If you are in any way connected to technology, you are most likely using, or at least are aware of the options that come with using mobile phone applications in your everyday life. These applications have come to simply be known as “apps”. There’s an app for just about any and everything you can think of! Did you know there are great apps available to those of us in the HR world as well? Let's take a look at some the various apps that serve the purpose of providing information, networking and educating HR professionals on best practices and policies.

At Helios, we have had a number of clients implement Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) policies. This approach to leave is a growing trend for innovative companies working in all industries. Numerous companies are utilizing unlimited PTO to encourage a culture of freedom and responsibility.

Often we hear much about the best practices in Human Resources Management (HRM). So much so that there is frequently confusion about what that exactly means and what the universal practices really are. While a segment of these best practices can be applied comprehensively in most organizations, what might be considered an HRM best practice in one corporate culture, industry, or organization might not be transportable as a best practice in another.

Finding the right leader for your organization can mean double digit profits or shutting your doors forever. While this is certainly an extreme example of what can happen, we all look for exceptional leaders that can lead our organizations to new and exceptional heights. During my time as a Business Partner for Helios HR, I have had the pleasure of working with both exceptional and mediocre leaders. Some of these exceptional leaders have embodied the following characteristics as described in Kouzes and Posner’s famous work “The Leadership Challenge”:

After weeks of combing through resumes and conducting interviews you have finally hired the right candidate for the position. The salary has been agreed to, the offer letter signed, and the start date is on the horizon. It is time to check the box on the to-do list; the office is fully staffed, right? Think again! The hard work is just beginning.

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.