Welcome to HR Club Philippines' Online Newsletter

This Online Newsletter is a by-product of Businessmaker Academy's Educational Program on Human Resource Management. Aside from our regular forum, we've decided to digitally deliver helpful news, insights and project ideas to help you make positive improvements in your workplace. Basically, we're here to help you help others at work.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

HEALTHCARE OPTIONS

[Published in Manila Bulletin last June 2011]

In my last article, I talked about medical crisis and how you can take charge of your health and cushion yourself from exorbitant medical bills in case you get sick and hospitalized. (To read the article, you may check out my blog at http://hrclubonline.blogspot.com)

This time, I'd like to discuss the healthcare plans and types available in the Philippines since shopping for a health card can get overwhelming and confusing. Here are some of the healthcare programs that are being offered in the market. I find that each type of plan has strong and weak points and choosing your plan will all depend on your budget and preference.

SSS and Philhealth

If there are items in my pay slip that I'm more than willing to get deductions for, these would be at the top of my list. SSS provides maternity benefits, sick benefits and even a small pension as long as you pass their requirements. I personally have had the privilege of using my maternity benefit this year and it was a big help. Philhealth also provides you a sizable discount off your hospital bills so it made my hospital stay more affordable.

Both the employer and employee are legally required to give shared contributions for these funds. Your HR or Accounting Department will process payment for you so it's pretty easy to join and maintain membership. Be sure to go and get your SSS and Philhealth ID so that you can avail of the benefits. It is also prudent to check if your company is indeed remitting your payments to these agencies. There are a few irresponsible companies out there who deduct SSS and Philhealth contributions from their employees' pay slips but fail to remit them to the right agencies.

Although our SSS and Philhealth benefits will help us during a medical crisis, more often than not, they are not enough. So to protect themselves, employers and individuals enroll in extra healthcare programs that are offered by insurance companies. There are various healthcare plans and types out there and if you are seriously interested in getting a health plan for you, your family or employees, be sure to research and do due diligence.

HMO - Health Maintenance Organization

When you become a policy-holder of an HMO, you get access to their network which consists of hundreds of doctors, clinics and hospitals. You also can avail of the network's medical services with no cash outlay. This means that when you go visit an accredited doctor or get hospitalized, all you have to do is present your card and follow procedures, but you won't have to spend as long as costs are within you maximum benefit. This type of plan usually covers in-patient and out-patient services. Dental services and personal accident insurance are optional.

Medical Insurance

Not all doctors are created equal. Some are really just better. If you are like me who take time and great effort to find great doctors with experience and good bedside manners, then you may want to get a healthcare plan that allows you to choose your own doctor. Most Medical Insurance Plans allow this, but they are usually reimbursement type. This means that you will still have to put up the money to pay your doctor, but you can reimburse from the insurance company later on as long as you follow their process and requirements. Some Medical Insurance companies offer flexibility and let you choose coverage. You can go with basic in-patient and you can just add on outpatient, dental and others. There are even plans that let you add on an HMO component which offers access to their medical services network without cash outlay.

HMO with Pension

There are also some companies who offer combination plans wherein you pay premiums for several years with a locked-in arrangement. You get access to their network of doctors, clinics and hospitals with no cash outlay. Then after a certain number of years, you get a portion of your money back. The money back feature is an attractive offer, but rates are a little bit higher initially. It's worth a look if you have extra cash to spare.

Hospital Confinement Insurance

If you get hospitalized, you are faced with many issues. Aside from the medical bills you have to pay, you also will lose the opportunity to earn income. The purpose of this type of insurance is to give you an allowance during your period of hospital confinement. It is supposed to supplement you income loss. Some plans offer money back guarantee while other's don't.

There are many other types of Insurance that will suit your needs. These are just some of them. If you want to invest in healthcare insurance plans, be sure to research, investigate and ask other plan-holders. Read the policy very well. Ask about pre-existing conditions (if you don't know what this means, ask the agent to explain as this is a crucial point). Know and understand the benefits and limitations of your plan before you plunk your hard-earned money on it. The last thing you want when you are in a medical crisis is to be denied coverage. So read and ask a lot of questions.

I hope this article has shed a little light on important features of healthcare plans. If you are a jobseeker, don’t just look at how much salary you will get, but check if the company provides healthcare benefits. If your company offers healthcare, be very grateful. If they don't, consider getting a plan for yourself or your family.

We all work really hard to earn and save money. A single disease can easily wipe us out. So take charge of your health and finances while you are still healthy.

MEDICAL CRISIS

[Published in Manila Bulletin last June 2011]

When illness strikes, it could be very devastating to any hardworking person. Medical bills can wipe out your entire savings. If your disease is contagious or debilitating, you will be asked to stop working for awhile and this means loss of income for a critical period in time. And if you are the breadwinner in your family, you can just imagine how this will impact your loved ones who depend on you.

Let me share with you the experience of one reader and the issues he is faced with during his illness...

Dear Ms. Jhoanna,

I was recently diagnosed with Pneumonia. At first, my company allowed me to take a break for a few weeks to recover. But I got hospitalized and during that time, it was discovered that I also contracted tuberculosis.

My medical bills reached Php95,000 and I did not have enough money to pay the hospital so I asked my employer if they could help. They provided financial aid as well as a salary loan, but it's not enough to cover my hospital expenses. Our HR manager then suggested that we go for termination due to prolonged illness with an option to reapply to the company when I get better. She said, this way, I can get a separation pay. I agreed to this, but they are asking me now to submit a medical report, as well as sign a quit claim before they release the money. I'm very stressed right now and I can't help but feel paranoid with all the paperwork they are letting me sign. Is this really necessary?

Honestly, I feel very depressed. I have spent years working so hard trying to save up but I'll have to spend it all to pay for my medical bills. It's so unfair! I'm sick. I can't work. I don't have money. How can hardworking people like me move up in life? What can I do to improve my situation?

From,
Kevin

My response:

I'm sorry to hear about your illness and I sincerely hope that you will get well soon. It is normal to feel emotional distress when you are physically ill, not to mention the pressure of being faced with a steep medical bill. But do know that this too will pass, so hang in there.

Based from your letter, I think your company is pretty decent as they have provided you medical assistance and salary loan. They are also willing to give you separation pay as well as give you a job when you get better, so you can at least get some relief and not worry about job opportunities for the time-being, while you are recovering.

The paperwork is necessary. Legally, if a company is terminating an employee due to prolonged illness, a medical report must be submitted and this must be issued by a duly authorized public health officer. It is also prudent for companies to document all things related to termination. Efficient HR practitioners will normally ask you to sign a salary release, clearance and quit claim form. So just read the documents properly and sign, if everything is in order.

