Will Online HR Systems Replace Human HR Professionals?

We are always talking about the importance of being tech savvy and increasing its use to benefit our businesses, but does that also mean that technology will make many jobs obsolete, particularly in the Human Resource side of things?

Businesses are becoming more aware of the benefits of payroll software and the likelihood of replacing and reducing the number of Human Resource professionals that conduct a lot of Human Resource functions. Due to this, in more progressive organizations, human resource managers shift their efforts and time to higher value activities, such as succession planning, work force analytics, and leadership development. Professionals who resist using automated processes are usually put under pressure to either adapt or risk being made redundant.

However, the truth is that this massive shift is not something that is being witnessed in the Human Resource department alone; it is also in other areas of a business as well. Professionals face the “automation challenge” at least once in their careers. However, the good news is that you can future proof yourself from being dominated by automation to a great extent.

Be Welcoming and Open to Working with New Technologies

You must be the person who is willing to learn how to use new systems or tools in order to become a valuable resource. You might even be able to recommend someone who is better able to come up with ways in which Human Resource professionals can work with technology instead of being completely replaced by it.  

There is so much that Automated Systems are Not Good At

Emotional connection, negotiation skills, and understanding certain things or special cases are some of the things that will forever remain for the strength of us humans. In the recruiting context, not only are these extremely important, they are also based on the talent of the Human Resource professional. When you are sitting across a candidate, you can sell an opportunity and pitch the company you are working for as a much better career choice than all the other companies out there. This is definitely something a robot or automation software won’t be able to do.

Creativity Cannot be Coded

As far as human resource management is concerned, bringing fresh concepts, game changing ideas, and designs to the table is still something that only people can do, not programs. People who are worried about being replaced by the likes of SkyNet should relax, go to the movies, attend concerts, visit museums, and do whatever they are truly interested in. This way, your creative juices will keep flowing and you will be able to think of solutions faster, even when it seems impossible for a way out of a situation. Automation makes processes less expensive and more efficient. Automated programs may be advertised as the “Next Big Thing” out there, but they cannot really provide businesses with unique solutions when they really need them.

An Organisation’s Guide to Effective Health and Safety Compliance!

Health and Safety Compliance has become a growing concern for organisations. As organisations incessantly continue to seek expansion and growth, mobilising their workforce and optimising work processes to enhance efficiency is critical. This has brought about a significant change in operational designs, and while it has certainly boosted productivity, it has brought with it a fair share of associated occupational health and safety hazards.

Occupational Health and Safety Hazards are the risk factors that might threaten, damage, or inflict any sort of harm to an employee’s health and wellbeing. It is the responsibility of the employer and the management to ensure the health and safety of the employee. In order to preserve and ensure the employee’s right to a safe and risk-free working environment, the Australian government has mandated organisations to comply with the Workplace Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

WHS Regulations

As per WHS Regulations, all organisations are legally obliged to:

•       Ensure a safe and sound workplace

•       Standardise procedures for handling equipment

•       Incorporate a risk management mechanism

•       Inspect machines tools and machinery and eliminate wear and tear

•       Assess and eliminate potential risk factors

How to Comply with the Health and Safety Requisites?

Health and Safety compliance is not a matter of choice but a compulsion upon organisations to keep their regular operational tasks in compliance of government policies and avoid potential penalties or lawsuits.

Here are some essential measures for an organisation to improve health and safety conditions at the workplace and ensure a safe and risk-free environment to employees for better performance and improved productivity.

▪      Conduct Periodic Inspections

Devise and incorporate a system of health and safety audits within your organisation. Get all systems procedures, tools, and equipment involved in regular operations tested to determine any potential pitfalls or threats in time, before you have to bear the consequences. Regular inspections and maintenance overhauls keep the workplace safe and risk-free. Remember, it is not just about removing the major industrial threats such as toxins, heat and chemical stress; it is just as essential to eliminate tripping hazards, repair floor damages, and replace broken furniture so as to ensure a completely safe and sound organisational environment to the employees.

▪      Train Your Employees

It is important to train your employees about certain tasks and operations that involve significant risk. Review your current patterns identify the areas that might cause a potential and revamp, improvise and standardise the task. Train your employees and make it mandatory for them to follow set procedures so as to avoid a health and safety risk. Organise safety drills to train employees about how to respond to a workplace disaster.

▪      Formulate a Health and Safety Policy

A comprehensive Health and Safety Policy is as important for your organisation as your annual reports or performance analysis. Organisations need to keep a sound record of past accidents and mishaps, loops and dysfunctions in the current system. A blueprint should be devised for employees as well as the management to foster a safe, standardised and WHS compliant workplace environment.

What Influences Gold Price Movements

Currencies all over the globe use this metal as their standard of value. The currency value stated usually in US dollars is the price of gold. This price can easily fluctuate as market conditions change. In the current market environment, there are plenty of factors that contribute to gold price movements.

