company’s sexual harassment policy.

According to ERC’s 2016 Workplace Practices Survey, the biggest challenge organizations are facing today is the hiring and retention of talent. An organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent is strongly influenced by its culture.

Online training and e-learning have become increasingly popular over the past decade. There are a number of advantages when it comes to technology-based training but do they really overshadow the advantages of traditional, classroom-based training?

Life is full of surprises, ones that sometimes lead to employees calling off work unexpectedly. Whether it is a last-minute cancellation by a childcare provider, a case of food poisoning, or another more “creative” reason, absenteeism is a pervasive and costly issues faced by organizations across the board. The four steps outlined below can serve as a basic guide on improving your absence management practices this year.