Generally speaking, the feeling of exclusion or being left out can cause notions of insignificance, isolation, or rejection that could wear on one’s motivation. However, physical violation can cause the same emotional warfare. And in the era of #MeToo—a movement launched by victims of sexual harassment to initiate awareness of the issue—you as management have… Read more »
It’s Cold Outside. Preserve Your Health.
December 21st is the first official day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. And because many of us have already started to experience decreasing temperatures in certain parts of the country, the chill in the air has been a great reminder of the health-related hazards that cold weather can bring. Therefore, as professionals in the… Read more »
What is HR?
As more businesses open and continue to grow, it is imperative to understand the function of Human Resources, as this department is much more than employment recruiting and management. Originally, many companies began with Personnel Departments that later evolved into Human Resources (HR) Departments, and ultimately became the heart of a company. Depending on the… Read more »
Getting Creative with Cuts
At a time when the nation’s economy is unpredictable, many companies and organizations are trying to find immediate cost-saving strategies. With widespread strikes for higher minimum wage, companies are spurring towards innovation to reduce rising costs. Unfortunately, layoffs in the Hospitality Industry are far too real an occurrence due to the high labor costs associated… Read more »
Emaciated Paychecks: The Minimum Wage War
Thank you for working at your fast food service establishment. Would you like a raise with that? If only it were that simple to increase the wages of fast food employees. Unfortunately, reward doesn’t come that easily, as the current minimum wage debate amid fast food workers and their subsequent employers exemplifies. With the current… Read more »
HR Corner: The Business Advantages of Philanthropy
The last two months of every year fill people with goodwill as they get into the holiday spirit. The admirable energy also often attracts businesses. Philanthropic contributions and working within communities to improve them play a big part in many companies’ corporate culture. Altruistic donations are a win-win for businesses and charities alike, as the… Read more »
HR Corner: A New Hire Is a Relationship Built on Trust
Many of America’s gainfully employed are familiar with the saying that we spend more time at work than at home. For the majority of the working population, spending time at their place of employment instead of home is more of a reality than a mere saying. With this excess allotment of time colleagues often become… Read more »
Tree Talk: HR Corner: Absenteeism vs. Presenteeism: Managing Employees’ Sick Time
What do December, January, February and July have in common? Aside from hosting major American holidays – Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day and Independence Day respectively – according to Careerbuilder.com these popular winter and summer months are also when employees call in sick. As an employer or hiring manager, you’ve probably heard one or several… Read more »
Tree Talk: HR Corner: Beat the Winter Blues with Employee Motivation
It’s cold, the skies are gray and spirits are as blue as the invigorating summer skies of months passed. The chipper energy, wide smiles and productive focus of your team appear to have faded with the vibrant green hue of August grass, and even the most dedicated, hard-working employees seem to be suffering from an… Read more »
Tree Talk: HR Corner: Customer Service 101: Keeping your Cool with Not So Cool Customers
Social media continues to play an ever-expanding role in the foodservice industry, and although you may think about all the great opportunities, you must also be aware of the dangers. Lately, companies’ poor customer service has been exposed through online videos, blogs and Web reviews, to name a few. However, the most notorious cases, such… Read more »
HR Corner: Establishing First-Rate Personal Appearance & Hygiene Procedures Among Employees
The appearance of your employees reflects directly on your restaurant’s standards. Having your staff looking professional and sanitary is essential in any business, but especially one where you are serving food. You don’t want to turn off customers because your staff has a ring in their nose, stud in their lip, midriff exposed, scruffy hair… Read more »
Tree Talk: HR Corner: Managing Appropriate Work Conversations
We have all experienced one time or another walking into a place of business and having to interrupt what seems like a personal conversation to ask for assistance or to simply check out. When this happens we walk away feeling like we weren’t welcome at that establishment, that customer service was lacking and maybe even… Read more »
HR Corner: The Start of a New Year = Employee Evaluation Time
The New Year brings the anticipation of change, growth and maybe even a little more wisdom. What better time than the new year to evaluate your current employees’ performances? It’s customary for businesses to conduct performance evaluations in January, as the new year always starts with setting new goals, strategic planning and budgets. While supervisors… Read more »
Tree Talk: HR Corner: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment – it’s a subject that is sensitive and uncomfortable. Most companies would like to avoid it all together, but there is no way to get around it. To act wisely, companies need to understand the issues of sexual harassment. They need to be aware of the various types of sexual harassment and how… Read more »
HR Corner: Is Bad Press Good? The Importance of Damage Control
If you get noticed for something that isn’t necessarily a positive thing … is that a good thing? The old saying “any press is good press” would argue yes, but with the revolution of social media, it can be hard to know if this still holds true in today’s digital age. The good news is… Read more »
HR Corner: Family Businesses – Working with Family Members
Working with members of your family can be a very trying and challenging situation or a very satisfying one. It can bring out the best or worst in you and your relatives. If you take the right steps to prevent family-related issues from negatively affecting the well-being of the company, working with family can lead… Read more »
HR Corner: The Dreaded Termination Conversation
HR Corner: The Dreaded Termination Conversation Laid-off, fired, terminated … just these words alone can invoke a panic attack in even the most laid-back person. But unfortunately termination is a fact of life, and sooner or later, every owner, manager and even CEO will be faced with having to release someone at some point in… Read more »
HR Corner: Interpersonal Communication–A Must in Business
Face-to-face interpersonal communication is becoming less and less frequent in the workplace. Communication these days is quickly evolving into less conversation and more electronic sharing of information. With such mainstream communication technologies such as e-mailing, texting and instant messaging, employers are able to contact their employees without ever having to actually talk to them in… Read more »
HR Corner – Easy Steps to Interviewing Potential Hires
The job interview is a large factor and powerful force in the employee selection and hiring process. A job interview is the only tool employers can use to get to know candidates and is a necessary step in finding the right candidates to fill open positions. It can be intimating sitting on the other side… Read more »
HR Corner: Staff’s Pride Promotes Better Service and Business Success
As a business owner, you are motivated by pride, a strong work ethic and making your bottom line. When you are at your shop, you know that your customers are having the best experience possible. What about when you can’t be at your shop all the time? How do you ensure that your employees, who… Read more »
HR Corner: Safety in the Kitchen and on the Job
Safety in the Kitchen and on the Job When accidents happen in the kitchen, a first-aid kit can really save the day. As a business owner, operator or manager, it is important to know the contents of a first-aid kit and the procedures that accompany what’s inside. Having an understanding of safety and basic first… Read more »
HR Corner: Employee-Generated Revenue and Scheduling
Employee-Generated Revenue and Scheduling Many factors contribute to finding the perfect balance between employee productivity and labor costs, while meeting business-level demands. Add the additional factor of seasonal patterns, and the formula becomes even more complex. However, don’t be discouraged because there are a variety of methods to help you understand how to properly staff… Read more »
HR Corner: Files, a Tedious but Needed Task
Files, a Tedious but Needed Task Tom Cruise (think A Few Good Men) would never have shown up to the courtroom unprepared. Neither should you. Records may be a pain to maintain and worse to file, but they are so critical when you need them. Whether you’re a small-, medium- or large-sized business, creditable and… Read more »
HR Corner: Helping Employees Fight Increased Gas and Food Costs
Helping Employees Fight Increased Gas and Food Costs Fall is synonymous with fun outings and back to school, but more recently, it has also become a season known for high gas prices and an increase in food costs – two items that can dramatically affect individual finances and morale, and initiate transportation issues. As a… Read more »