As an optimistic person, I don't really enjoy talking about sickness, disability or even death. But I know that Illness can strike anyone regardless of race, educational attainment and economic status. So for my peace of mind, I've chosen to face these issues head on and find ways to protect me and my family from these types of crisis. I urge everyone to do the same.

To protect yourself and your family against illness-related disasters and to cushion the financial blow that comes with it, take the time and effort to...

Invest in Health

In the movie "Tanging Ina", Ms. Ai Ai says: "Ang batang masipag, paglaki... pagod," (A kid who works hard, grows up to become... tired!). Many people who work hard, do just that---work hard. In the midst of all that hard work, they forget to eat properly, to rest well and to do the right kind of exercise. So they end up working hard for money, then they get sick and lose the money they earned while working hard in the first place! It's a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped. The best way to prevent illness-related blows is to stay healthy. Eat if you have to eat. Take a break if you need to rest. Wash your hands often to avoid bacteria and viruses. If you get sick, stay home until you get better. Don't ever act like a martyr by forcing yourself to go to work when you are seriously ill or worse, contagious. Other people might catch what you have and they won't be happy about it. Learn to work smarter, not harder. You will become healthier and happier in the long-run.

Invest in Affordable Health Insurance

Honestly, today's medical costs can give you a heart-attack. Depending on the illness and treatment required, bills can run from thousands to millions. Your SSS and Philhealth membership will help a bit, so make sure your contributions are up to date. If your company provides healthcare or HMO, good for you. It will help pay for your hospitalization in case you get confined. But if your company does not provide this benefit, you can proactively research and look for an affordable plan for you and your family (or even get free healthcare if you're a Makati resident with that magic yellow card).

See, companies are not required by law to give healthcare benefits aside from SSS and Philhealth. So they are not legally bound to cover your medical costs. Employers will pay you for your day's work. They are responsible for providing good working conditions, but they are not accountable for your health. In other words, you are ultimately responsible in taking care of yourself.

Hardworking people must not just work hard, but more importantly, they should live smart. Take care of your health and finances now, because nobody else will do it for you. Stay healthy!

JOB HUNTING ETIQUETTE

[Published in Manila Bulletin last May 2011]

Last week, a group of new graduates dropped by our office and asked if there were any job vacancies. Our receptionist told them that they can leave their resumes and she’ll hand it to the HR department. Surprisingly, they did not have any resumes with them--- Yikes! This is like entering a battlefield without any weapons!

One of them, however, volunteered to come back on the same day since his house is near our office. So he rushed to get his resume and came back within an hour. When our receptionist asked for his resume, he took out his USB memory stick and said it was inside. He then asked if he could have it printed in our office--- Double yikes! This is like asking your opponent to make your weapon for you!

Our receptionist nicely informed him that she cannot do that for him. He’ll have to bring a printed copy to our office if he wants to drop off his resume and apply. So he went down to the print shop, had his resume printed and went back to submit it. He was then given a job application form to fill out. Then he asked our receptionist, “Can I borrow your pen?” --- Triple yikes! This is like bringing a weapon without bullets!

When I heard about this, I couldn’t help but be amused, but I also felt sad. Obviously, these new graduates were not trained well for job hunting. This lack of training will hamper their quest for a good job and it will waste their time, effort and resources.

So for those of you, who have not been given good guidance on job hunting, let me share some basic etiquette and tips that will make your job hunting more efficient and let you appear more professional.

Send a Message When You Email Resumes

If you want to apply via email, be sure to type in a short message indicating your intention of applying for a particular position. This shows that you can communicate in a professional manner and with proper etiquette. More importantly, the recruitment officer will immediately know what position you are interested in, which will then minimize the guess work. If you just attach your resume and send the email without a message, there’s a chance that your application might be misplaced or ignored. Some recruitment officers immediately delete resumes without cover letters or email messages. So better be safe than sorry.

Bring Your Job Hunting Kit

Prepare a job hunting kit or clear book with copies of your resume, transcript of records, medical certificate, NBI clearance, ID photos and pens. If you have a portfolio of projects that you have been involved in, add that to the kit.

When you get called in for an interview, bring this kit. You will find it very handy particularly if the recruitment officer didn’t print a copy of your emailed resume. Plus, it will save you the trouble of going back and forth like the young graduate mentioned above who tried to apply in our company.

Bring a Presentable Resume

Back in my time, we submitted printed resumes on crisp linen paper with a neat folder or envelop. If you can spend a little on nice paper, you can still do this so that your resume can stand out from the pile of resumes that recruitment officers go through. But skip the perfume or make sure that your paper does not smell of moth balls. I swear, whenever I encounter a resume that has a strong scent, I get a headache.

Research about the Company You are Applying For

Before you go for an interview, it will help to know what the company does. You can easily do this by googling and checking out the website of the company. While you are at it, you can even formulate smart questions that you can ask the interviewer. This will show the recruitment officer that you take time to prepare and get to know potential employers. It proves that you are not just interested in getting any job, but you are seriously interested in the company that you will eventually work for.

Dress in Smart Business Casual Attire

How you should dress for an interview depends on the company and position you are applying for. If you are applying in a traditional organization, better dress in conservative business attire. If you are applying in a dynamic and youthful organization, you can dress in more relaxed attire, but be sure you look presentable in decent clothing. If you are commuting, it is also best to bring a grooming or “kikay” kit. Bring a small towel or even an extra shirt to wipe off your sweat and other grooming aids that you can use to freshen up. You should always look your best when you want to impress.

Confident Handshake and Warm Greeting

If you are not yet comfortable shaking hands with people because you have never really done so in school, it is time to learn now. Practice shaking people’s hands with a moderately strong grip. Be sure to smile so that you will warm up the interviewer. If it helps, do this in front of a mirror.

Also, be polite when addressing people. If for instance, the name of the interviewer is Anne. Call her Ms. Anne to show respect.

Thank you

After the interview, if you want to be remembered, you can send a text or email message thanking the interviewer for the time and opportunity. People used to do this back in the old days. It’s called courtesy. But this practice is so uncommon nowadays, that you are sure to make an impression with this simple effort.

Minding Your Manners

Recruitment officers do not just look at the skills and educational background of job applicants. They also look at the attitude and breeding of a person which is apparent in one’s etiquette. So don’t forget to mind your manners all the time!

