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News You Can Use From the ThinkHR Hotline!

February 9, 2012(click here to see archives)

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, causing us to think about the people in our lives, both personally and professionally, who mean so much to us. It is a good time not only to stop and reflect on why they are important to you but also to show them. While you probably won’t be showing your work colleagues that affection in the form of jewelry, candy or flowers, there are both tangible and intangible ways of “gifting” that includes rewards, recognition, and being the best manager you can be to each of them. In this edition of the newsletter, we cover ways that you can let your employees know you care by doing your part to make the workplace and their jobs as good as they can be. As the competition for talent continues to heat up, we do need to do all we can to attract and retain our top people.

Finally, we close out this issue with one of our live “Ask the Experts” questions that often come up at this time of the year when employees wear the new fragrance they got for Valentine’s Day to the office and at least one work colleague ends up in your office complaining about the smell. We’ll give you our advice on handling that awkward situation.

Enjoy this week’s issue, and give us a call or post your issue on our online portal if you need assistance.

5 Steps to Creating a Rewarding Workplace

When budgets are tight and raises are not a realistic possibility, how can you keep employees productive and committed to your company? Although a competitive employee benefits package that includes health care and other components, such as a 401(k) plan and disability and life insurance, will always be valuable to employees, there are many other types of initiatives that are also meaningful and effective. Consider instituting a recognition program to reward employees for jobs well done.

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How to Improve Job Satisfaction and Increase Employee Engagement

Employers face dynamic and ever increasing challenges. A global economy of discriminating consumers has placed demands on employers never before seen. Employers face the challenges of maintaining productivity as well as keeping their workforce engaged and motivated. Environmental pressures, rising health care costs, and the needs of the workforce have placed management in a complicated and tenuous situation. The answer lies with creating a work environment that maintains employee job satisfaction as well as motivates people toward exceptional performance.

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The Limits of Monetary Incentives

Monetary incentives are the bedrock of today’s employee motivation and change management programs. The logic is simple and straightforward: change the monetary incentives and the desired behavior will occur. The theoretical basis for money as an effective motivator is well researched. Generally, several studies have shown that money is effective in attracting, motivating, and retaining employees, and creating a high performance culture.

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Ask the Experts

Question: Can I counsel an employee about wearing strong perfume in the office?

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Ask the Experts

Question: We are a federal contractor and maintain an Affirmative Action Plan and file annual employer EEO-1 Annual Reports. Can you tell us what reporting and records retention requirements there are for veterans, if any, that we should also be providing?

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