March 2007 |
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Are you using your unlimited memos? Trying the new search engine? Log on to the next FREE lunchtime webinar to make sure you're taking advantage of the many benefits of your Employers Group membership. The next “Getting the Most” webinar is on: If you're new to EG, tend to use only one service and want to know about more, or just haven't had time to keep up with our new features, join us to learn why an EG membership is such a valuable resource! Register (free to members) by sending an email to msc@employersgroup.com, or by calling 800.748.8484 (option 3). New! Member Appreciation Breakfasts In 2007, Employers Group will host member appreciation breakfasts throughout the state. These sessions give members the opportunity to network, meet Employers Group staff and receive information on a current or emerging HR issue. These sessions are free of charge and early registration is recommended.
For specific information on locations and to sign up, please contact training@employersgroup.com or call 800.748.8484. |
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This month in our regular printed newsletter, the cover article featured an announcement and introduction of EG’s new President and CEO, Mark Wilbur. If you missed the article, you can read it here. New VP & Executive Director of Member Services Over the last two years, Ken has led and managed the Woodland Hills Office for Gartner Consulting, overseeing a team of 25 seasoned professionals. Ken was directly responsible for managing the sales pipeline for both the commercial and the state and local government sectors, closing sales, providing quality assurance for consulting delivery, and managing the utilization and professional development for the Woodland Hills Office. Prior to Gartner, Ken was responsible for managing and leading the Western Region for Northrop Grumman’s State and Local Government Practice. During his tenure with Northrop Grumman, Ken led the efforts to revitalize and turnaround a moribund consulting practice, increasing consulting sales from $1.5m to over $18m in a two-year period. Areas of consulting expertise include strategic planning, performance management, governance, and organizational design. Ken joined the EG team on March 19, 2007. Stay tuned for more information from and about him – as well as news about other changes taking place designed to positively impact your membership. |
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We have great news! In an effort to save you time and money, we’ve decided to merge two of our most popular surveys (the Supervisory & Management and the Regional Wage Nonexempt) together this year! You may now participate in this survey and receive the special edition: the 2007 Management and Nonexempt Compensation Survey report. About the Report
Survey Scope:
Our Effort to Save you Money and Time! PARTICIPATE NOW UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE? PREORDER & SAVE 15%! Custom Market Analysis will be distributed in late May. E-versions of the final survey report will be forwarded to all participants in early June. We appreciate your membership with Employers Group and look forward to your input in this survey. For questions or concerns regarding this survey, please contact us at surveys@employersgroup.com or (213) 765-3920. |
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Q: What are the major laws covering background checks for California employers? A: The two laws specifically dealing with background checks are the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA). Both of these laws cover all businesses regardless of employee size. Q: Regarding the federal FCRA, what types of reports are regulated? A: The report that is used is called a “consumer report” There are two types of consumer reports: (1) a “credit report” is a report made about a person by a consumer reporting agency that bears on the person’s “credit standing and credit capacity;" and (2) an “investigative consumer report” gives information on a person’s character, general reputation, personal characteristics or mode of living.” This second report is also known as an “interview report” because much of the information is obtained through any means including interviewing people who know the person being investigated. For a “consumer report” to be subject to the FCRA, it must be prepared by a third-party consumer reporting agency. Q: What are the basic responsibilities of employers when doing background checks?
