Safari Solutions Newsletter

October 2004, Volume #15

Thanks to all of you who took the time to complete the reader survey in the last issue of our newsletter. Your feedback will help us keep our content relevant to your interests. Also, thanks to all who joined us at our 5 year anniversary celebration last month. It was great fun!

Ann Clifford

Dos and Don'ts
Can you ask a candidate the following question?

"How many sick days did you take at your last employer?"

(Answer provided at the end of the newsletter.)

The Generational Divide . . .
Know What Drives Your Employees?
What is a successful career? The answer may depend on when you were born.

The oldest employees want to leave a legacy. They youngest want to have fun and make money.

Boomers seek work-life balance in line with their moral values and lifestyles. Generation-Xers crave intellectual stimulation, learning opportunities and advancement.

Success, for most employees, doesn't mean climbing the corporate ladder. The No. 1 thing is that they enjoy their work and that they are respected for their area of knowledge.

(Source: Workplace Reporter)

Do Your Employees Work or Do They Just Show Up?
A manager is asked how many people work in his company. His responds, "about half of them." Is this a joke or reality?

Low employee energy and morale cost you money! Shocking workforce statistics find that only 29 percent of employees are motivated and energized.

What causes disengagement?

  • Little or no feedback or guidance from those in charge.
  • Lack of opportunity to discuss problems.
  • Lack of opportunity to provide ideas and input.
  • Lack of resources to solve problems.
  • Little or no reward or recognition.
  • Little opportunity to develop one's potential.
  • Lack of opportunity to interact socially.
  • Interpersonal conflicts left unresolved.
  • Little joy or humor except for office gossip and cynicism.
  • Stress in balancing work and home responsibilities.

    So . . . how do you engage your staff? Expectations, clarification and measurement are the keys to helping employees stay engaged and to keep them involved and committed. Effective managers and leaders help their staff design and own their own personal goals, targets, and milestones. Everyone needs support in staying focused on goals that are aligned with business results.

    (Source: Gallup Management Journal)

    Did You Know
    Candidates lie! According to a recent survey, 52% of job candidates polled lied on their resume about having a college degree.

    Answer to Today's Dos and Don'ts
    "How many sick days did you take at your last employer's?" Is it legal to ask?

    This question is not permissible under The Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") which prohibits employers from asking disability-related questions to employment applicants.

    An employer should inform all applicants of the essential functions of the position and of the employer's attendance requirements. The employer may then ask whether the applicant will be able to perform these functions and meet the attendance requirements.

    An employer may ask about an applicant's attendance record with a previous employer, but not about "sick time taken." Asking about "attendance" is acceptable because there are many reasons why a person may not have met attendance requirements of a previous job. (Source: Workforce.com, author Deanna G. Kucler, Attorney)

    Safari Solutions' recruitment process outsourcing services help companies hire better. Acting as a corporate HR partner, we help companies make educated hiring decisions by sourcing and screening candidates with a high level of due diligence. Over 125 business owners have received the expertise of a Safari Solutions recruiting specialist for their hiring initiatives. From receptionist to CFO, Safari Solutions improves hiring results!

    Call us today to learn how we can help improve your hiring initiatives, 888-578-1310.