CAREER CHOICES

[Published in Manila Bulletin last May 2011]

At some point in time, you will be faced with major choices that will greatly impact your life. One of the critical decisions that you will have to make is your line of work. The question you will be faced is: What do you want to do with your life?

Most of us are faced with this decision at the end of our high school years when it is time to choose our major in college.

There are some very lucky people who know exactly what they want. For instance, at a very young age my brother already knew that he wanted to be an architect. He pursued it and has been highly successful in his chosen career.

Some people (like me) choose careers based on their interests and talents. They are not sure what exactly they will be when they grow up but they know in general what they like to do. So they choose careers where they can apply themselves and discover what’s in store for them in the process.

Yet, there are those who are not able to make a decision for a number of reasons. Some are simply clueless on what they want to be, some follow what’s in demand at the moment, while others are pressured into courses that their parents want for them. So they walk through a path of uncertainty and only find out later on if the career they have pursued is something they really like or not.

Now let me ask you, dear readers, how did you choose your career? Do you believe you made the right choice? Have you found satisfaction and success in your chosen career?

I recently received an email from a reader asking for advice about her choice of career. Let me share her issues with you so that we can all learn from her situation:

Dear Ms. Jhoanna,

I have been job hunting for the longest time. I have been waiting already for five years of nothing but continuous applications. Although I’d occasionally be called in for interviews, I cannot seem to land the job that I want. I get job interviews and exams, but when it is time to decide whether they are going to hire me, they would always not accept me.

See, my problem is that I graduated with a major in accounting from a prestigious school. But I dislike accounting, so my past work experiences are rather short. During interviews, I’d be asked why I had not stayed long enough with the companies that I have worked for. It is a reasonable question. But the fact is, I dislike accounting, hence the change of jobs. It would not have been the same if I graduated with a Masscom degree and I did the job I liked.

All throughout my young years, twenties and even early thirties, I disliked accounting and I wanted a job as a reporter. I sent resumes to networks but of course, there are tons who do the same. Since I’m not a MassCom graduate, how would they recognize me from the pile of resumes?

I just feel that maybe if I pursued Masscom in college, i would have a much different life than the life of unemployment that I have right now. It has been difficult. I haven’t had income since 2004 and I only rely on the Php200 allowance that I get from my Mom. I cannot overspend because my mom wouldn’t have budget for it. I know it sounds so little for someone whose got resources but the continuous rejections in jobs has amounted me to this. I really hope you could comment.

Sometimes, it is just too hard, I guess. But I believe there are solutions. I would always plan, meaning plan to get hired and they wouldn't hire me. So there comes a point when I lose hope in ever having a job again.

I was hoping you could somehow give me a suggestion as to how I could get hired by companies again. I am not as young as before. At this point, I’ll take any job. Right now, I am entertaining call center jobs and have a couple of interviews with them this week. When it comes to accounting jobs, I would always get bypassed.

Thanks, and appreciate your help.

Sincerely,
Jobseeker-reader

My Response:

Thanks for sharing your job hunting experience. All of us eventually make major decisions that greatly impact our lives. Some of those decisions will be good ones, while others may be bad. The good decisions are easy to see as it brings success and happiness while the bad ones may cause regret and frustration---BUT, the important question is this: If you make a wrong decision, does it follow that you are doomed to a life of failure and misery?

I think not. There are many roads that one can take in one's lifetime. We all have choices to make. If you take one road and feel that it's not right for you, you are not doomed. You can always turn left on the next stop, make a U-turn or go on a detour. It's not your choice of course that's holding you back, so try not to fall into the "What-If" trap. Instead, take what you can out of your learning in college and apply it in your life.

Since you have been out of work for a long time, I do suggest that you make an inventory of your skills, talents, knowledge and experience. Don’t limit yourself with your college major. HR practitioners do not just look at your educational attainment, they want to know your capabilities. Then check out all your job options whether it be freelance, part-time, full-time or even voluntary work. This will give you the chance to get reacquainted with work-life. It will put you in touch with people and open up opportunities. Making a living will boost your confidence. Whether it's your dream job or not, it doesn't matter at this point. You just need to get your feet wet again.

Stop making excuses from the past. Each day brings an opportunity to make better choices. It is time to take charge of your career!

Leadership Motivation: Are You Ready for a Promotion?

[Published in Manila Bulletin last April 2011]

Do you want to get promoted? Believe it or not, not everyone wants to be promoted to a position of leadership or as a supervisor or manager in the company they work for.

I observed this during my consultancy project with a top retail company for their Management Trainee Program. The employer wanted to give deserving salespeople a chance to move up by promoting them as supervisors. So their HR department set up a much publicized program wherein people can either volunteer on their own or be selected by their superiors to attend the company’s leadership training program which was a prerequisite to getting promoted.

Interestingly, most of the participants for the program were nominated by their managers. Not one volunteered to get into the program for a chance at moving up the ranks. This prompted the employer to ask: Why didn’t our people grab the chance of rising above the ranks? Don’t they want to get promoted to a position that pays higher? Do they lack the ambition?

This is where our consulting team stepped in. Before running a series of intensive leadership training workshops to develop the supervisorial skills of the attendees, we conducted a Training Needs Analysis to find out what the sentiments of the nominated attendees were about possibly taking on a new role as a supervisor. We needed to know if they were willing participants, since the success of the program hinged on how eager they were in becoming leaders.

DESIRE TO LEAD

See, the first and most basic prerequisite for leadership is the desire to lead. After all, becoming an effective leader takes dedication and commitment. It presents many challenges that you will have to face. If you're not prepared to work hard at developing your leadership skills or if, deep down, you're really not sure whether you are leadership material or not, you'll struggle with the new role.

In line with this, let me ask our dear readers… How ambitious are you? Do you want to be promoted as a supervisor or manager in your company? If your employer offered a similar program wherein you can volunteer to attend a required seminar to get the chance of moving up the ranks, would you volunteer?

If you answered YES to these questions, then good for you. You have a healthy dose of ambition and you are willing to step out of your comfort zone to move up in life. If, however, you answered NO, let’s see what’s holding you back. Could it be any of the reasons below?

BARRIERS TO LEADERSHIP

When we surveyed the selected employees of the top retail company, we did uncover some apprehensions and fearful attitudes about becoming a leader. Here are some of the common barriers that prevent people from embracing leadership.

Insecurity

Some people do not embrace positions of leadership because they are not confident that people will follow them or they feel they are not deserving of the position. In the case of the salespeople I mentioned earlier, some of them felt they are not capable because they are not college graduates.

