Morning Call Colulmn
Tina Hamilton’s Valley Workplaces: The power of a second chance
On June 6, 2018, President Donald Trump commuted the life sentence of Alice Marie Johnson after she served more than two decades in prison. When the 63-year-old’s clemency decision was announced, the White House said Johnson “has accepted responsibility for her past behavior,” had been a model prisoner, worked hard to rehabilitate herself and served…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: Setting better career goals with a dose of self-awareness
When thinking of a new year, it is hard not to think about goals — business goals, career goals, life goals, and so on. I find goals critical as a business owner. But as an entrepreneur, I have also struggled with them because goals can feel constraining. I bet many non-entrepreneurs can relate to this…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: Avoid trouble at this year’s holiday office party
As we dive into the holiday season, human resources departments everywhere begin to go on high alert for the ever-so-reliable holiday “overachievers.” I’m not talking about overachieving in terms of work performance. I’m talking about overachieving holiday partiers — those employees and executives who just can’t stop at one celebratory toast. They make HR’s spirit…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: Do company perks really attract job seekers?
Are perks the new “shiny object” that can attract applicants as much — or even more than — robust benefits and high pay? Let’s face it, high medical benefit deductibles and co-pays, along with uninspired retirement packages, are the new normal. So what prime perks can employers provide to attract and retain great employees? To…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: Employers on the frontline of addiction
It seems that across the country, we cannot escape news about the rapid increases of mental health diagnoses, suicides and opioid addictions. Sadly, the Lehigh Valley is not immune to these epidemics. In fact, every day our workplaces are dealing with the havoc these issues wreak. A look at the issues According to the National…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: The dangers of discussing politics on the job
It is startling how passionate and outspoken many of us have become about politics. With the November midterm election just weeks away, feelings and discussions are heated. Sometimes the political divide is so clear you can practically see the line, though we all see it in different colors. When it comes to talking politics —…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: Prove to me why I should work for you
Recently, I was reminiscing about a time when recruiting involved running a classified advertisement and waiting for the phone to ring. That was enough. In a tight-knit community like the Lehigh Valley, applicants may have heard of a company from a friend or relative who worked there, or maybe because of the business’s marketing. Companies…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: When crisis strikes, will your company continue?
On Aug. 18, 2017, my 35-year-old son passed away. It was sudden and shocking. His widow and two kids reside in Texas. He was the breadwinner. Amid my own turmoil, I had to go to Texas and help figure out finances, find them a new home, arrange a funeral and much more. Then I needed…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: How to win the game of online reviews
Bring up the subject of “branding” at most workplaces and the conversation will likely center on marketing strategy, promoting your company’s products or services, graphic design that will attract new customers and so on. However, marketing only to your customers is one-dimensional thinking. Most companies cannot service their customers without good employees. And with quality…
Read MoreThe Morning Call “Lehigh Valley Workplaces” column: The employee shortage hits home
Many companies are struggling to find good employees. In fact, a survey conducted late last year by the National Association of Manufacturers reported that 73 percent of manufacturers said attracting and retaining a quality workforce was a chief business challenge. Seventy-three percent! Let’s look at some reasons why: Our population is aging out. By 2025,…
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