HR Girlfriends

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

Q&A: Do We Need to Pay Summer Interns?

Q&A: Do We Need to Pay Summer Interns?

Generally, yes, though it depends on who benefits most from their work. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has adopted the “primary beneficiary test” to determine whether a worker is an employee (who must be paid in accordance with federal wage and hour law) or can be classified as an unpaid intern (a non-employee who […]

Affirmation: I do my best without regard for reward.

Affirmation: I do my best without regard for reward.

I always perform to the best of my ability and strive to go beyond what I must do to simply get the job done correctly. I attribute my immense success to my unbeatable work ethic! I am proud to say that I have job security even in this shaky economic time. In fact, I feel […]

Q&A: What is Discrimination Based on National Origin?

Q&A: What is Discrimination Based on National Origin?

Yes. Discrimination based on national origin is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and includes treating applicants or employees unfavorably because they are from a particular country or region of the world, speak with an accent, or appear to be of a certain ethnic background. Even if the manager didn’t follow through […]

Affirmation: I outline the big picture on my canvas before I paint in the small intricate details

Affirmation: I outline the big picture on my canvas before I paint in the small intricate details

Just as a painter envisions his masterpiece, I envision living my dreams. I know where I am going and how I plan to get there. The exact details of my journey, though, are yet to be filled in. In my masterpiece, the big picture is outlined with my goals. I know that regardless of how […]

Q&A: A remote employee’s roommate has been disrupting their work to the point that their performance is suffering. How should we handle this?

Q&A: A remote employee’s roommate has been disrupting their work to the point that their performance is suffering. How should we handle this?

This situation should be handled the same way you’d manage most work disruptions affecting an employee’s performance. Start by having a conversation with the employee about the disruption and explaining your concerns and performance expectations. Remind them that it’s their responsibility to maintain a working environment where they can be successful. Feel free to brainstorm […]

Affirmation: The time to go after my dreams is now.

Affirmation: The time to go after my dreams is now.

Only I hold the power to create the life I desire. I want to make my dreams come true so each day I work on at least one task toward accomplishing my life goals. I prompt myself each morning to consider my goals. I think about what I can do today to move closer toward […]

Q&A: What’s the difference between a furlough and a layoff?

Q&A: What’s the difference between a furlough and a layoff?

Furloughs and layoffs are ways to reduce labor costs during times of economic hardship. They both involve a loss of work for employees, but there is a key difference between them. A furlough continues employment but reduces scheduled hours or requires a period of unpaid leave. Because the employment relationship remains intact, employees typically expect […]

Affirmation: I am confident in my ability to follow through.

Affirmation: I am confident in my ability to follow through.

I know I can follow through on my promises because I only make promises that I can keep. Before I make a promise, I check my schedule to ensure it is something I can work in. If it isn’t, I do not commit to it in the first place. I find it is better in […]

Career Monday: 13 Strategies for Making Your Job Search More Efficient

Career Monday: 13 Strategies for Making Your Job Search More Efficient

Some things are beyond your control when you’re searching for a job. You wait for companies to call you back, and you compete with other candidates who may have stronger qualifications. However, you can take charge of making your job hunt more efficient. That way you’ll make the process faster and more rewarding, regardless of […]

Q&A: A remote employee told us they were injured at home during their workday. What are our responsibilities?

Q&A: A remote employee told us they were injured at home during their workday. What are our responsibilities?

When an employee informs you that they were injured while working from home, take the claim seriously and follow your usual procedure for a workplace injury. Here are the steps we recommend: * Thank them for letting you know about the injury and ask if they need medical attention. If necessary, help them get it. […]