PEO CANADA

If success rests on the cohesiveness of our work groups, how can we achieve proactive, dedicated and united teams?

Teambuilding should be part of every Managers daily routine, in one form or another; however, it often comes in the form of a planned event or meeting.  There are two common characteristics of successful teambuilding: increased synergy, meaning the contributions of two or more employees is greater than the sum of their individual efforts, and enhanced collaboration.  Does having a potluck create synergy?  Will golfing with your three favorite work friends foster enhanced collaboration?  Far too often teambuilding events are viewed by the employer as a reward rather than a meaningful exercise to build their organization.  With many keen eyes on your bottom line, how can these expenses be justified as teambuilding based on their minimal return on investment?

I had the fortune recently to participate in a powerful team building event where a group of employees worked together to create their teams’ vision, mission and value statements.  As the group began to share their own opinions of what makes a successful team and what they bring to that team as an individual, they were able to develop a greater appreciation for each other.  This was achieved simply by opening a line of communication that typically never exists in their every day work experience.  Why does Travis keep to himself?  Why is Bonnie so stressed out?  Developing an awareness of one another that goes beyond ‘who does what’ or ‘who likes who’ to a level where ‘I understand where she is coming from’ is essential as a building block in developing the norms and attitudes that will positively shape your organization.

Organizations can use many different techniques to involve employees in proactive teambuilding.  For those seeking a value adding exercise that fosters proactive, dedicated and united teams, I recommend finding an appropriate facilitator, internally or externally, to guide your work group in a meaningful discussion of its vision, mission and values.  

Executives, Managers and Human Resource professionals alike are continuously striving to create and maintain strong teams within their organization…please feel free to share your successes….I would love to hear about them!

More and more companies are realizing the value of outsourcing non-core competencies in order to focus on growing their business. There are still many however that hesitate in handing off any responsibilities that are typically done “in-house”.

How do I know the people I am outsourcing to are competent?

There are a couple of ways to ensure you choose a quality provider. First, research the history of the company and find out how long they have been providing the services you need. Companies that have been around for a long time have probably done so because they are doing something right! Second, ask for references. Client references are a great way to check on how the provider has been able to help and ensure the information you are receiving from the provider is in fact accurate. In other words, you can feel confident that they will do what they say they are going to do.

Are there any hidden costs?

One of the reasons to outsource is to cut down and control your costs so it is best to know ALL of the costs from the start! Beware of additional fees for items such as reporting, licensing and set-up. Be sure to compare apples to apples. Often in outsourcing, you are comparing costs of providing the service “in-house” internally to the outsourced solution.  Don’t forget to compare the hidden costs of your in-house solution as well.

Am I going to lose control?

This is a common fear among business owners especially after they have, in many instances, spent years growing their company to where it is today. Before signing the contract be sure that you can schedule a regular meeting with the provider to keep you in the loop and also ask if they can provide you with regular reports.

Once you get over these hurdles, you will be that much closer to getting back to the primary goal of your organization, growing your business!

What is pandemic influenza?

Influenza is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by an influenza virus.  Pandemic

influenza occurs when a new influenza virus, with an ability to spread easily from human to

human, circulates worldwide.

Pandemic influenza presents a new biological hazard into the workplace, and Health Canada (2006) anticipates a 20 to 25 percent work absenteeism rate during pandemic influenza.  It has been more than 35 years since the last pandemic and the historical average has been every 25 years.

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza virus in Canada have been generally mild and are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza. Symptoms may include:

·         Fever;

·         Cough;

·         Fatigue;

·         Muscle aches;

·         Lack of appetite;

·         Some people have also experienced runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

With so many people expected to become ill from this virus, the impact on your business can be significant.  An important strategy to combat this virus, not only in your work life but in your daily life, is prevention.  A constant regimen of hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing (preferably with a tissue) and keeping distance from crowds during a pandemic will slow the spread of the virus.

Employee education about pandemic influenza is also important in stopping the spread of the virus.  A well outlined policy in conjunction with a company emergency preparedness plan will help everyone within your organization understand their role during a pandemic.

Any pandemic will be a balancing act for employers who have to weigh employee health and well-being with productivity.  Having a contingency plan for employees that become ill or are caring for an ill family member working from home for example, will go a long way to reducing a company’s losses during a pandemic.  

The time to plan for the upcoming season is now.  It is too late to start planning after the flu season has started, which is traditionally from October to April.  Has your company started planning for the pandemic? 

http://www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/influenza-H1N1.html

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza/