Tips to Maximizing your Employees’ Potential - Avoid Common HR Pitfalls

Guest Post by Jodi Pasavad

Grassrootshrconsulting

Hire Slowly – Fire Quickly

The number one way to avoid employee headaches is to hire great people right off the bat.  Unfortunately, most companies don't spend enough time and resources on hiring future employees.  Take the time to screen applicants, conduct first and second interviews, add a practical component to validate their highlighted skills/experience and follow up with references. 

Once you have made the decision that the employment relationship is no longer viable, act fast.  The majority of the time the employee senses that the relationship is off.  Ensure that you adhere to legislative standards but a quick and clean exit is the best practice.

Employment Contracts

A well drafted employment contract is an essential tool to start the employer and employee relationship off on the right foot.  It clearly spells out the rights and obligations of each party, protects the job security of the employee and protects the employer from certain risks such as the release of confidential employer information after the term of employment ends.  No matter what the employment relationship, permanent, contractual etc., a contract is needed and takes the guess work out of terms and conditions.

Five Things To Do For Your Aging Parent Before Heading South For The Winter

By Lise Andreana

As a retiree you may be responsible for an aging parent and have some trepidation about leaving them behind.  With a little advance planning you will be able to head south with a clear conscience and confidence that your elderly parent is well looked after.  My husband and I are the primary care givers for his Mother who is in her mid-80’s.Though she still lives independently in a home of her own, we recognize she has limitations with mobility, reduced energy levels and understanding and managing her finances.

For the past several years, my husband has ensured his mother's safety and comfort, while we are in the sunny south, by following the five tips below.

1.      Have up to date Power of Attorney with a substitute decision maker, if you are out of the country. You want to be certain there is someone local who can act on your parent’s behalf should the need arise

Aging Parent? 5 Common Fears You May Have & How to Address Those Fears

By Lise Andreana 

Age is a state of mind, or more accurately, a state of health.  Healthy seniors are forever young. Take my tennis partner in Tucson, for example, she is 90 years old and I, in my early 60’s, have trouble keeping up with her! However, once chronic illness sets in, aging can take place very quickly. Many of us, in our 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s, are caring for parents in their 80’s, 90’s and beyond. While it is never too early to talk to your parents about their care wishes, once your elderly parent loses the ability to perform one or more of the activities of daily living, it is time to step in and address your worst fears. 

Here are five common fears and some ways to address them

5. Driving safe 

Afraid your elderly parent is a danger to themselves and the public when they are on the road? You are not alone. It is important to bring the topic up early with your parents, as part of an ongoing discussion about aging and independence. Let them know you support their wishes to live independently as long as they can do it safely.  Suggest a complete physical to rule out health related issues related to safe driving. Remember in Ontario seniors have to re-qualify for their driver’s license once they reach 80 years old. 

How We Turn Your Hopes and Dreams into a Plan

In this brief video, Certified Financial Planner Peter Andreana shares why Continuum II is unique in their approach to individual financial planning and wealth management.

Peter explains that he and his colleagues have the ability to skillfully handle emotional conversations, and have deep and meaningful discussions that uncover a client's aspirations for the life they want and the experiences they desire.

Continuum II's team of experts help take hopes and dreams and turn them into viable financial plans clients can act on.

Hear Peter talk about some of the initial questions the team at Continuum II will ask you to uncover the best way to help you build the lifestyle and retirement of your dreams.