Dance means different things to different people. Enjoy the peace, quiet, and solitude at sunrise with birds dancing in sync. That’s my dance. What’s yours?
I Hope you Dance…
I hope you Dance
Paid Leave! Paid Overtime! Life’s Good!
FAMILY LEAVE
The United States lags behind over 70 countries now offering Paternity leave (Peck & Covert, 2014). It may take some time to catch up. But the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) revealed that major Silicon Valley companies and others have already voluntarily started the trek granting leave benefits to both women and men. Way to go Silicon Valley. Life’s Good! Others will follow.
OVERTIME: From $455 to $970 A Week…
Imagine a wage hike from $455 to $970, a week! Workers would be thrilled! The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), discussed the proposed changes to federal regulations that would increase the number of workers eligible for overtime pay. David Mark explained that under the current federal rules employees earning up to $455 weekly or $23,660 per annum, would qualify for overtime pay. However, if changes are made this would more than double to $970 weekly, or $50,440 per annum. No doubt a dramatic boost in take home pay for over 5 million people. This would certainly be a nightmare for employers who knowingly or unknowingly misclassify some workers, but definitely a dream come through for employees. Fleeting? Maybe. Stay tuned for more on this issue.
<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/fleeting/”>Fleeting</a>
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One Love: The Challenge..The Meaning
One Love is universal. My perspective ….curled up on an island with a good book. Can’t help but to think of the legendary Bob Marley’s song …One Love.
Weekly photo challenge <a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/one-love/”>One Love</a>
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Legacy: What’s Love Got to do with it?
Some stories must be told. It was the spring of 2003, after experiencing discomfort and a series of medical tests, the news was relayed to her…my little 30-year-old sister. Not only did they find a lump in her breast but it was also malignant. Visits to Specialists left her with two options; remove the breast, or embark on a series of chemo treatment. The option of removal was an uncommon feat at the time, so after engaging family, friends and mountains of prayers, she made the decision to save the breast, and embrace the chemo treatment. A decision she never regretted.
After many bouts of treatment, combined with the usual side effects of hair loss, nervous system changes including numbness, weak feelings, and more…she lost the fight. A fight that lasted over 12 years. She fought to survive for her children. To see them live beyond their childhood years.
I write this not to seek sympathy but to share the innate character of my sister—Carleen, a stalwart! A fighter! A survivor extraordinaire! A teacher by profession, she spent her years in New York, Florida, and the Caribbean educational systems molding the minds of countless youths. Many were overwhelmed by the genuine care and concern she showed for her students, most of whom she brought from non-or-minimal performance to the realms of exceeded expectations.
Today, I choose to celebrate and recognize the life of my sister—Elaine, AKA Carleen. Today, I choose to celebrate the character and personal attributes of someone who has made a difference in the lives of many. Carleen, our family remembers you. We love you! We salute you! What’s love got to do with it? Everything! Your legacy lives on.
<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/legacy/”>Legacy</a>
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Workplace Trends
In a major survey with human resource executives, managers, and more Forbes Magazine writer Dan Schawbel predicts 10 workplace trends expected in 2016. These are based on companies doing more with fewer resources in the midst of advances in technology and security issues arising as a result. Some challenges include the war for talent, adapting to change, and the need for workforce training. Compare and Contrast these trends and check your industry knowledge, and readiness.
- The acceptance of boomerang employees and the challenges for job seekers.
- The leadership gap will start being filled as boomers retire in numbers.
- Workplace flexibility becomes the biggest topic of conversation. Includes employees being reachable outside of office hours on their personal time. Work week up from 40 to 47 hours.
- Wearable technology (e.g. Apple watch, Fitbit) is being taken more seriously and disrupts business as usual. Wearables take advantage of our 24/7 business environment and helps workers retrieve information and be more efficient.
- Companies get serious about office design and use it as a way to increase collaboration and attract top talent.
- Obamacare takes full effect, causing premiums to surge and companies to pass more costs to employees. In order to remain profitable, companies will have to hire freelancers and remove some or all full-time workers.
- Companies figure out how to automate more jobs and modernize their workplaces at the cost of employees. But new jobs will be created.
- The first group of Generation Z will enter the workforce. They will choose work-life balance over salary, and will be seen more connected through technology.
- More professionals seek gigs instead of full-time jobs as the sharing and freelance market place expand.
- Maternity leave becomes bigger discussion as employee benefit
<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/contrast/”>Contrast</a>
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Women of Excellence
Inspired by LRCC Women of Excellence including Pauline Grant, CEO BrowArd Health North, Dr. L.Sam who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for Freedom challenge, and Channel 7 Danielle Knox. Roxanne Valies candidate for State Rep District 95 introduced Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Guest Speaker. Candidates for 2016 state of Florida elections were presented.