Although education helps, I believe you don’t have to be a college graduate or have the pedigree to become a good leader. Instead, an eager learning mind and a mature understanding of people will push you to the right direction. Leadership skills can be learned and developed. If you believe in yourself, other people will believe in you too.

More Responsibility

Some people do not want to become a supervisor or manager because of the added responsibilities attached to a promotion. A position of leadership means that you will be overseeing people under you. For a lot of people, this is no easy feat so why bother with the added work?

The answer is it will make you grow---not just professionally, but also mentally and emotionally. The more you experience dealing with different personalities and situations, the better you will become as a person and the higher your chances of success in life. Having to manage people is a challenging feat, but you will enjoy the rewards if you learn to manage your team well.

Peer Pressure

Some people are hesitant to become leaders because they are afraid that their friends and colleagues will hold it against them or treat them differently. When you get promoted as a supervisor or manager, the dynamics of your relationship with your co-workers instantly changes especially if they become your subordinates. You will have to give them orders and correct them if they make mistakes. While they may be used to you as a work-buddy, they will have to adjust to you as their new “boss”.

I understand that this can be unnerving for most people, but I don’t think you should let it stop you from getting ahead in life. There are smart ways and means to rally your co-workers to support you as a leader which we cover in our training workshops. All it takes is a little savvy and an effective technique to prevent power-struggles with your peers.

BENEFITS OF LEADERSHIP

The above are just some of the issues that people wrestle with, but the benefits far outweigh the momentary difficulties of mastering the art of leadership. For one thing, a promotion means an increase in income and benefits which your family will enjoy. Aside from the financial rewards, your professional growth as a supervisor or manager in your company starts the wheel for greater achievement not just for yourself but the people around you. You become a better person because you build courage which you can bring with you for the rest of your life. But before you can become a good leader and get a promotion, you must first have the desire to lead.

FINDING OJT WORK

[Published in Manila Bulletin last March 2011]

Way back in my college years, we had all sorts of programs to prepare us for work in the real world. Our university required us to participate in practicum, thesis and OJT programs. And I must say, I learned a lot from these experiences. It was a good way to hone my skills and get a taste of the work environment. I’m glad that these sorts of programs are still being done today.

Recently, I received a Facebook message from a junior college student inquiring about OJT work. Here is a shortened version of his letter:

Hi Ms. Jhoanna,

I’m already at the junior year of my collegiate studies and as we approach our senior year, we are preparing for our OJT that should take place on the first semester of the next school year. We are not that rich that’s why I’m looking for a company that could help us to be exposed and be trained on the real jobs in the industry with a program that could help us pay for our tuition and daily expenses. Whoa, I thought it was easy to find companies who offer such things but it’s hard to find an attainable OJT program. Some of our schoolmates have even gone through bad experiences wherein they are the ones who are paying the company for their OJT program and yet they do not get to learn from the job. Our university has many partnering companies for the OJT of its students but they do not have the contact details for those companies. So I looked for the contact details myself and sent emails to some but only one replied. How could we now achieve our longed OJT when the local college can’t help further?

That is why I’m writing to you to ask for recommendations and other things we should do. I am looking forward to any advice that you can extend to us. Thank you for accommodating my inquiry and GOD bless you. ---J. Augustin, La Union

WAYS AND MEANS OF FINDING OJT WORK

To J. Augustin of La Union and other college students who are seeking OJT work: Welcome to the Real World!

Finding OJT work is very similar to job-hunting for regular employment after college. Even if your university has “partner companies” for OJT programs or Career Placement Offices, you will most likely still have to search and apply for a company that has a good OJT program that pays.

As you hunt for OJT work, you will get to experience and learn job-hunting skills. Yes, not all companies offer OJT programs with allowances, but there are some who do. So do your best to find them and learn as much as you can from the process as the skills that you will learn will help you later on when you are actually looking for a job after you graduate.

So let me give you some tips on how you can find OJT work that pays:

Google It

This has become my all-time solution for finding things: Looking for something? Google it! And it definitely applies to job-hunting. There are many companies who provide OJT work opportunities in the Philippines. Some of them are multinational firms, but there are also small-medium enterprises (SMEs) who provide OJT work that gives out allowances or per diem. This is the first thing I did after reading your letter and I immediately found a website portal in the Philippines that publishes OJT work opportunities online for BPO companies and other industries.

Connections

Use your contacts. Ask your relatives, friends and teachers if they know of OJT work opportunities. Perhaps they can give you referrals. Better yet, if you know of relatives and friends who own businesses, offer them your services. When I was in college, I found part-time work from my seatmate whose family owned a manufacturing firm. After college, I immediately found work through one of my professors who worked for an entertainment firm. When it comes to jobs, just seek and you shall find.

Apply for It

Similar to job-hunting, you will have to send in your application. When doing so, observe proper email etiquette. Write an email message about the details of your OJT program and the skills that you have that the company can utilize, aside from attaching your resume. This will make you stand out among other OJT applicants who typically just attach resumes without any message at all. A few years back, I received an email from a college student who was applying for OJT work. At that time, my company was not looking for trainees nor did we even have an OJT program. But I was so impressed with the applicant’s email and skills (she had an online website resume) that convinced me that I had to have her. So I started an OJT program just so that I could get her even for a short period of time. She didn’t ask to be paid, but we gave her an allowance because she deserved it.

Ask for Recommendation Letters

A good university OJT program provides support for their students, either by matching them with companies in need of OJTs or at least providing authorization or recommendation letters. The first OJT trainee that I got attached a recommendation letter from her professor as well, so it formalized and authenticated her application. These documents are optional but they help.

It’s a Job

When applying for work, whether it’s OJT or regular employment, show the employer the skills that you have that will help their company instead of just telling them that you want the OJT program to provide you with the best learning experience. Employers are busy running the day-to-day operations of their business. Most do not have the time to train students who will only be there for a short period of time and leave after 300 hours. That is why not all employers are willing to pay for OJT work. However, if you can show them that you’ve got skills that can really help them, they may seriously consider hiring you as OJT with pay like what I did.

See, OJT work is a job. You may be in it to learn, but business people and employers pay for work and performance. So ask not what the employer can do for you, but ask what you can do for your employer. That’s how you can find OJT work that pays!

THANK GOD FOR MATERNITY & PATERNITY LEAVES!

[Published in Manila Bulletin last February 2011]

With all the excitement of first-time parents, my husband and I welcomed our daughter’s arrival with tears of joy early last month. Upon rooming her in, however, our thrill quickly turned into panic as we listened helplessly to the shrill cries of our baby girl who wailed non-stop for one whole night.


