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 'Setting up the company's Labour Strategy...how to construct the framework in a business context'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Consider Labour Strategy, Bargaining and Contract Administration in business-specific terms, not just as time-consuming recurring events;

Engage top management in discussions that confirm the linkage of a productive and efficient workforce to the planned ROIC (Return on Invested Capital);

Before negotiating, ensure that line Management is involved and committed to the overall Strategy that is written, clear and unambiguous;

Prepare a Labour Strategy document that outlines the business purposes and the Human Resources purposes of the Strategy;

Itemize each of the critical components i.e. Language; Management's Rights; Grievance Management; Costs; Length of Term etc., and ensure that all involved understand the 'jig-saw' that each confirmed piece contributes;

Communicate, educate and train line Management in the governance and ethics of Contract Management;

Underestimate your Union counterparts at your peril;

Prepare for and research the items 'on the table', rather than 'wing' innocuous-looking concessions; these can have important impacts on employees, shareholders and customers;

Resist the temptation to over-commit results and under deliver to Management;

Respect others' viewpoints and commit the HR function to tolerance, respect, good humour and stamina...they all pay dividends in the end.

Timetable 2000/2001/2002/2003 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
February 2003	How HR can start and finish the year with an improved report card
January 2003	Setting up the company's Labour Strategy...how to construct the framework in a business context
December 2002	The contract HR Executive - how to add value
November 2002	Performance Reviews - why Managers and Employees fail to do a good job
October 2002	Severance/Dismissals 'for Cause' - how to strike a balance
September 2002	Developing HR staff for the medium term...how to build the right HR skills for HR's clients for the balance of this decade
August 2002	How to make an external 'Coach' a positive work experience
July 2002	How to prepare for that job offer. What is the appropriate etiquette?
June 2002	How to stay 'pumped' when you are between jobs and the immediate prospects look tough
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