Tag Archives: Employee Management

At times, most managers have been frustrated to the point of wanting to scream, “YOU’RE FIRED!”  And while that phrase made a TV reality show wildly popular, it actually isn’t reality.  Terminations are a process, not a reaction. Although Texas is an “employment at-will” state, most companies avoid firing and employee without cause.  There areContinue Reading

The Form I-9 is a requirement for U.S. employers.  By not completing and retaining Form I-9 properly, employers can find themselves penalized.  Penalties for failing to produce a Form I-9 range from $110 to $1,100 per violation.  With so much at stake, do you know the “ins and outs” of the Form I-9?   Take thisContinue Reading

Whether you are a company of one or one thousand, each person you employ is your greatest investment.   Getting the highest rate of return on your “people” investment involves another investment—embracing diversity. Demographic trends identified by Pew Research Center include racial and ethnic diversity in the United States on a continuous rise.   By 2055, itContinue Reading

Whether it’s a new start-up company, the start-up of a division or department, or the ramp up for a specific project, it takes a large commitment from management and operations. Enlisting the help of a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can be the key to success. With the changing business climate, a large company made theContinue Reading

Succession planning is a common topic in a family-owned business, like UniqueHR.  It has been a long-term plan for Chris Bradford to carry on the business after his parents retire.  Although Chris has worked in the business since high school, careful planning will ensure a smooth transition to the next generation.  Chris’ son, Nick hasContinue Reading

It seems like we’ve been talking or hearing about Millennials for most of my career.  Millennials are now in their 20’s and 30’s.  It is estimated they will comprise 30% of the workforce by 2020, and many are entering management roles. Once characteristic touted as “millennial” is they perceive themselves invincible, although that has alwaysContinue Reading

As a kid on the playground, it was easy to spot a bully.  He or she was the one stealing lunch money, pushing others down in the sandbox, or the ringleader of the group pointing and laughing at the little guy with glasses.  How easy is it to spot a bully in the workplace? ResearchContinue Reading

Were you the kid in school with perfect attendance?  I envied them.  Those kids were rare, only one or two in each class.  They got accolades and a nice certificate signed by the principal, just for showing up!  There was one girl in my elementary school that did not miss one day from First GradeContinue Reading

Workplace diversity has been a hot topic for decades.  Most of us have been through diversity training once or twice.  So, what’s different now?  The social climate. Interracial marriages account for 12% of U.S. marriages according to Pew Research Center, and are celebrated this year, 50 years after becoming fully legal in all U.S. states. Continue Reading

Growing up in Texas, you often hear, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes. It will change.”  Inclement Weather from hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, to tornadoes across the Central Plains, to fires in the Hill Country, flooding, ice, and snow, Texas has it all.  Being prepared isn’t just about bottled waterContinue Reading

As Human Resources professionals, you are involved in the lives of the employees.  Your job can at times feel like you are basking in sunshine and flowers.  Many times, you are the first person to say, “Welcome to the company”, “Congratulations on your promotion”, and “Best of luck in your retirement.”  Unfortunately, you are alsoContinue Reading

It’s February, and in the world of human resources, payroll, and taxes, it’s time to take a breath.  W2s are mailed (and possibly online), forms are filed, and fees are paid. If your company is structured with HR and payroll functions in-house, you’ve seen the burning of the midnight oil.   For some small businesses, havingContinue Reading