My HRevolution Adventure!

My Interview with HR Bartender

Organizations today are going through a lot of changes within their structures with the state of the economy and realize they need to start adapting to change. This change occurs by focusing on creating a dynamic workforce of employees, and learning how and when to properly manage them by generating a sense of engagement between individuals. So, what are the best methods to manage employees in today’s workplace to help increase overall performance?

In the beginning of August, I had the pleasure to sit down and chat with Sharlyn Lauby, a HR professional known as “HR Bartender“, at the 2010 BlogHer conference. Sharlyn answered a few of my questions on the topic of Human Resources and how it is changing along with the marketplace. Here are her responses to the questions I had:

1. What do you think the biggest issues will be in HR within the next two years?

One of the trends that I’m watching is the ‘gig economy’ – the idea that companies will look for freelancers/contractors/consultants versus staff employees to help them with work projects.  If we continue to have a slow recovery, it could be a dynamic that lasts for a while.  And if it does, it has a lot of implications for businesses and individuals.

For companies, they need to have a clear understanding of when best to utilize contractors, how they will select a freelancer, and evaluate their overall performance.

For individuals, they have to decide if this is a desired way to earn a living.  And if so, how will they manage themselves and their lives successfully.

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT – NORTH AMERICA (New York, New York)

Responsible for the day-to-day HR administrative operations for the United States and Canada to ensure employees get quality service from their HR team.

Responsponsibilities

Create new hire offer letters and contracts

Give new hire orientations (organization overview, benefits, software introduction, timesheets)

Make New Hire paperwork folders

On-boarding of new hires (enrolling onto benefits, coordinating CPH training)

Manage benefit programs and assisting employees with questions or concerns

Notify appropriate vendors of terminations and sending Cobra letters

Assist employees with global repatriation and domestic relocations

Maintain HR files in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations (i.e. I-9 forms)

Coordinate Visa paperwork with employees and immigration attorney in a timely manner; maintaining visa status spreadsheet

Create Excel spreadsheets for employee tracking purposes (salary increases, bonus payments, etc.)

Work on various HR related ad hoc projects such as creating documents, competency track-ing, etc.

Run Siebel reports, as necessary

Apply by sending your resume to resumes@whitingconsulting.com.

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR (New York, New York)

Whiting Consulting is seeking a focused, dependable, highly-motivated individual to join our client’s corporate team as Director of Human Resources. This individual would report to the Chief Financial Officer.

The Director will guide and manage all human resources policies and programs for the entire company, as well as manage day-to-day operations. Responsibilities include recruiting and staffing, employee on-boarding, and training and career development, as well as employee relations and communications. The Director will also develop and implement international human resources and organizational practices as part of our client’s planned international expansion. Compensation and benefits administration, organizational and space planning, performance management, employee safety, and welfare and wellness are also all critical components of our Human Resources initiatives.

Requirements.

5+ years work experience in all areas of Human Resources.

3+ years as a Director or Human Resources Manager.

Experience in the financial services industry and/or the technology industry recommended.

Experience with H1-B Visa holders as employees.

Undergraduate degree from a competitive program; Master’s Degree or equivalent in Human Development or related field a plus.

Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

A self-starter, with the ability to work independently and interdependently across a diverse organization.

Demonstrated success at a growth-stage, venture-backed company would be ideal.

Compensation

Competitive base salary.

Bonus structure.

Participation in employee stock purchase plan.

Health and dental benefits.

Standard vacation and sick days.

Apply by sending your resume to resumes@whitingconsulting.com.