 |
 | In this Issue |  | | | | Did you know? | |  Social Networking Twenty-two percent of hiring managers look through social networking profiles to help evaluate potential candidates, up from 11% two years ago. ~ Saurage Research | | | | | Dear Friend, | | |
With all the challenges of the current business climate, and having to do more with fewer resources, hidden in these times are several golden opportunities. With longer days, more energy, and the fresh perspective of spring, now is the perfect time to consider four simple, highly effective opportunities to improve your organization, your employees and your long term security and success.
Cypress Ridge Solutions,
creating real solutions for real people. | | | | | | |
- The Gift of Time.
In a recent conversation with a business colleague, he shared that his past year's 30% growth is stalled. During that time, he hired quickly and admitted that a few of those employees were not the quality he needed. If you're experiencing a slowdown, don't stop! This is a perfect time to review current and future staff needs, make changes and improve processes. Take time to refine your performance management processes and evaluations; layoff marginal performers or reassign underutilized staff, and develop a better hiring process for future hires. If you are hiring, there are many highly qualified individuals currently out of work, underemployed or feeling very insecure about their present position. Click here to discover 3 Secrets to Finding Great Employees.
- Communication is free.
Strengthen your internal communication. Leaders in strong, well run organizations are meeting with their employees more often and in a variety of ways. Effective, compelling and honest communication is critical during these times to reassure employees this economic downturn will pass and the company will survive. Face to face, casual open forum-type meetings are always best. One of my clients, with several national offices, holds company-wide webinars twice-monthly which have become very popular and highly effective in maintaining a positive, engaged workplace. Employees have the opportunity to ask anything they want and they know they will receive an honest, straightforward answer directly from the CEO, creating a powerful transparent leadership style. This develops a culture which is trusting, encourages new ideas, and continues to return solid, positive results in challenging times. Gossip does not have a place to grow in such cultures.
- Low/No Cost Alternative Training Opportunities.
I recommend that my clients not cut training budgets unless it's a very last resort. You want and need every individual well trained and performing at their best, especially when resources are stretched and times tough. Successful low cost alternatives for development include rotating assignments, being part of or leading a cross functional team project, even outside volunteer leadership opportunities help ready individuals for future promotional opportunities. Consider leveraging internal training by using employees as trainers in their area of expertise.
- Review your insurance programs and needs.
For companies, this is an excellent time to review your group insurance program designs, consider alternatives such as Health Spending Accounts, and evaluate your 401 (k) plans. Individuals, when evaluating their life insurance needs, often factor in their liquid assets and retirement account values. Given the uncertainties of the market, we have created a helpful tool which offers a formula often used to estimate the amount of life insurance an individual might need. This gives an excellent starting point for a more detailed analysis. Feel free to give us a call to help you assess your business and personal insurance needs in today's economic environment. | | | | |  Effective April 3, 2009, employers should be using Form I-9 dated February 2, 2009 with a June 30, 2009 expiration date to verify the employment eligibility of new hires and to re-verify the employment eligibility of employees whose work authorization expires. You can download the new form from our web site here.
Changes to the form include: - Expired documents are no longer acceptable, including U.S. Passports
- The Passport Card has been added as an acceptable List A document; and
- Form I-688, "Temporary Resident Card," and Forms I-688A and I-688B, "Employment Authorization Cards," are removed from List A as acceptable documents.
Need information about the COBRA Changes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009? We have guidelines, documents and model notices available for you here.
If you are considering improving your Human Resource processes, reviewing your compensation programs, have questions about the new legal requirements, or simply want to share your thoughts on this, please email Cherryll at csevy@cypressridgesolutions.com or call 408.294.3431. | | | | | For over 20 years, we have been providing valuable Human Resources and compensation solutions, as well as insurance planning and products to our valued clients. Our business has grown based upon referrals from clients and individuals like you who know us and worked with us successfully. If you know of an organization or individual who would benefit from the results we achieve, please let us know or forward this email to them with a note of introduction.
Please consider attending Friends Outside of Santa Clara County, 3rd Annual Spring Luncheon is May 7th, 11:45-1:00 pm, David's Restaurant in Santa Clara, near the Convention Center. If you are interested in attending, please contact Kate at kate@friendsoutsideinscc.org or (408) 295-6033 x102. | | | | | 
Cherryll's always looking for a free lunch (or dinner). If you'd like Cherryll to speak at an association event on timely topics regarding practical solutions for the challenges facing companies and their employees today, click here for more information. | | |
phone: 408.358.7794 | | |
 |
