Jennifer Loftus Articles

What are Some Best Practices in the Area of Sabbatical Leave - Click To Read Article
Debating on whether or not you should implement that sabbatical leave practice? There are ways to use this sometimes forgotten policy and to use it well.

Using Total Rewards to Motivate Sales Professionals During Uncertain Economic Times - Click To Read Article
Confused on what to do in an unsure economy with your sales professionals? Need new ideas to help motivate and retain the best performers? This article will help spark some fresh thoughts for your compensation packages.

Time Management Skills & Work - Click To Read Article
Doesn’t it sometimes feel as though there aren’t enough hours in a day to complete all the things you would like to accomplish? No doubt, everyone at one time or another, whether at work, home, or school, has felt like this. However, does this problem exist due to procrastination or lack of time management skills?

The Top 6 Ways to Violate the FLSA - Click To Read Article
The title says it all here: 6 ways that organizations violate the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The New York Knicks and the New York Yankees – What Can They Teach Us About HR? - Click To Read Article
With basketball season about to head into playoffs and baseball season just about to start, it's a very exciting time in the world of sports. It's also very exciting to see just exactly what professional sports can teach us in HR.

The Employee Free Choice Act - What You Need to Know - Click To Read Article
The Employee Free Choice Act is currently pending legislation, and if passed it may throw organized unions into a frenzy.

The Fair Labor Standards Act: What You Need to know - Click To Read Article
Ever wonder what the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) means for your organization? Here is your one stop shop on the legislation and how it may (or may not) affect your organization.

Telecommuting: Is it feasible for your company? - Click To Read Article
In researching fiscally sensitive lifestyle adjustments, this Astronology reporter discovered the growing trend of telecommuting. While it may not seem like a common HR subject, telecommuting is becoming a highly important topic in organizations.

Succession Planning Whats the Latest - Click To Read Article
Staying ahead of the curve is one way to help prevent problems, and will give you ample time to deal with problems should they arise. Be prepared for the foreshadowed leadership shortage coming up in the next few years.

Spring Cleaning…Let’s get organized!! - Click To Read Article
Spring cleaning is often a common activity at this time of year. Besides the usual personal sprucing in the home, why not carry this positive approach to the workplace?

SHRM 2008 – A First-Hand Overview of the Conference - Click To Read Article
Were you at the 2008 SHRM Conference & Exposition? Did you miss it? Either way, here are high-lights from the big show; enjoy!

Save Your Employees from the Dark Side - Human Resource Lessons Learned from Star Wars - Click To Read Article
If you've ever wondered how the greatest movie franchise in history and HR are similar, than this article is right up your alley. Great HR advice all great companies utilize.

ROI – 411 for Measuring Human Capital - Click To Read Article
Looking for a quick lesson on ROI? This article explains what exactly ROI is, how it relates to HR, and easy techniques to utilize within your organization.

REVISED 2009 Compensation Budgets - Click To Read Article
During the last 6-8 weeks of 2008, Astron Solutions received many inquiries regarding the impact of the unsettled economy on 2009 budget plannings. We took an in depth analysis of the situation, and alongside research have concluded with the following.

Redefinition of Leadership - Click To Read Article
Ever wonder what strategies work to have successful leadership within an organization? As times continue to change, so do the tried and true standards. Business standards are evolving to keep up with the influx of the new standards of life in the 21st century. This article will help your organization stay ahead of the learning curve and not be left behind.

Protecting Your Employees and Company in the Face of Big Labor's Ambitious Legislative Agenda - Click To Read Article
Changes in labor laws are only a few months away. With the incoming Democratic administration and Congress, these laws that were once on the back burner are now at the forefront. Be ready for these changes, and this article will help you prepare so none of the impending changes will affect your organization.

Recession Slump…Helping Employees During the Crunch - Click To Read Article
There’s no denying it. There are hiring freezes everywhere, and unemployment statistics increase daily. This recession slump is hitting America hard, and organizations everywhere are trying to stay afloat. In previous recessions, layoffs have been the number one solution to combat rising expenses in the face of lower revenues.

Open Communication…How Important is it really? - Click To Read Article
This week, Astronology discusses open communication, and how important it really is for an organization.

