You may have heard that the OFCCP is getting ready to send a wave of Corporate Scheduling Announcement Letters(CSAL) to contractors that have been selected for an upcoming compliance review. And the news may be making you very nervous. I remember the first time I received a CSAL and I got so nervous at the thought of an audit. But when I realized that we were doing the right things and were prepared to respond, it really wasn't so bad.

I have handled many employee relations issues in my time as an HR professional and over the years have said to myself on countless occasions, “gosh, if only the manager had managed the employee, we wouldn't be having these performance discussions right now.” I think, too often, great employees are promoted into manager positions because that seems like the next logical step in that individual’s career path.

I often get asked the question, “How much do salary surveys cost?” and I usually reply with a question of my own, “How much do you think it will cost if you don’t use salary surveys?”

What happened to 2013? I cannot believe it is already November! Before we know it everyone will be hosting their holiday parties and we will be watching the ball drop and welcoming in the New Year!

I love fall. The crisp, cool air reminds me of walking to basketball practice in sweatpants and a hoodie, and I get excited! At the time I was just having fun, but looking back I realize how much I learned from sports that can be translated into life and into business. Coaching is one of those things.

I recently started working with a client who has been using employment agreements with the entire employee population. I raised the question as to why they were using employment agreements instead of the traditional offer letter, which has led to discussions about why organizations use employment agreements and when it is appropriate to use them.