No amount of breastfeeding attempt, swaddling, diaper change and cuddling could calm her down. Our feisty angel was angry and the whole nursery floor would hear about it as she had the loudest cry among the bunch of newborn babies that week. Her shrieks could be heard through the hospital hallways like a fire alarm that wouldn’t turn off. It was the most overwhelming 12-hour experience my husband and I ever encountered so far. In the midst of all that chaos, we agreed that the pressures of work pales in comparison to the challenges parents face day-to-day. So, thank God for Maternity and Paternity Leaves!

As business managers who pride ourselves of being strategic and systematic, we diligently did our homework prior to our baby’s birth. Like most parents, we read up as much as we can and watched Youtube videos on newborn care. But no amount of research could prepare us for the 7.8-pound loudspeaker that suddenly turned our life upside-down.

I realized then how important and helpful Maternity and Paternity leaves are. I now see these types of leaves as not just benefits companies are required by law to provide, but necessities. Parents need time off to care for and get to know their newborns. Mothers need to recover from the pains of birth and fathers are needed to keep everyone’s sanity in check.

But like a lot of benefits, not all employers and employees are aware of the details of Government-Mandated Maternity and Paternity Leaves. Here some basic information about these benefits.

MATERNITY LEAVE

According to the Handbook of Worker’s Statutory Monetary Benefits 2010 edition and based on RA 1161 (as amended by RA 8282), Maternity Leave is: “a benefit that applies to all female employees, whether married or unmarried. Every pregnant employee in the private sector is entitled to maternity leave benefit of sixty (60) days in case of normal delivery or miscarriage, or seventy-eight (78) days, in case of Caesarian section delivery, with benefits equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of the average daily salary credit of the employee as defined under the law.

To be entitled to the maternity leave benefit, a female employee should be an SSS member employed at the time of her delivery or miscarriage; she must have given the required notification to the SSS through her employer; and her employer must have paid at least three monthly contributions to the SSS within the twelve-month
period immediately before the date of the contingency (i.e., childbirth or miscarriage).
The maternity leave benefit, like other benefits granted by the Social Security System (SSS), is granted to employees in lieu of wages. Thus, this may not be included in computing the employee’s thirteenth-month pay for the calendar year.” (Bureau of Working Conditions, Department of Labor and Employment, 2010)

Let me note that it is important that employers and their HR administrators be knowledgeable about SSS documentation, procedures and deadlines to ensure the smooth processing of such benefits. Likewise, pregnant employees must be responsible in notifying and submitting necessary documents to their HR department as early as the pregnancy is confirmed.

PATERNITY LEAVE

Meanwhile, to allow the husband to assist and support his wife during her period of recovery and in nursing her newborn child, the Paternity Leave (RA8187) is granted to all married male employees in the private sector, regardless of their employment status (e.g., probationary, regular, contractual, project basis).

The Paternity leave benefit consists of seven (7) calendar days, with full pay, consisting of basic salary and mandatory allowances fixed by the Regional Wage Board, if any, provided that his pay shall not be less than the mandated minimum wage. Nonconvertible to cash, it applies to the first four (4) deliveries of the employee’s lawful wife.

The Paternity leave may be used by a male employee after his wife has given birth or suffered a miscarriage. Following company policies, the employee must apply and notify his employer within a reasonable period of time from the expected date of delivery by his pregnant spouse. In case of a miscarriage, prior application for paternity leave shall not be required.

PARENTAL LEAVE BENEFIT FOR SOLO PARENTS

As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I have been lucky enough to have support in full-force from my husband, mother and family, friends and co-workers. Despite all the help, I still consider newborn care and parenting really challenging. I can only imagine the trials of single parents.

It seems lawmakers understand this as well for they have passed into law the Solo-parents Welfare Act (RA 8972). To help solo parents cope with the demands of single parenting, Parental Leave for Solo Parents is granted to any solo parent or individual who is left alone with the responsibility of parenthood. This consists of an additional leave for seven (7) work days every year, with full pay, consisting of basic salary and mandatory allowances fixed by the Regional Wage Board, if any, provided that his/her pay shall not be less than the mandated minimum wage.

There are specific conditions and procedures in order for solo parents to avail of this benefit. Employers and HR administrators must be aware of this to be able to guide single-parent employees on this benefit.

NEW PURPOSE FOR WORKING PARENTS

A month into my Maternity Leave, things have pretty much settled a bit on the home front. I am grateful for the time given to me to get to know my baby daughter, to recover from childbirth, to adjust to motherhood… and yes, even the crying sound of babies. This was all made possible because of maternity and paternity benefits. As I continue my leave and regain my sanity, I am becoming inspired to work better because there’s a new purpose in my life now as a new proud parent of a wonderfully feisty little girl.

JOB HUNTING TIPS FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS

[Published in Manila Bulletin last January 2011]

After years of tedious study, I’m sure most of you, graduating students, are excited to wear your togas, get your diplomas and toss your graduation caps into the air. But while waiting for that celebratory day, you are faced with the thought and excitement of joining the workforce soon.

As this would be the official start of your career, it is best to start preparations as early as you can. If you have plans of becoming happily employed, you can increase your chances of landing a good job by doing a few things now even if you still have a few months to go before graduation. So here are some practical tips that can make you stand out immediately as a job candidate.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR RESUME STAND OUT FROM THE REST

Every year, around March to April, I see a bunch of new graduates hovering together around the hallways of our office building. You can easily spot them because they are holding brown manila envelopes and peeping nervously inside the offices as they try to muster the courage to open the glass door, ask if there’s a job vacancy and hand out their resumes.

During these months, my in-tray and email inbox are usually filled with applications. And since new graduates tend to apply together, I’ve noticed that most of the time, their resumes are almost identical to each other. Except for their names and contact details, their resumes consist of the same school, the same course and seminars, the same clubs and school project titles. Needless to say, this is not how you can stand out from the rest.

There are many ways you can make your resume stand out.

First, do not copy your classmate’s resume.
Your experience, hobbies and interests are unique to you. It is what makes you interesting. So prepare a resume that fits your personality and represents you best. If a Recruitment Officer sees that your resume is almost identical to your classmates, chances are, s/he won’t remember any of you.

Second, highlight things that you have accomplished while studying.
Most new grads would write clubs that they have joined and seminars that they have attended. But as an HR practitioner, I know that it’s fairly easy to join a club and sit through a seminar. What matters to me and my colleagues are accomplishments and projects that you have completed which showcase your skills. For example, one of my best hires, an IT graduate, created an online resume website as a project in school. She included it in her resume and provided the link. I got impressed and it showed me a skill that she had that others do not. That’s how she stood out.