Keeping Your Variable Compensation Programs in Compliance with the FLSA - Click To Read Article
Ever wondered how to keep your bonus/incentive programs within the FLSA guidelines? Then this is all you need.

July 4rth Crash Course in History - Click To Read Article
Barbeques. Retail sales. Fireworks. These are a few of the things we think of when we consider the 4rth of July or Independence Day. But was July 4th the real day that America was born? In this issue of Astronology, we take a quick crash course into U.S. History with some startling but fun facts.

Labor Day…Just Another Holiday? - Click To Read Article
Every year, near the end of August, many prepare for the federal holiday of Labor Day on the first Monday of September. A lot of people consider Labor Day the close of summer. Many look forward to the last summer barbeque, time spent with family and friends, and also the Labor Day sales! Interestingly, the origins of the Labor Day holiday are not always discussed. In this edition of Astronology we will crack open the history books to discover the origins of the federal holiday of Labor Day.

Innovative Trends in Non-Profit Executive Compensation - Click To Read Article
Non-profit executives earning 50% more than in 2000 and receiving bonuses? See what's driving these trends and if they will continue on their climb.

Is There Financial Literacy in Your Workplace? - by Rich Virgilio, SPHR - Click To Read Article
Some companies will spend plenty of time discussing financial management with their employees. Other companies may spend minimal time or even no time at all. See how your company stacks up against the rest.

How to Strengthen Your Organizational Communication Practice - Click To Read Article
With these six easy steps, you can guarantee that your organization will have the best communication practices possible.

I Said it was the Money; But I Lied UPDATED Oct 2007 - Click To Read Article
Same topic as the original, with data and interpretations reflecting the results from 2007.

I Said it was the Money; But I Lied - Click To Read Article
As the economy continues to strain, recruiting and retaining talent will become even more important than ever. This article tackles this urgent topic, explaining many ways to help organizations go about their recruiting and retention methods. If you need any help with this, here is a great way to kick off your program.

How to Make 2008 Great – Employment Branding - Click To Read Article
As American organizations continue its switch over from an industrial to a service-based, employment branding continues to grow in importance. In this article you will find the basics of employment branding and three tips to help your organization stay on top of this important issue.

How the Madison Square Garden Lawsuit Changes Sexual Harassment in the Workplace - Click To Read Article
Hall of Fame NBA star Isiah Thomas was surrounded by controversy during his very impressive career on the court, and that is still the case now that he is on the sidelines.

Helicopter Parents Descending onto Your Organization - Click To Read Article
Has your organization seen an increase in the number of "helicopter" parents involving themselves with their child's work, social and personal life? If so, you're not alone. This trend has definitely taken an upswing the past few years, and has become so common that there are organizations trying to devise strategies on how to combat this phenomenon.

Holidaze: Beating the Holiday Blues and Stress - Click To Read Article
The holidays are a joyous and jovial time. But for some, this simply is not true. The added pressures and anxieties of this wonderful season can really weigh on someone, and affect both their personal and professional lives. This article can help vaccinate your organization’s employees' holiday blues by taking these preventive measures.

Halloween At Your Place of Employment - Click To Read Article
Ever wonder if celebrating Halloween in the office would offend your employees? Or maybe you've always wanted to have that Halloween celebration, but didn't want to step on anybody's toes. Even if you've started planning for your Halloween function at work, did you know you might be breaking the law? This article is your one-stop shop for all things Halloween Celebration in the office.

Gaining Competitive Edge Through Learning - Click To Read Article
Learning can help give our organization the competitive edge, taking the lead when you'll need it the most. This article focuses on just that; how to gain that edge and keep ahead of the curve.

Finance Terms Made Simple - Click To Read Article
Do terms like "gross margin" and "deferral of taxes" scare you? If so, then this short reference guide is what you're looking for!

FLSA Pitfalls and Innocent Errors - Click To Read Article
Inspired by the presentation given by Astron’s own Michael F. Maciekowich, in partnership with Bond, Schoenick, & King, entitled: “Can Your Compensation System Weather the (Hurricane) Winds of Change from the Obama Administration?” this edition of Astronology will tackle some of the pitfalls and innocent errors organization sometimes find themselves in when handling serious issues with the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA.

