The Chariot - A Helios HR Newsletter

What You Must Do Before Year End -
Avoid Compliance Headaches

In 2008 we experienced significant changes in the regulatory landscape for many compensation and benefits programs that companies offer as a standard part of their toolkit to attract, retain and motivate employees. During the final days of the year, here are just a few of the initiatives that employers should address in order to avoid headaches when dealing with compensation and benefits compliance. More

Life After Layoffs

The national unemployment rate recently rose from 6.5% to 6.7%. For some organizations in the Washington Metropolitan Area the slowing economy has already led to layoffs, and others anticipate reductions in force in the near future. During a reduction in force it is typically more common for employers to focus attention on those individuals who are exiting the organization. Although it is important to ensure a smooth transition for laid-off employees, it is equally – and arguably more – critical to focus on the employees who remain (sometimes referred to as “the survivors.”) More

Collaborative Technologies

Savvy organizations understand the critical importance of knowledge sharing across the enterprise. Those leveraging the information to their competitive advantage recognize the power of technology in enhancing employee collaboration. Organizations are adopting Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0 technologies, including blogs and wikis, to provide employees with an online platform to collaborate, expanding their means of communicating. More

Rising Costs of Litigation
Impacted by Technology

Technology has become a way of life, with plenty of evidence in the workplace:

Employees using a variety of technology, including smart phones, e-mail, and flash drive.
Organizations taking advantage of blogging for marketing and recruitment initiatives
Web 2.0 brands, including Facebook and LinkedIn, are prominent across industries, in the private sector and not-for-profits alike

Simultaneously, this is the first time four generations are together in the workforce: Matures, Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y (Millennials). The Millennial generation, considered to be the most technology proficient, is the fastest growing segment of the workforce, and employers are facing uncharted challenges and opportunities. More

Issue 12 | December 2008

In this Issue

What You Must Do Before Year End - Avoid Compliance Headaches

Life After Layoffs

Collaborative Technologies

Rising Costs of Litigation