IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
The Professionals of the Inland Empire podcast showcases talented professionals in the Inland Empire, covering fields like law, banking, accounting, and human resources. This week host, John Tulac, an international business attorney and Rotarian, is in Calgary, Canada for the Rotary International Annual Convention.
Rotary International is a service organization with 1.2 million members engaged in global community improvement projects, driven by the mission of service above self. A key initiative is ending polio worldwide, with the Gates Foundation matching Rotary’s contributions.
Tulac is joined by Aileen Angulo, an HR Consultant specializing in compliance, assisting smaller businesses with their HR needs. She has more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, distribution, and automotive industries. And Nicole Trugman deals with employee benefit plans, helping organizations create benefit plans tailored to their needs.
Angulo opens by sharing compliance issues faced by smaller businesses often lack awareness or resources for a full-time HR director, so she provides solutions to mitigate risks and ensure compliance. Aileen emphasizes the need for proactive measures, such as workplace violence prevention plans, to simplify HR processes and provide peace of mind.
Trugman explains that employee benefits, the second-largest expense for employers, require strategic planning to offer valuable and cost-effective benefits. Addressing rising costs through strategic funding and alternative designs is essential. Employee surveys help understand preferences, and education is crucial to help employees appreciate the value of their benefits, as only a small percentage fully utilize them.
Both HR and employee benefits are heavily regulated fields, and many companies do not maximize their benefit plans effectively. Organizations often focus on the top and bottom 5% of their talent, while investing in infrastructure, training, and support can improve overall performance.
California requires compulsory trainings for employees, such as anti-sexual harassment. Storytelling and real-life examples can make training more engaging, while employee handbooks are essential for guiding business practices and ensuring consistency. Consultants model organizational behavior through storytelling, sharing success stories, and advising clients on potential consequences, emphasizing collaboration among professionals.
Many employee handbooks, especially in smaller organizations, are inadequate and need regular updates to reflect changing laws. The employee handbook should serve as the foundation for decision-making and processes, including language to ensure consistency among employees.
Other challenges involve rising health care costs, where transparency and innovative solutions are needed for cost containment, especially in fully insured arrangements.
Catch the full show on YouTube @ProfessionalsofInlandEmpire.
