The HR Pro: Top Human Resource Issues for 2016, Part 2
From evolving workplace demographics to overtime expansion to a number of other issues, human resource professionals this year are facing a variety of new and developing challenges. Last month’s column addressed four health-related topics. This month, we’ll look at four workplace and employment issues. The Use and Misuse of Independent Contractors There is growing tension between employers’ desire to use independent contractors — to...
McDonald’s Fights ‘Joint-Employer’ Label by NLRB
Chicago — McDonald’s tells its franchisees how to staff restaurants, when to clean the bathrooms and where partially completed orders should be placed on counters, an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board said Thursday. That operational nitty-gritty, along with the business consultants, scheduling systems and hiring software provided to franchisees shows the Chicago-area company calls the shots and is ultimately responsible...
Technology Could Change Trend of Global Trade
Two of the biggest forces influencing global economic activity over the past three decades — globalization and automation — have had polar-opposite effects on workers in emerging markets. The former pushed multinationals to move production to countries with cheaper labor costs than advanced economies, while the latter effectively substitutes capital for labor in the production process. In a note to clients, analysts at the Goldman...
A Small-Business Toolbox
Many small businesses have a small human resources team. In many cases, one person is responsible for handling HR, along with other duties. Those outside of HR don’t always understand or appreciate what the function can do for their organization. Effective human resource management can help an organization in two major ways. It can manage risk by helping the organization avoid costly fines and lawsuits; and it can enhance productivity...
Economy Adds a Surprising 271,000 Jobs
Washington — An unexpected surge of hiring last month accompanied by strong wage gains suggests that the U.S. labor market remains solid and increases the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will make its first interest rate increase in nearly a decade next month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday that employers across a broad spectrum of industries added a net 271,000 new jobs in October. That is far more than most analysts’...