Lastly, put some meat into your resume.
For many graduating students, there isn’t much job experience to speak of and this makes it difficult to come up with an interesting resume. A lot of times, I get skeletal one-page resumes that do not really tell me much. This is a bit frustrating for us in recruitment as there seems to be little information to base the screening on. So here are some ideas on what you can include in your resume even if you have little work experience:
• Internships, Practicum or OJT-work
• Summer jobs, Student Assistant Jobs or Temporary work
• Extracurricular, Sports or Campus Activity leadership positions
• Entrepreneurial endeavors
• Volunteer work: school, church, club, not-for-profit organizations
• Research papers/School Projects
• Talents and Special Skills

READER’S RESUME-WRITING QUESTIONS

I usually get random questions from readers seeking tips and clarifications on resume-writing. Let me share some of them with you, in the hopes that you will be able to prepare better resumes and land an interview:

“Is it necessary to write an application letter?”

In my opinion, it is important to include a short application letter or if you are sending your resume through email, at least a short message that states your intention of applying and what position you would like to fill.

It is common courtesy and basic etiquette. A simple, well-written note will definitely make you stand out since only 1 out of 20 jobseekers would write a message nowadays. The rest would just send generic resume email attachments without any message at all, based on my experience in the Philippines.

“I always submit my resume without a photo. Is it just fine with HR people? Do I need to attach a photo in my resume?”

Resumes without photos are okay, unless the job advertisement specifically asks for it.
If it does specify that you need to submit a photo, then be sure to submit a presentable one.

However as an HR practitioner, I must admit that I personally prefer photos in resumes because it shows me how neat and presentable the applicant is. However, there are many instances wherein I had to reject applicants based on poor photo mug-shots, especially for sales and frontline positions. So if you look good and pleasant, by all means, attach a presentable photo. It could be a plus.

“How can I increase my chances of landing a job interview?”

Aside from my tips above and submitting well-written, error-free resumes that are focused and tailor-fitted to employers, you can increase your chances of getting a job interview by showcasing your skills through sample project portfolios, online websites, social networks, referral letters and yes, even through connections. In the real world, networking is a skill and your contacts are your assets, after all.

There are many ways that you can stand out among your peers. The important thing is to care enough to put in time, effort and brainwork into the process. Putting in the extra effort and doing even the simplest of things can result in better rewards for you. Congratulations in advance on your upcoming graduation and good luck with your job-hunt!

CHRISTMAS BONUSES & HOLIDAY CHEERS

[Published in Manila Bulletin last December 2011]

The season of sumptuous feast and merrymaking is finally here. If you are currently employed, it is a time of bounty as bonuses, 13th month pay and other goodies are in store.

I recently received a letter from a reader asking about 13th Month Pay, Midyear and Christmas bonuses. There are, of course policies or regulations that companies follow in the administration of these benefits. Let me share with you the letter to enlighten you a bit on how HR departments come up with these specials…


QUESTIONS FROM A READER:

Good day. I just want to ask regarding final pay… In my girlfriend’s list of company benefits, there’s Christmas and Mid-year bonus. Her position is officer level, but she resigned last August 2010. The company said she is not anymore entitled to the Christmas and Mid-year bonus because she resigned in the middle of the year. However, it’s not clearly stated in the company policy that employees who resign are not entitled to bonuses if they resigned before bonuses are released. Does my girlfriend have the right to demand these from the company? Is it fair and just for the company to do this? Hope you could help me on this matter. Thank you.

MY REPLY:

Before anything else, for the sake of clarity, let me just explain that Bonuses and 13th month pay are two different things.

Under the labor code of the Philippines, the company is mandated to provide for 13th month pay for all employees of the company. So your girlfriend is entitled to the pro-rated portion of her 13th month pay. This should be computed and included in her final pay.

However, bonuses are different from 13th month pay.

A bonus is any amount granted and paid to an employee for his/her industry and loyalty which contributed to a company's profitability. It is a means for its owners to show their gratitude to the people who have stayed and worked hard for the company. However, it remains a management prerogative, something that is given voluntarily and out of the generosity of the employer.

In effect, this means that a bonus is not a demandable and enforceable obligation, unless when it is made part of the wage, salary or compensation of the employee.

There are instances wherein a bonus may become demandable. For instance, if the bonus have already become a long-standing practice or policy. In this case, the employer can no longer withdraw as it will be considered a "diminution of benefits", but this situation usually only applies to current employees of the company. (reference: jlp-law.com)

So to answer your question, you will have to see if your girlfriend is indeed still eligible to receive the said bonus. There is usually a cut-off date where bonuses are computed, as well as a release date. If she resigns earlier than those key dates, then she will most likely not be entitled to the bonus.

Aside from this, you will have to check her employment status. Some companies have specific criteria for awarding of bonuses. So at the most, your girlfriend will have to clarify with the HR department the basis for the computation of bonuses, the cut-off date and time of release, the policies, terms and conditions associated with the bonus.


CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

Aside from bonuses and mandatory 13th month pay, your HR department usually holds the challenging task of organizing Christmas parties and events. Different companies have different ways of celebrating this special time of the year. Some companies go on teambuilding and outings, others have extravagant entertainment competitions, while there are those who do outreach programs.

Most Filipinos enjoy Christmas parties because we are a country full of social beings who love to eat. However, I’ve noticed that there are a few tired souls who tend to dislike going to these events. I guess, to some, after hopping from one party to another, they get weary.

But Christmas parties are actually a good opportunity for you to bond and get to know your co-workers better. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can deepen relationships or just have fun and laugh a little. The more you socialize, the more opportunities that will come your way. Attending and participating in these events will keep you involved in your company. It will get you excited and you’ll be able to show gratitude for the hard work your HR department has painstakingly given for all of you. A simple smile or sincere thanks is enough to make your HR team feel appreciated. This will then encouraged them to be creative and make each Christmas celebration exciting.

Best of all, you might just win a thing or two from raffles prizes and exchange gifts that are staples in these Holiday gatherings!

So the next time you receive an invite, whether it’s from your company or social circle, take the time to join and spread cheers this Christmas. Open your heart to lots of joy and blessings this holiday season. Merry Christmas and have a bountiful new year!

EMPLOYMENT PROCESSING

[Published in Manila Bulletin last November 2011]

Getting hired is an exciting time for many people. After spending time, money and effort sending out resumes, answering job tests and going through interviews, you finally get that good news call saying, “You’re Hired”.

