Month: November 2016

The Changes You Need to Make in Your Employee Handbook in 2017

EmploycoUSA

Employment solutions expert explains the do’s and don’ts of a modern employee handbook

folder-of-files-428299_1280Most companies provide their staff with an employee handbook. There are many benefits to doing so, however, not all employee handbooks are created equal.

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment solutions expert says, “An employee handbook is a great way to communicate your company’s overall plans, practices and policies. From a legal standpoint, it offers a layer of protection to the employer as it proves that the employee was given pertinent information relating to their employment and job performance. It’s also a good way to communicate with employees and remove unnecessary confusion and false assumptions from the workplace.”

However, Wilson says that today’s employee handbooks should look a bit different from the handbooks of the past. “Employers need to review and edit their handbooks at least once a year,” says Wilson, “and with so many changes in employment law, it’s probably time for most employers to take a hard look at their current handbooks. It is likely that many items will need to be edited or even removed.”

Here, Wilson provides tips for creating an employee handbook in 2017:

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The Five Rules of Holiday Gift-Giving in the Workplace

EmploycoUSA

H.R. expert weighs in on the complicated etiquette of presents in the office

presentExchanging holiday gifts in the workplace is often a tricky affair. The rules tend to be ambiguous, and expectations tend to vary widely from employee to employee. Luckily, there are several things that managers and H.R. personnel can do to make the holidays more joyful.

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and human resources expert says, “The biggest mistake I see is that managers think they shouldn’t weigh in on gift-giving. Yet employees want clear, concise guidelines. Some employees wonder: Should I give my boss a gift? And, if I don’t and everyone else does, what will they think of me? Others are strapped for cash yet feel obligated to give to everyone in the office, while some employees feel maligned because they are expected to give gifts when they don’t even celebrate the holidays.”

So, what is the answer? Wilson believes that a carefully crafted “gift-giving policy” is needed, and should be passed out to all new employees as well as circulated again at the holiday season. Possible tips to consider include:

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New Study Shows Job-Seekers Spend $150 on Each Interview

EmploycoUSA

Employment expert discusses study findings

Looking for a job is a costly endeavor.  A new study from Totaljobs has found that the average job-seeker spends $150 per interview. Expenditures include new clothing, makeup, transportation, as well as assistance writing their resume.

Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA, says, “As this study shows, job-seeking requires a serious investment of both time and money. Unfortunately, this can be a heavy burden to carry, especially if you have no incoming salary.”

Here, Wilson offers his top interview tips, as well as his opinion of where interviewees should save and where they should splurge:

  1. A tailored suit is a must. “You don’t need to break the bank by buying a suit that costs thousands of dollars. But even an affordably-priced suit will likely require tailoring in order to fit you properly. This is true for both men and women. Invest in a tailored piece that you can wear again and again.”
  2. Avoid resume-writing services. “These companies are a dime-a-dozen on the Internet, and many of these places are using writers with very little professional experience. Certainly, they will not have comprehensive knowledge of your skills or the market you work in. Not to mention, they are costly. Instead, take a resume-writing course at a local college or look up free templates online. Then, have friends or family review for any errors.”
  3. Establish a website. “If you have money to invest in your job search, a personal domain will be more beneficial to you than a new handbag or pair of shoes. With simple web sites like SquareSpace or Wix, you can make a personal website that will feature your CV, your experience, your portfolio, your references, and perhaps even a short personal bio about your interests or volunteer work.”
  4. Skip expensive makeup. “Studies have shown that women who wear makeup come across more favorably than women who do not, so it is understandable why many women break the bank when it comes to cosmetics for job interviews. However, this can actually backfire—an overdone face or excessive perfume will be off-putting. A basic, clean, fresh look with minimal makeup is both approachable and inexpensive.”
  5. Rent interview clothing. “Many fashion companies now ‘rent’ clothing for special occasions, such as the popular website Rent the Runway. These services allow you to wear designer clothing for a negligible price. Then, you just return the item when your ‘lease’ is up!”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.