Global Crisis

Prices of gold tend to increase when people lack confidence in financial markets and governments. Since gold is considered a safe haven in economic crisis, this is also the time when gold equates more interest from investors. This is one of the reasons why it is called ‘crisis commodity’. History validates this too. When the Russians moved into Ukraine the price of gold skyrocketed because people became unsure of the geopolitical stability in the region. In many cases military action increases the reassurance in geopolitical situations.

Interest Rates

Gold may not be paying out an interest rate like having bonds and savings accounts do. But gold prices are a result of a shift in interest rates. For instance when interest rates rise, people are tempted to sell gold investments in order to put that money where they can accumulate this high interest rate, this is where gold prices lower. The opposite happens when interest rates decrease.

Supply and Demand

Many analysts say that not enough gold is in the market that should satisfy the demand for it. The above ground stock of this metal grows at a rate of 1.75% every year; the demand expands at a much higher rate than that. With less of something in the market, a higher demand pressures the rise in price.

Reserves of the Reserves

Central banks like the United States Federal Reserve hold gold and paper currency in reserve. In fact, the US, along with many European nations, buys gold for these reserves. When the government buys gold at a higher rate than what they are selling it at, the price of gold shoots up. The supply of currency increases along with any available gold becoming scarcer.

US Dollar

The most dominant reserve currency of the world is the US dollar. It is the one currency that different countries hold on to for international trades. The strength of the dollar and the price of gold have an inverse relationship.

The Commercial Gold Industry

Do not forget that gold is more than just a hedge fund and a safe investment option for people. It is used in industries like jewelry making. More than half of the gold demand is that of jewelry from United States, India, and China. These are the top countries demanding the metal. In China and India gold is a symbol of opulence. Other than jewelry the extra 12 percent of gold is generated from industrial applications. Manufacturers like to use gold in all kinds of electronic devices from GPS systems to medical gadgets.

Source:

http://www.sbcgold.com/blog/10-factors-regularly-influence-gold-prices/

http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/5-main-factors-that-cause-gold-values-to-fluctuate/

Have A Work Uniform Or Not?

It still remains a topic of debate; whether work uniforms should be needed or not. Ever since their existence, they have helped distinguish employees of different designations and offices from one another. Another myth that is prevalent is that uniforms are always boring and unflattering. They hold back individuals to showcase their own personality and choice. On the contrary, the second school of thought believes that they are an excellent means of advertisement for the company or the brand they are affiliated with, and promotes professionalism in the company. So, how can companies decide if they should go for one or shouldn’t when faced with the dilemma?

It isn’t going to be as easy as flipping a coin and deciding. It becomes a big investment decision when you have a workforce of more than a 100 people working under you, calling for an in-depth study of its pros and cons. In this article, we are going to do just that.

Starting With Their Positive Aspect

They advertise your company: Whether they are going home on a train, are attending training programs and workshops at other companies, or are representing your company during an event, they are marketing you and your brand through wearing a uniform. You will be noticed by your customers, even when they are not thinking about engaging in business with you. As soon as they spot you, they will remember your brand for the rest of the day, or life.

It makes for a good professional impression: A smartly dressed employee will be more approachable and trustworthy to a potential customer. It immediately speaks of professionalism and gives your employees an executive look. It builds a sense of trust when a customer talks to a uniformed individual.

Helps workers feel united and equal: When workers around you are wearing the same uniform, they start to feel a sense of belongingness and equality. A person coming from a higher status and a person from the slower slums, when dressed the same, feel equal. Uniforms become their only identify in the work premises. Wearing the same clothes makes workers feel an important part of the company and also boost their team spirit.

They boost productivity: Research has proven that implementing a dress code is the organization leads to better productivity. The reason for such a consensus is that upon wearing a uniform, workers develop a professional mindset and get engrossed in the work they do. To them, getting in the uniform means “it’s time to work.”

Coming To the Off-putting Aspect

Restricted performance: When uniforms aren’t designed to offer the highest level of comfort and ease, they can become a hindrance when working. In such a case, the uniform may constrict the employee/worker to fully showcase and practice his/her skills, affecting their output. For instance, making your salesgirls wear high heels all day may cause extreme discomfort.

They may hurt the sentiments of employees of a different religious sect: If your organization has a multilingual staff, designing a uniform that doesn’t hurt their religion or ethical beliefs is often very hard. 
When people from other ethnicities and religious backgrounds are forced to wear something that is not comfortable, they might start to feel unwelcomed or less important, which will ultimately show via their decreased productivity.

Its feels like imposition: One of the most evident reasons why most employees hate a uniform is that it feels like a forced imposition. It leaves no room for their own identify to show, and often restricts them from doing so. No one really likes to blend in as we all strive to stand out from others.

If you do decide to have one, make sure that your employees don’t find it to be too proactive, uncomfortable, or hard to pull off. It will help your company gain more brand awareness, but only if your employees are comfortable wearing it. 

Helping Your Child Make a Career Decision

Doctor. Lawyer. Teacher. Veterinarian.

Chances are, you have a lot of dreams for your child's future. Maybe you hope he'll become an astronaut like he wanted to as a small child. Maybe you want him to take over the family business and be like you. Maybe you even hope your child will simply find a career path that he loves.