It’s music to every jobseeker’s ears. It’s definitely something to cheer about and celebrate. The prospect of starting in your new job brings new hope and the promise of a better future.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, there is an important step that needs to be done as you enter the workforce---The Employment Processing.

Let’s take a quick look at how an employee goes through this and what HR practitioners do to facilitate this step.

Work Commencement

As an employer, I believe that the first day of an employee is critical and it is best that s/he starts it right. So I make sure that I’m there to greet the newly hired employee and set expectations properly on day one. Then in the first two weeks, we conduct orientation and training to help familiarize the employee on how things work in the company.

At the same time, I also know that the first two weeks is a “try out” to see if the newly hired employee is a good match for the job and if s/he can adapt to the company’s work environment. This “try out” gives the employer a good opportunity to observe the employee’s actual performance on the job…after all, the real test of an employee is not how good s/he answers the interview questions, but rather how well s/he performs on the job. The “try out” also gives the employee an opportunity to try and see if s/he is comfortable with the company’s set up. We explain this properly to the newly hired employee.

Based on experience, within a week or so, an employee will either show promise if s/he is a fit, or opt out if s/he is not right for the company.

Employment Documents

Meanwhile, the HR department starts to process employment documents, such as Employment Contract, Company Policies and the 201 file of the employee. This is a critical step that benefits both the employer and the employee to ensure proper documentation of the employment. Proper employment documentation will establish the terms of the employer-employee relationship. It protects the employee against illegal labor practices, but it also protects the employer against baseless labor disputes.

Many companies have a structured HR department that does all this. However, there are some who do not practice proper documentation processes yet. That is why our organization has been working with start-up companies or even mature businesses in setting up an HR system and operations manual to properly guide people through this process. This way, labor disputes are prevented and companies can focus on other important aspects of their business.

HR Practices

Now you need to understand that not all companies have a structured HR department in place. Professionalizing the HR department is a work-in-progress for almost all companies as it adapts to the changes, trends and needs of the work environment.

Moreover, not all companies practice the same process and standards. Some companies immediately process the paperwork and issue ATM salary cards and uniforms, while others do it at a later time. Some do one-on-one orientation, some do group orientation and others, like my company, conduct orientations through online webinars.

Employer-employee contracts may also differ from company to company as some business enterprises hire project or contractual employees, while others prefer to hire probationary employees for future regular employment.

Employment Outcome

Definitely, not all newly-hired employees go on to full employment. This is usually a cause of disappointment for employers and employees as both have put in a lot of effort and energies into the employment process. Let me share the experience of one of our readers…

LETTER FROM A JOB SEEKER:

Ms. Jhoanna, I just want to ask if I could sue a company wherein I'm about to start for orientation and have already been issued a set of uniforms, then suddenly they informed me that they are not hiring me anymore? It really caused me a lot of depression. Now I don't have the courage to apply with other companies. I'm afraid that it might happen again. Hope you can help me and give me advice regarding this matter. Thank you very much and more power.

MY ADVISE:

I understand how disappointing it is to gear up to start your new job, only to find out that it will not push through. There are many reasons why this happens and I hope the reason was properly explained to you. Sometimes, business plans change and the employment needs of the company are put on hold. It’s not your fault; it’s just the way things are in business---not everything pans out. It is depressing but it is not the end of your career.

Since it is too early in the process, I do not think it is prudent for you to sue the company. Filing labor cases involves time, effort, energy and money. You also need to prove that there is in fact an employer-employee relationship already. Rather than exert effort in this battle, I firmly believe that it is more beneficial for you to pick yourself up, lick your wounds and treat it as a sign that it wasn’t meant to be. Then stand up and go find employment elsewhere that will be a better fit for you.

As you go through life, there will be disappointments. That’s inevitable. What will make a person succeed is the strength and courage to move on. Don’t let this hiccup dampen your spirit. Instead, move on and you will find better opportunities.

Getting Hired is Just the Beginning

Getting hired is not the end of the journey for jobseekers. Rather, it is the start of your career. You will have to undergo orientation or training, employment processing, performance evaluations all throughout---it’s an “ongoing test and interview”. The phrase: “You’re hired” is not equivalent to job security. So take the time to learn the ropes and ensure that proper procedures and documents are processed for your employment. And if things do not pan out, don’t lose hope. Your dream job may be just around the corner.

UNCERTAINTY & REJECTION

[Published in Manila Bulletin last November 2011]

Job hunting is very much like dating… you go meet different prospective employers; you put your best foot forward and hope that this will lead to long-term employment or at least, a good work experience. And after going through the tests and interviews, you hear the all too familiar phrase, “We’ll call you…”

Then you wait…

If you are lucky enough to get a company interested in you, you get called for another interview date, then perhaps another after that and if things go smoothly, you are offered a job.

However, there might be instances wherein you’re not the perfect match or you are not exactly the right person that recruitment officers are looking for. Sometimes, the call that you have been waiting for doesn’t come, so you have to continue the search and go through more tests and interviews until the right opportunity comes along.

This uncertainty causes disappointments and stress among many job hunters. Naturally, you’ll start to wonder why you haven’t gotten a callback and you start analyzing things, similar to the experiences and questions of some of our readers:

“I applied online 3 months ago and got no response. Then recently, I saw the same vacancy being advertised in the newspaper…”

From a jobseeker: Good day Ma'am! I'm currently a job hunter and I would like to ask you something. I applied 3 months ago in certain companies via the internet and I heard nothing from them. Recently, those companies I applied for started to post their ads on the newspaper, and they're looking for the same positions, the ones I applied for 3 months ago. What does this mean?

Meanwhile, I also applied in this well-known company last May. I already had an initial interview and employment exam. After that, I was asked to submit my medical records, before the final interview. The HR told me that they would call me if I'm already scheduled for a final interview. That was last July. I waited, but the call never came. Since they asked for my medical records, I was looking forward to getting accepted by the company. What happened?

My response: Thank you for writing and sharing your experience in job hunting. To answer your question, there are really no hard and fast rules that govern the hiring policies of all companies. Each company has its own procedures and policies depending on their needs, culture and requirements.

There could be several reasons why the companies you applied for did not reply online and instead placed a print ad 3 months later. Most companies do an initial screening on the resumes they receive. Usually, those who match the qualifications are called for interview and those who do not match their requirements most often do not get a call.

Sometimes, there are cases wherein the needs of the company suddenly changes. Projects get delayed, recruitment efforts are put on hold or the timing isn't so right.