Facial Hair in the Office? The Pros and Cons - Click To Read Article
Facial hair is one of many ways that a man can shape their image. Some organizations allow facial hair of all kinds, while others only want clean shaven faces. Which works the best? This article explores these options, and everything in between.

Employee Engagement: How to Keep From Boring Your Employees - Click To Read Article
Have you ever wondered how your organization can keep its employees from feeling stale? Have you ever felt stale? In this article we explore ways to help keep employees feeling fresh and involved within their organization.

Democrat/Republican HR Positions – Election Preview - Click To Read Article
Earlier this year, Astronology examined the views of our presidential candidates in preparation for Super Tuesday. As voting day closes in on us, it’s imperative that we visit the political subject again. How does this year’s presidential campaign affect the world of Human Resources? With our magnifying glass at the ready, we took an even closer look at our two candidates, examining where they stood in February, and where they stand now.

Custom Survey Do’s and Don’ts - Click To Read Article
If your company opts to utilize a custom survey instead of a published market survey, here is a short guide to creating the perfect survey. With this overview your organization is sure to avoid these classic mistakes.

Deal or no Deal: The All or Nothing Mentality in Negotiations - Click To Read Article
Risk aversion is one of the main factors that may be holding people back from both finding that million dollar case AND finding that million dollar job. A look at how the most captivating game show in recent years is very relevant for negotiations in the business world.

Changes in Human Resources: What Should we Look For in 2009? - Click To Read Article
2009 has been promised as a year of change. How will this affect your organization, specifically in a Human Resources way? Well, in a few ways. With new FMLA laws, new amendments to the ADA law, and a talent retention crisis looming on the horizon, use this article to better prepare your organization for any change which will affect your HR department.

Business Coaching and Mentoring: Are They Worth the Effort? - Click To Read Article
Many people consider Business Coaching and Business Mentoring to be the same thing. Even though they are both organizational development terms, they are not synonymous. This issue of Astronology investigates the practicality of Business Coaching and Business Mentoring.

Back to School Pt. 3: Work & Parenting...Can They Coexist Harmoniously? - Click To Read Article
Part 3 of our Back to School miniseries gives us a look at how a career and parenting can live together. We see that if parenting and a career are fighting for the same allotment of time, the consequences are nothing short of quite costly. Here are some tips on how to alleviate that stress from life, and how to make this tricky relationship between career and parenting work, and work well.

Back to School, Part 1/3: Working and Learning – Can They Be Balanced? - Click To Read Article
How can work and school be balanced? Does the organization gain any benefits from employee’s continuing education? Can an organization assist their employees? If so, then how? If you and your organization find yourselves asking these questions, then this article is for you. Just the first part of a three part series regarding going to school while having a career.

Back to School, Part 2/3: Internships – Creating an Internship Experience That Benefits Both Parties - Click To Read Article
Part 2 of 3 of the Back to School series shows us what internships can do for both the intern and the employer.

April Fools Day: Employee Morale and How to Kill it in 5 Easy Steps - Click To Read Article
For our first article in April, in recognition of April Fool’s Day, we’ve decided to make light of a serious topic. As an August 2008 Training Trends e-newsletter pointed out, there are “countless articles and books that promise to tell employers how to boost employee morale.” Why not take a shortcut from buying and reading all of those books and take a look at the top 5 ways to kill employee morale?

Addressing Political Activism in the Workplace - Click To Read Article
With the 2008 Presidential Election swiftly approaching, learning how to treat political debate and actions in the office is the best way to prevent any future problems.

A Look Back at All That Happened in 2008 - Click To Read Article
2008 was a very busy year. Astronology takes a look at the major happenings of 2008 and their implications on the human resource industry.

2007 - The Year in Reviews in Human Resources and a Look at 2008 - Click To Read Article
A look through 2007 and what should we focus on in 2008 to make it the best year yet.

2009 Salary Planning Forecast - Click To Read Article
With 2009 coming up quickly, it's time to start planning for the year's plan on compensation budgeting. Need help? This article is the perfect place to start.

2009 SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition Recap - Click To Read Article
It was rainy and damp, filled with good times and great learning experiences. The SHRM 2009 Annual Conference and Exposition drew over 6,000 Human Resource professionals from across the country to New Orleans, LA for 4 days of learning and fun.


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