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...
Facebook Pitches Solution To Tech’s Diversity Problem
There’s little doubt that there’s a race and gender gap in the tech industry. Look at any of the major tech firms’ diversity reports and you’ll see that there are proportionally fewer women, blacks and Hispanics in the tech world — particularly when it comes to engineering positions. That’s the problem, and it’s one we know well. But what could be the solution? Facebook has its own theory, which it’s trying to prove with the launch of...
Social Security Q&A: Will Other Support Disqualify Me for SSI?
Question: This summer, I’ll turn 65 and, because of my financial situation, I thought I’d be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. But my neighbor told me I’d probably be turned down because I have a friend who said he might help support me. Is this true? Answer: If your friend helps support you, it could have an effect on whether you get SSI and on the amount you would receive. If you have low income and few resources, you may...
The HR Pro: Multitude of Age Groups Poses a Challenge for Managers
We love to label people, to put them in categories, combine them into groups. This can be counterproductive when applied too broadly, but in the workplace, when trying to create a valued and productive workforce, it can help to recognize the differences among the generations of workers and how we treat them. Having multiple generations in the workforce is nothing new, of course, but improvements in health care and economic...
Social Security Q&A: How to Save and Return to Disability Form Online
Question: I’m getting ready to start filling out my disability benefits application online, but I’m concerned I will need to stop before I can finish it. Can I stop before completing the application and come back to finish it later? If so, how do I return to my online application to finish it when I have all the information I need? Answer: Applying for disability is a multi-step process that may take one to two hours to complete,...