No matter how old your child is, it's natural for you to feel concerned over his future job. Whether he asked you for advice or not, there are a few ways you, as a parent, can help him make a career decision he'll love.

Never Undermine Your Child’s Skills

First off, never undermine your child's skills.

If he tells you that he wants to be a baseball player, for example, consider helping him find a way to make it a reality. Could you sign him up for lessons? Maybe you could arrange for him to practice one-on-one with a baseball coach. Additionally, you could help your child look at colleges with strong baseball teams.

Even if you think your child's dream is silly or unattainable, it's important for you to realize that your child needs your support. He'll get enough negative feedback from his peers that he doesn't need it from you, as well. Even if you don't think your child is good enough to make it in his chosen career path, keep those negative thoughts to yourself and try to find ways to help your child succeed.

Conduct Research

It's also important that you help your child conduct research into the best degrees or training programs in his field. If your child wants to be a chef, for instance you could help him look at different culinary schools and colleges with strong baking programs. While you shouldn't do all of your child's research for him, it's important that you help guide him during this time. What type of cooking does he want to do?  How much do these programs cost?  How soon does he want to enter the work force? Answering these questions will help your child find the right program for his goals.

Meet With the Professionals

For kids who have no idea what they want to do, consider meeting with your friends, relatives, or even professionals you know to talk with your child about career options. Your family doctor could chat with your child about going in the medical field, what it takes to survive medical school, and what steps he should be taking now to prepare for such a career.

Additionally, your friends and relatives can talk about their chosen career fields and whether or not they'd recommend such a job choice. If you don't know anyone with professional careers your child is interested in, consider attending a job fair or career day program together to learn more about different jobs.

Remember that no matter what your little one decides to be when he grows up, he'll need your guidance and support along the way. While you can't make all of your child's decisions for him, you can make an effort to help him succeed in whatever he decides to do.

About the Author

Stephanie is a freelance writer who resides in Gilbert, Arizona.  Aside from writing, she also enjoys the outdoors, testing new restaurants and spending time with her family.  You can check out her part-time side project at Howmuchisit.

Get Hired: How To Land Your Dream Job in 2017

The difference between a practical bill-paying job and a fulfilling dream career is like two distinct planets. On the one planet, you have misery and despair at every minute you're clocked into work. On the second planet, you have a blast every time you show up to work, and your life quality reflects this because of your job. While the world has been revolutionized hundreds of times through technology, our hiring process has stayed the same since the early 1970s. Whether it's posting, applying or interviewing for a job, not much has changed.

Step 1: Rewrite the Rules of Engagement

Our first step to create an extraordinary life means rewriting how we engage in meaningful employment. When the company Fishbowl abolished meetings, managers and performance reviews, numerous critics questioned what they did throughout their day without it. The short answer was work. While the company employees still make mistakes on the job, they love it more, and as a result, the focus has been aimed more at improving.

Step 2: Break the Conventional with the Unconventional

To find your dream job, you sometimes have to blaze a new trail and apply for jobs that have never even been listed. The advantage is how you will connect with extraordinary people from every walk of life. Most great jobs fill up before the company even posts an advertisement on Craigslist. Also, make friends with the people of companies you want to work in. You can learn more about the work, and sometimes, they will inform you ahead of time when a position has opened up.

Step 3: Develop Mastery

Networking opens doors in brick walls, but skills will always triumph over traits like charisma, likability and even charm. When you develop a mastery over your chosen profession, you're creating job opportunities as you speak. Companies hire the person they think will deliver the strongest results. They want a fast learner and people who take the initiative to educate themselves. With the rise of the internet, you have a boundless ocean of resources that will never run dry. Resumes give you your foot in the door, and they state what you have accomplished over the course of your career. As the old writing adage goes, "Show, don't tell." You want to build a portfolio to represent the real you and the values you represent.

Money: It's Not as Important as You Think

When you have skill, money will come to you. Bosses will unhesitatingly give you a raise if they're afraid to lose the assets you bring to the company—you just have to be bold enough to ask and willing to walk if necessary. However, never make a threat you're not willing to keep. People good at their job will find that the money comes in more effortlessly, and they also discover their calling in putting forth the extra effort. When you play the game for money, status or power, many times, you are left with this hunger of never being satisfied.

Prepare for the Interview

Know the questions that will be asked and how you plan to respond to them ahead of time. It goes a long way to eliminate confusion, and you look more professional when you have a good response to the interviewer. Approximately 33 percent of bosses know within the first 90 seconds of whether or not they should hire you. They look at how you dress, walk and act when opening the office door. Before leaving, always ask for the job. According to Inc., the most common mistake interviewees make is to not ask for the job.

Outlining your career goals and values will also help you to define the best job for yourself. You want a job that aligns with who you are as a person and the lifestyle you want to live. You have to be bold when going after your dream job. As Aristotle once said, you will never do anything in the world without having courage. It's one of the best qualities in the mind right next to honour.

Author Bio

Jim Raychrudhury is a freelance writer and passionate blogger who likes writing articles that cover career, education and learning related topics. He has written numerous articles and contributed to several other blogs. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.