Reflection:
Unit 1 presented some challenges for me. Most importantly it offered areas of growth in all parts of the unit. I built on my prior knowledge of overtime laws and exempt/non-exempt statuses. I truly appreciate just how different each state is on their rules on these topics. Even a small difference can have huge impacts on a business’s bottom line and equity among employees. I found the real-life scenarios provided in this chapter to challenge my way of thinking and to encourage researching the pros and cons to find the right solution.
Throughout this unit, we worked on communication with employees. While this is something that comes very easy for me, I find the practice to be useful. I also enjoy reading classmate responses and offering feedback. It takes finesse to be able to send an email that offers both empathy and is stern. HR emails really should have both.
I found the merit increase spreadsheet to provide a particular challenge for me. I work with Google spreadsheets daily, however, we don’t use the equation functionality as often, so I was a bit rusty. I found some valuable websites to keep bookmarked for my future Excel endeavors. I am now much more competent in If/Then statements, date validation, and <> equations.
Skills Inventory:
Exempt / Non-exempt: Able to define E/NE employees at the federal level and Iowa state level. Understands that each state has their own restrictions on this topic as well.
Overtime Pay: Researched and developed more in-depth knowledge of overtime rules. Can effectively communicate via email about overtime questions employees may present.
Executive Summary: Able to create a cohesive, data driven, professional executive summary.
Payroll/Merit Increase Spreadsheet: Increased knowledge of Excel to create a working spreadsheet for managers to use for merit increases.
Employee Recognition Program: Continued to build on prior skills pertaining to recognition programs. Created a two-fold program to benefit not only above and beyond performers, but also underperformers. Program built in measures of review to ensure program is effective and focused on the right issues.
Email correspondence: Competent in email correspondence and adept to adjusting tone and goal of email to meet the needs of company. Able to deliver empathy and while remaining setting expectations.