There are also instances wherein there's a problem with the application sent. In my experience, I've received thousands of email applications that do not have a message, just a resume attachment. If the job is a communications job, I usually discard applications with no messages because I need applicants who have basic business etiquette. Occasionally, I receive resume attachments that I cannot open due to technical glitches. Since I'm too busy to figure out how to open these files, I just discard these as swell.

So here are my suggestions:

1. Check your resume and method of job application and be sure that it really gets sent and that it can be opened by recruitment officers. Review the content of your resume and make sure it matches the qualifications posted in the advertisement.

2. Continue your job search and apply to several companies that match your interest and qualifications. If the companies you applied for do not respond, move on to your next targets.

3. Have ready copies of your resume, transcript of records, medical records and other employment requirements on hand. Some companies ask for these at the start of the recruitment while other companies do this as a last step.


“One interviewer gave me advice that I should improve my personality. What does having a Pleasing Personality mean?”

From a jobseeker: I just want to ask what does having a Pleasing Personality mean? Does it mean to be beautiful and gorgeous?

I'm 21 years old but physically I look like 35 yrs old just because of the sleep lines on my forehead. I've apply for an administrative position to different companies and have gone through so many interviews but unfortunately have failed so far. One interviewer gave me some advice on her assessment of me. She told me to improve my personality. At that time, I was afraid to ask why and so now I'm asking myself. Could it be because I’m not really beautiful and gorgeous? Please help me so that my anxieties and disappointment will lessen. Thank you.

My response: A "Pleasing Personality" refers to the overall trait of a person. It is not just about looks or outer appearance; it also means a person's behavior, attitude and demeanor.

In the context of recruitment, HR officers will look at how pleasant an applicant is...
I.e. Is the applicant presentable, neat and well-groomed?
Does the applicant have a friendly and warm smile?
Does the applicant have a professional demeanor?
Does the applicant have good business etiquette?
Can the applicant represent the company well?

A person who has a pleasing personality is very likable. He or she does not have to be beautiful or gorgeous, just pleasant, neat and with a nice personality.

So to improve your personality especially for the sake of job hunting, try to focus on good grooming and having a warm, friendly attitude. Smile always and be nice if you want to develop your personality.

Believe in Yourself!

When we get rejected or during times of uncertainty, we naturally feel hurt and most of the time, we start picking on ourselves and finding fault within. But the truth of the matter is employers are just trying to find the right match for the job. Just like in dating, not everyone you go out with will spark romance. You’ll just have to continue searching until the right one comes along. In the meantime, do continue developing yourself to make you more attractive to employers and sooner or later, you will find a good job that’s right for you.

EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE & CONDUCT

[Published in Manila Bulletin last October 2011]

Just like in school, an Employee’s “behavior and conduct” is monitored, measured and graded. Whether formally or informally, most employers, bosses or managers need to master the art of Employee Discipline to ensure that business operations would run smoothly, the team performs well and workforce productivity is as its best.


Newly promoted supervisors and managers often find that this is one of the most difficult areas of people management. How do you make sure that your subordinates are all doing their jobs to the best of their abilities? How do you correct preventable mistakes and errors? And what do you do with unprofessional attitude and behavior?


Defining Your Leadership Style

Like a parent or teacher that deals with children, a manager often has to make a conscious choice in how to deal with employees. For instance, if you were a boss, what type of boss would you like to be? Are you going to be strict or lenient? Authoritative or approachable?

Most employees will immediately say that they would like a lenient and approachable boss. And newly promoted supervisors and managers, more often than not, want to be a likeable boss. This is fine in the beginning until sooner or later you realize that you have to make unpopular but sound decisions. You have to rectify errors and correct bad behavior. Then you have to adjust your style and define boundaries.

Setting Boundaries

Employee discipline is quite similar to parenting and teaching. As a parent or teacher, you want your child to learn and grow up to be a responsible person. Along the way, you have to teach your child what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s acceptable and what’s not, so that the child can adapt well to society.


In the same way, effective employers have clearly defined company policies that they expect employees to follow. This is immediately discussed upon hiring of an employee so that the new employee can adjust well to the workplace.

If an employee knows what is expected of him or her, then it is much easier to meet those expectations as opposed to having no idea at all of what the company wants.

Rewards and Punishment

Once a new employee is inducted, the employer starts to monitor the attitude, behavior and performance of the individual. Like parents and teachers, good performance is often rewarded with recognition, incentives, awards and bonuses. Needless to say, people like this and these types of positive reinforcement results in high morale and better productivity.


However, more often than not, employees make mistakes or have bad days. If a small error is made, a simple talk to correct the person is often enough. However, if the mistake becomes a habit or if the deed is grave, then disciplinary action is often done.


Disciplinary Action

Now being disciplined is not something normal people enjoy. I mean, who wants to be corrected, right? No one wants to go through the humiliation of being at the receiving end of that dreaded verbal or written warning. Not a lot of people want to be suspended particularly because workplace suspensions usually mean no pay. Worst of all, it just sucks to be fired.


That is why Disciplinary Actions are often viewed and received in a negative light. Meanwhile, HR professionals, the people who process these things, have the difficult job of being the messenger of such news. This is one of the least favorite tasks of HR professionals. It is a difficult job, but someone has to do it.


Consistent Disciplinary Process

Although this is not a popular area of people management, it is necessary for companies to have standard and consistent disciplinary policies and processes. Like most grown up children, employees will eventually realize that there’s security in rules and regulations since it sets clear boundaries on how all people in the workplace should act… that these guidelines actually give peace and order. It helps to know what to expect.


Just like parents who have clear rules and consistent discipline strategies, employers who have formal disciplinary processes will eventually be able to provide an environment where workers can easily adjust to. In the same way, parents and employers who do not have clear guidelines for rewards and punishments, will only confuse people more.


Positive Employee Discipline

But the real challenge for Employers, HR professional, Managers and Supervisors is this: How do you discipline an employee in a positive way?


The answer lies in the right mix of policies, communication, performance measurements, disciplinary processes, rewards and punishment practices. In our Human Resource Management Seminars on Employee Discipline and Conduct, we explore both the legal and practical aspects of Employee Discipline as well as best practices in this field.


There are concrete steps that can be taken to ensure that employees are corrected in a positive and effective way wherein their dignity remains intact. This results to a well-motivated and self-monitoring workforce that’s exciting to manage.


I believe each employer, boss, manager or supervisor must master the art of Employee Discipline. It is not a task that’s meant to control an employee, rather it is a pursuit in developing and letting people grow. After all, the job of the leader is not to make followers but to build future leaders.