Most of us long to achieve success in whatever way we can. These individuals achieved success through giving back, through involvement in our community. To each that’s their success.
<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/longing/”>Longing</a>
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Take the Leap
The challenges of life can often be scarey. But you know what’s worse? Not having tried at all. Today, let’s be encouraged to take the leap! Go after your dreams! Goals! Aspirations! Whichever way, you will be a success for having tried.
Go ahead….leap!
<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/leap/”>Leap</a>
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Survive! Desert Island Must Haves
Daily prompt: A classic question, revisited: what are the five items you must have on a deserted island?
The results are in! 5 Desert island essentials polled are:
- Water &/or filtration bottle for purification
- Tent
- Knife
- lighter or matches
- Warm clothes
<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/five-items/”>Five Items</a>
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If I had 6 hours….
If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first four hours sharpening my axe. Abraham Lincoln
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How I Became a Human Resource Manager
I never dreamed of a career in Human Resources. From an early age, I would look to the stars and dream of being involved in healthcare, or the airline industry. Of course these are two very different industries but my passion for people was evident from then. After graduating high school, I got the dream call for an interview as a flight attendant. I am always punctual, but for some strange reason I ended up being 10 minutes late for the interview, and was ‘disqualified’ from that opportunity.
I took it as a sign when I was hired by one of the nation’s big commercial banks. That opened the doors to human resource management for me; or as it was called back then—personnel management. I was exposed to benefits administration, performance management, and more. Being the fast learner that I am—I learned, and learned, and learned.
This boosted me into the next position with a major international pharmaceutical company, that further exposed me to human resource management at the global level. I learnt not only the facets of HR at the local level, but had to interpret laws and practices for different countries that fell under my portfolio of responsibility. In my job I had to travel across countries throughout the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Education
What about education? As I journeyed, I felt led to receive formal training. Armed with a Bachelors in Business Management, I pursued a Masters in Human Resource Management. I also decided to minor in HR Development, while studying Doctorate in Education, Major Organizational Leadership. This then propelled my current role as Coach, and Human Resource Consultant.
As laws, technology and people change, there is no doubt that it is an advantage to become a member of organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This syncs with organizations such as local Human Resource Associations. Personally, I continue to participate in local, and national conferences. These days I conduct personal development Success workshops, backed by my research and subsequent publishing of book on Leaders and Success Strategies.
Success and Challenges Along the Way
Naturally, there have been challenges along the way. My most challenging feat arose during my first encounter with an international merger, between two giant pharmaceutical companies. Embracing two different cultures, employee relations issues, diversity, compensation, and benefits management in different countries was a challenge, to say the least. But as I look back and reflect on the Employer of Choice award, I am pleased. This experience molded me into my love for change management today. This passion has taken me across different industries including healthcare, hospitality, and others to name a few.
Even though there have been ups and downs since then, I have never regretted my decision to enter this profession. Every time I help a client improve their business, it makes me feel totally satisfied. Hearing the frustrations in their voices when they first contact me, and then seeing the satisfaction on their faces when things improve… is exhilarating!
In addition, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) shared the result of the annual compilation of the most in-demand jobs done by CareerBuilder, and Economic Modeling Specialist International. Not surprising, Human Resource jobs were included among the top 20 positions-yea! The article stated that Human Resource Managers require a college degree and that this career position has grown by over 14,218 since 2010. This confirms that yes, it is a fine time to get into Human Resources.
So if you have the people skills, the spirit of resilience, and other facets mentioned, then go for it! Despite the stresses of the position, the job is totally satisfying….and oh by the way, it pays too. So what are you waiting for? Get started today, and if you’re like me, you’ll have no regrets!
Interested in how others got into this profession, read SHRM’s https://shar.es/1CXf4p via @SHRM
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Seasons of Our Lives
Source: Seasons of Our Lives
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Seasons of Our Lives
Marriages. Births. Graduations. Careers. Deaths. To everything there is a season. Today’s prompt encouraged us to examine our lives. What season are we in? We plant in the Springtime, and in the Summer we nurture, support, develop, improve. Then reap the flow of our work in the Fall. In the Winter with its stabbing cold, we prepare the way for yet another springtime.
It’s the same in our lives. Laura speaks of her temporary rain. At times we experience sorrow and grief. At times both pain and happiness. If we are single, we want to get married. Then we want to have kids. Then we want them to grow up and get out of the house. Then we experience sadness because the kids are out, and we are lonely. We may smile but tis true. Seems we are never satisfied, always asking ourselves what if
To everything there is a season. What season of life are you in now? With the sickness of a loved one, the publishing of a book, and more… mine is mixed as depicted in this photo. What’s yours?
