Scroll to view all questions or click a category to view by topic area. Submit questions to info@strategicHRinc.com.
NEWSLETTER DISCLAIMER
The recommendations and opinions provided by Clark Schaefer Strategic HR and its staff are advisory only and are based on general human resource management fundamentals, practices and principles, and are not legal opinions or guaranteed outcomes. This information is provided with the understanding that the user assumes the risk of verifying information used from this site when interpreting it for their own use. We strongly recommend, as part of a team approach to management, that companies consult with their legal counsel to address specific legal concerns related to human resource issues.
Co-op and Intern Exemption Status
Last Updatedin Benefits & Compensation
We would like to add a co-op student to our staff this year. Are Co-ops and Interns considered exempt or non-exempt? How do you determine this?
Disposing of Old Records
Last Updatedin Recordkeeping
Question: What is the proper way to dispose of old employment records? Answer: Recycling is good for the environment, but it’s not the best way to dispose of your old employment records. While there are no hard-and-fast rules for “how” to dispose of such documents there are some other examples we can look to for […]
Should I be worrying about employee retention?
Last Updatedin Communications, Employee Relations, HR Strategy
Question: Should I really be worried about employee retention during economic downturns when unemployment numbers are so high? Answer: YES!!! It is still a shock to the system when we give presentations to HR professionals and small business owners and ask “what are you doing about retention?” and we get these looks like “retention” why […]
English-Only Policies in the Workplace
Last Updatedin Communications
Question: My manager is upset because his employees are speaking another language in front of him and he is unable to understand what they are saying. He wants me to write a English-only policy for the department and I am not comfortable with that. Is there a legal basis to help back me up to […]
Writing a Winning Employee Newsletter
Last Updatedin Communications
Question: I’m trying to improve our old traditional employee newsletter. What information will help create a communication piece that is effective and meets the needs of all of our employees (onsite, remote, etc.)? I really want it to be worthwhile. Answer: The days of the old employee newsletter have really changed. With today’s technology, we […]
Starting An Employee Newsletter
Last Updatedin Communications
Question: My CEO would like HR to publish an employee newsletter. What should I include in the newsletter? Answer: The first question I would ask is ‘what is the purpose of the newsletter?’ Why does your CEO think a newsletter is needed and what is the goal? You will select topics and include articles that […]
Improving the Flow of Communication
Last Updatedin Communications
Question: Until recently I thought we did a good job of communicating with our employees, but now I’m getting blind-sided with issues that I had no idea were brewing and it is obviously affecting productivity. How can I improve the flow of communication? Answer: As you have learned, the role of communication in the workplace […]