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With the latest unemployment figures down to 4.5% last month, and dipping even lower in certain areas of California (i.e. 3.4% in Orange County), a company’s recruiting and sourcing strategy will only be as successful as its understanding of the requirements of the candidates it is trying to attract. The unemployment figures tell us that your next hire will most likely be employed, but looking for a better opportunity. These “Better Opportunity Seekers” require a high-touch hiring process. High touch hiring means:
In all of these “touches”, the Better Opportunity Seeker needs to be reassured of the opportunity presented, and guided through the complex HR process that includes phone calls, interviews, offers, and discussions. Getting the right help You don’t have to waste precious hours struggling through the high touch recruitment process – let the experts handle it. With Decision Toolbox, fast and cost effective recruitment help is a phone call away! Look for a full article by Decision Toolbox on “Locating and Locking-in Top Talent” in the April 2007 edition of the Employers Group newsletter. For more information on recruitment solutions through Decision Toolbox, contact Katherin Scott at (213) 765-3949 or kscott@employersgroup.com. The Importance of Pre-employment Screening Once you identify your potential new employees, are you doing everything you can to protect your company (and existing workforce) from hidden secrets they may be harboring? A few statistics to consider…
While many startling facts on this subject exist, these alone point to the importance of incorporating a pre-employment screening program into your hiring processes. Employers Group’s preferred pre-employment screening provider, ScreeningOne, can help you protect your company and employees by providing comprehensive, web-based pre-employment screening solutions, including criminal history, DMV, I-9 verification and drug screening. ScreeningOne’s exceptional service, fast turnaround, legal compliance and accuracy enable companies to make informed decisions regarding potential new hires. Their diverse client base includes companies from Fortune 500 to small family-run businesses. Additionally, EG has negotiated special pricing with ScreeningOne for our members, typically 10-15% off street rates and no set-up fees! For more information on pre-employment screening services offered through our preferred partner, ScreeningOne, please contact Katherin Scott at 213-765-3949 or kscott@employersgroup.com. |
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Lunch ‘n Learns are online events geared for you and your HR/supervisory staff to stay ahead of the curve. Sessions are held via Webinar from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Get the training you need during your lunch hour in the comfort of your office space.
411 – Personality Assessments This presentation will be an overview of the do’s and don’t’s when using personality assessments. You will learn what a personality assessment is, what it should and could be used for, what it should not be used for. The presentation is presented by Patrick Sweeney, the Executive Vice President of Caliper Corporation and Barry Zlotowicz, Director of Channel Markets of Caliper corporation. Caliper has 45 years of experience in the creation and delivery of personality assessments. 911 – HIPAA* *This is a free event with paid membership. Includes one phone/web connection per company. To register for this free event, please contact Member Services at 800.748.8484 option 3. 411 – Ergonomics The Ergonomic awareness presentation includes valuable, practical information about workplace ergonomics, spinal biomechanics, and many ways to prevent injuries. You will learn how to lift, push, pull, sit, and move objects. You will be taught specific stretching and strengthening exercises that increase strength and flexibility. All training material has been reviewed by our CAL OSHA certified consultant. Presented by Dr. Pete Borboa representing the National Health and Wellness Bureau. *This is a free event with paid membership. One connection per membership. |
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This year, Employers Group is introducing a Leadership Skills Training Program for your Spanish-speaking employees. Leadership Skills Certificate Program in Spanish Here’s a list of the course titles:
Employers Group is now accepting registrations for Spanish leadership skills certificate programs in:
To register, call Members Services at 800.748.8484 (option 3). On-site Training |
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Want to use what the policy makers use to make their HR decisions? Then you need the “Employee Handbook and Personnel Policies Manual” by Richard J. Simmons, the dynamic Los Angeles attorney and California employment law guru. Richard has just released his 10th edition of this highly successful manual, a must-have for any serious HR professional. This book runs the gambit of necessary information when dealing in any Human Resources capacity. An important go-to manual for every HR manager, personnel director, labor relations consultant or California labor attorney. It also serves as a perfect addition to any comprehensive law library. A one-step reference for personnel policies with guidelines on how to draft your own and avoid common pitfalls. And, the NEW CD-ROM allows readers to print and edit the sample policies from the book. This non-technical guide to laws and regulations applicable to handbooks and personnel policies is an indispensable manual for every human resources library. Included in this comprehensive and essential HR manual is:
This book (and many others by Mr. Simmons) is available at discounted member rates through our EG Store. To order by phone or for more information please call our Member Service Center at (800) 748-8484. Or, to shop on-line please visit our website. |
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