Breaking up is Hard to Do
There’s a trick to the Graceful Exit. It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, a relationship is over – and to let go. It means leaving what’s over without denying its value. ~ Ellen Goodman This article is not about why someone leaves a job but how. It assumes a quality relationship between an employer and an employee who wishes, for whatever reason, to leave their job and move on. Change is hard, even in the best of times. Mixed feelings are often the norm as going forward can feel both adventurous and scary,…
What Does the Ruling on Temporary Workers by OSHA Mean for Manufacturers?
David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) emphasized that host employers (manufacturers) should treat temporary workers like existing employees. He said, “Temporary staffing agencies and manufacturers share control over the employee, and are therefore jointly responsible for the temporary employee’s safety and health.” The reason for the ruling is to deter manufacturers from using temporary workers in opposition to complying with OSHA acts and worker protection laws. It originated as a remembrance for those workers who died while on the job due to unsafe conditions. Both employers must comply with all relevant OSHA…
What Can an Employer Do When Illness Interferes with Work?
Part II In part one, we discussed how an employer can spot trouble, offered basic tips to manage the situation, and suggested reasons why a personal crisis, a chronic illness, or a mental illness might occur. In part two we will propose some theoretical cases to see how the referenced tips in part one might be used. In the case of a debilitating disease Suzanne’s could be counted on to be punctual, perform consistently, and troubleshoot incidents. When she noticed odd sensations in her hands and disturbances in her vision that would come and go, she shook it off. She…
Changes in the Weather Can Affect Safety
Turn around and it is already 50-some days until Thanksgiving. A big snow could happen at any time. While workers in Minnesota and Wisconsin may be experienced at handling mounds of snow, precautions are still necessary. It pays to be safe. The same precautions are necessary in the workplace. For some manufacturers, the upcoming holidays translate into the need for higher levels of productivity. You may need seasonal or contract workers to assist stepped-up production, and they may not be savvy to the best on-the-job safety practices. Nine precautions for employee safety Keep the workplace hazard free. Post signs, floor…
What Can an Employer Do When Illness Interferes with Work?
Part I In part one, we will discuss this topic from the perspective of an employer who is supporting an employee with a chronic illness or similar work disruption, such as a family crisis. Since life is unpredictable, sometimes an employee—even a top notch one—can encounter an illness or personal situation that disrupts his/her work. Whether a personal crisis, a chronic illness, or a mental illness, there are ways to handle the setback and be supportive of the employee, too. As a manager, you need to know how to recognize the situation, how to be frank but encouraging to the…