Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Substance Abuse in the Workplace - Generic Rights & Responsibilities of all parties'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

From a business perspective, determine why a policy is necessary and where it 'fits' in the HR agenda;

Determine how it is to be drafted; approved; communicated; managed and reinforced;

Treat all alleged cases with the appropriate courtesy and respect;

Remember that every employee has his/her rights;

Appoint a senior-level policy sponsor and clearly articulate where the responsibilities and accountabilities lie for policy enforcement;

Ensure that all parties in the workforce have the appropriate opportunity to receive proper education on the subject. This includes on-site/third party suppliers; contractors; union members; managers and non-union employees;

Ensure that in-house/external legal counsel review the policy for the appropriate provincial jurisdictions;

Remember that the workforce will judge you by the manner by which cases are dealt...(consistent/punctual/fair/ethical, or otherwise);

Do your very best to protect case file confidentiality...it is virtually impossible to guarantee it, however, particularly if a case is mismanaged or protracted;

At least annually, reinforce the policy contents and ensure all employees acknowledge their full understanding of the policy.

Timetable 2000/2001 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
May 2002	Enforcement of substance abuse infractions - do's and don't's
April 2002	Substance Abuse in the Workplace - Generic Rights & Responsibilities of all parties
March 2002	Post-interview evaluation and feedback. How to add value for your clients
February 2002	Behavioural Interviewing: sense or nonsense? How to get the best from improved hiring techniques
January 2002	Recognition Programs - the right set-up for employee acceptance and corporate success
December 2001	HR work habits for 2002. The need for reform
November 2001	Downsizing aftermath...how to keep the survivors focused for the future
October 2001	How to plan strategically for downsizing, maintaining HR's credibility and employee loyalty
September 2001	Collective Bargaining...now you have the deal, how do you make it work?
August 2001	Managing Consulting Costs...how to keep hold of the reins and avoid surprises
July 2001	Expatriate Career Assignments...how to manage the risk and improve the odds of a 'win/win' for employee and employer
June 2001	Part Two of 'Browsers' Choices'... some tips on how to migrate successfully from 'A' to 'B' in a prudent, yet urgent, manner
May 2001	Part One of 'Browsers' Choices'... a summary of the 'new & old world' of HR business
April 2001	Managing promises and expectations during the "R" word
March 2001	'High Potential' Employees...how to ensure they don't sit out the game, then leave
February 2001	How to write really useful Job Descriptions...connecting the business dots
January 2001	Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers
December	Spreading scarce bonus/incentive dollars...best bang for the buck
November	Ethical Practices in Performance Appraisal & Related Salary Admin
October	Stock Option Plan Design in private companies heading for an 'IPO'
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace