HR Maverick
James Barrett
James has worked in the HR field going on 5+ years and has held various positions of leadership. His areas of expertise are in benefits, recruiting, onboarding, HR analytics, engagement, employee relations, and workforce development. He has earned a masters degree in HR, along with a nationally recognized SHRM-SCP certification.
What words of advice and encouragement would you give to someone just starting out in HR?
Get involved! There’s many webcasts and activities that you can get involved with nationally and locally if you take the time to look. These can provide networking activities and maybe even a chance to gain a mentor.
HR Encyclopedia articles written by James Barrett:
HR in the Construction Industry
How does HR in the construction industry differ from HR elsewhere? Successful construction companies have HR departments that place a heavy emphasis on safety. HR plays a key role in ensuring the safety of employees, making sure they’re paid according to state and federal law, and ensuring that training and certifications stay up to date and are documented. How can HR increase its effectiveness within the construction industry? Read on to find out.
Company Vision
What impact do you want your company to have on the world and what will it take to get there? This desired future is your company vision. Having a vision guides your company and your employees toward your imagined future. Continue reading to find out why it’s important to have a vision statement, what the characteristics are of a good vision statement and how to create your own!
Involuntary Turnover
What is involuntary turnover, and how does it compare to voluntary turnover? Although involuntary turnover can be difficult to manage, having a thorough understanding of it will help you reduce risk at your company. Continue reading to learn how you can identify various types of involuntary turnover, how to calculate it, and different methods you can use to decrease involuntary turnover.
Winter Storms
Oh, the weather outside is frightful! How and why should your business care about preparing for winter storms? Below you’ll find the answers to these questions, how to create a weather policy for your company, and several tips you can use to prepare for winter storms.
Belonging in the Workplace
Why are airplanes parked outside at airports? Because they don’t belong inside! Corny dad jokes aside, the sense of belonging in the workplace is no laughing matter. Continue reading to learn why it’s important to build a sense of belonging in the workplace, what belonging looks like, and how you can promote it.
I9 Authorized Representative
Even the smallest of errors on an I-9 form can result in costly fines for your company if you don’t comply. This is why choosing a qualified authorized representative to handle I-9 responsibilities is very important. Continue reading to find out what an I-9 authorized representative is, why they’re important and more.
In-House Recruiter
What’s so great about being an in-house recruiter, you might ask? Well, it’s better than being an outhouse recruiter! Corny jokes aside, an in-house recruiter might be just the thing your organization needs to meet its hiring needs. Continue reading to find out what an in-house recruiter is, their responsibilities, the benefits and drawbacks to in-house recruiting, and more.
Employee Poaching
Unlike poaching wildlife, employee poaching is generally legal, and is even considered ethical under certain circumstances. Continue reading to find out what employee poaching is and whether it might be useful to add to your recruiting methods.
PTO Payout
Why must HR professionals understand what a PTO payout is, what laws regulate PTO payouts, when it’s paid out, and how to calculate? Continue reading to find these answers to prepare yourself and your organization.
Verification of Employment (VOE)
Verification of employment helps employees and former employees by providing truthful information quickly and efficiently. What should a verification of employment include? Why is it important? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Wellness Committee
Wellness committees are a great way to further the incentives and goals of an employer wellness program. They focus on creating a culture that is conducive to wellness and are a great way to plan for the benefit of your employees. Continue reading to find out what a wellness committee is, how they’re helpful to HR and more!
HRIS
An HRIS can be a highly effective resource for your organization. What are the benefits of using an HRIS system, and how do you choose one? Continue reading to find the answer to these questions and more.
Random Drug Testing
What is random drug testing, and how can your company effectively manage it? Let's look at the pros, cons, and best practices of random drug testing.
Job Accommodations
What are job accommodations and why are they important? There are many to be familiar with, along with best practices on how to handle requests for them. Read on to find out how to respond if an employee requests a job accommodation.
Qualifying Life Event
Understanding what a qualifying life event is and why they’re important can help your employees tackle life’s uncertainties. Read on to learn more about how to educate about, respond to, and document qualifying life events.
Performance Management Software
Performance management software can be a great asset to your company. Not only can it reduce bias and increase accuracy, it can also increase company retention. Continue reading to find out what performance management software is, why it’s beneficial and more!
HRIS Implementation
Implementing an HRIS system is no small feat. It requires plenty of time, careful planning and ongoing maintenance. Continue reading to learn why implementation is important, what challenges you may encounter and more!
Employee Leave
Employees need to take time off in order to recharge and remain healthy. What are the types of leave, and how can you create your own company leave policy?
Workplace Equity
What is equity, why is it important, and how can you promote it within the workplace? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Health Insurance Benefits
Understanding health insurance benefits and their pros and cons can take your company from good to great. Should your company offer health insurance benefits? How can you determine which kinds to offer? Continue reading to find the answers to these questions and more.
Weekly Payroll
How does weekly payroll benefit employers and employees? How can you transition your company to performing payroll on a weekly basis? Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Pay Rate
Pay rate is extremely important for HR professionals to understand. There are several factors that affect pay rate and several ways to determine it for your employees. Continue reading to find out how!
Health Savings Account (HSA)
A health savings account has many benefits, can be a great option for employees to pay for eligible medical expenses, and can help them prepare for retirement. Who is eligible to enroll in an HSA? How can HR help choose the correct HSA options for employees? Continue reading to find the answer to these questions and more!
Spousal Surcharge
A spousal surcharge is a tool employers can use to help control costs. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a spousal surcharge? How does it work and how can a company implement it? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Payroll System
How does your company pay its employees? This process is called a payroll system, and there are several different types. Continue reading to learn what features every payroll system should have, how to choose a payroll system and more.
Interview-Scheduling Software
Enough with long chains of emails and phone calls trying to schedule interviews. Use software to do it and save yourself time and hassle.
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
A health reimbursement account can be of great benefit to both your company and employees. There are various HRA types and design options to consider.
Paid Vacation
Encouraging employees to use paid vacation is a great way to build a healthy work-life balance culture. What is paid vacation and what are the benefits of it? How do you create a paid vacation policy? Continue reading to find the answers to these questions and more.
Virtual Job Fair
Looking to step up your recruiting game? Virtual job fairs can reach more candidates more easily and cheaply than other recruiting options. Continue reading to learn how to find, prepare for, and reap the benefits of virtual job fairs.
HR Maverick
James Barrett
James has worked in the HR field going on 5+ years and has held various positions of leadership. His areas of expertise are in benefits, recruiting, onboarding, HR analytics, engagement, employee relations, and workforce development. He has earned a masters degree in HR, along with a nationally recognized SHRM-SCP certification.
What words of advice and encouragement would you give to someone just starting out in HR?
Get involved! There’s many webcasts and activities that you can get involved with nationally and locally if you take the time to look. These can provide networking activities and maybe even a chance to gain a mentor.
HR Encyclopedia articles written by James Barrett:
HR in the Construction Industry
How does HR in the construction industry differ from HR elsewhere? Successful construction companies have HR departments that place a heavy emphasis on safety. HR plays a key role in ensuring the safety of employees, making sure they’re paid according to state and federal law, and ensuring that training and certifications stay up to date and are documented. How can HR increase its effectiveness within the construction industry? Read on to find out.
Company Vision
What impact do you want your company to have on the world and what will it take to get there? This desired future is your company vision. Having a vision guides your company and your employees toward your imagined future. Continue reading to find out why it’s important to have a vision statement, what the characteristics are of a good vision statement and how to create your own!
Involuntary Turnover
What is involuntary turnover, and how does it compare to voluntary turnover? Although involuntary turnover can be difficult to manage, having a thorough understanding of it will help you reduce risk at your company. Continue reading to learn how you can identify various types of involuntary turnover, how to calculate it, and different methods you can use to decrease involuntary turnover.
Winter Storms
Oh, the weather outside is frightful! How and why should your business care about preparing for winter storms? Below you’ll find the answers to these questions, how to create a weather policy for your company, and several tips you can use to prepare for winter storms.
Belonging in the Workplace
Why are airplanes parked outside at airports? Because they don’t belong inside! Corny dad jokes aside, the sense of belonging in the workplace is no laughing matter. Continue reading to learn why it’s important to build a sense of belonging in the workplace, what belonging looks like, and how you can promote it.
I9 Authorized Representative
Even the smallest of errors on an I-9 form can result in costly fines for your company if you don’t comply. This is why choosing a qualified authorized representative to handle I-9 responsibilities is very important. Continue reading to find out what an I-9 authorized representative is, why they’re important and more.
In-House Recruiter
What’s so great about being an in-house recruiter, you might ask? Well, it’s better than being an outhouse recruiter! Corny jokes aside, an in-house recruiter might be just the thing your organization needs to meet its hiring needs. Continue reading to find out what an in-house recruiter is, their responsibilities, the benefits and drawbacks to in-house recruiting, and more.
Employee Poaching
Unlike poaching wildlife, employee poaching is generally legal, and is even considered ethical under certain circumstances. Continue reading to find out what employee poaching is and whether it might be useful to add to your recruiting methods.
PTO Payout
Why must HR professionals understand what a PTO payout is, what laws regulate PTO payouts, when it’s paid out, and how to calculate? Continue reading to find these answers to prepare yourself and your organization.
Verification of Employment (VOE)
Verification of employment helps employees and former employees by providing truthful information quickly and efficiently. What should a verification of employment include? Why is it important? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Wellness Committee
Wellness committees are a great way to further the incentives and goals of an employer wellness program. They focus on creating a culture that is conducive to wellness and are a great way to plan for the benefit of your employees. Continue reading to find out what a wellness committee is, how they’re helpful to HR and more!
HRIS
An HRIS can be a highly effective resource for your organization. What are the benefits of using an HRIS system, and how do you choose one? Continue reading to find the answer to these questions and more.
Random Drug Testing
What is random drug testing, and how can your company effectively manage it? Let's look at the pros, cons, and best practices of random drug testing.
Job Accommodations
What are job accommodations and why are they important? There are many to be familiar with, along with best practices on how to handle requests for them. Read on to find out how to respond if an employee requests a job accommodation.
Qualifying Life Event
Understanding what a qualifying life event is and why they’re important can help your employees tackle life’s uncertainties. Read on to learn more about how to educate about, respond to, and document qualifying life events.
Performance Management Software
Performance management software can be a great asset to your company. Not only can it reduce bias and increase accuracy, it can also increase company retention. Continue reading to find out what performance management software is, why it’s beneficial and more!
HRIS Implementation
Implementing an HRIS system is no small feat. It requires plenty of time, careful planning and ongoing maintenance. Continue reading to learn why implementation is important, what challenges you may encounter and more!
Employee Leave
Employees need to take time off in order to recharge and remain healthy. What are the types of leave, and how can you create your own company leave policy?
Workplace Equity
What is equity, why is it important, and how can you promote it within the workplace? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Health Insurance Benefits
Understanding health insurance benefits and their pros and cons can take your company from good to great. Should your company offer health insurance benefits? How can you determine which kinds to offer? Continue reading to find the answers to these questions and more.
Weekly Payroll
How does weekly payroll benefit employers and employees? How can you transition your company to performing payroll on a weekly basis? Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Pay Rate
Pay rate is extremely important for HR professionals to understand. There are several factors that affect pay rate and several ways to determine it for your employees. Continue reading to find out how!
Health Savings Account (HSA)
A health savings account has many benefits, can be a great option for employees to pay for eligible medical expenses, and can help them prepare for retirement. Who is eligible to enroll in an HSA? How can HR help choose the correct HSA options for employees? Continue reading to find the answer to these questions and more!
Spousal Surcharge
A spousal surcharge is a tool employers can use to help control costs. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a spousal surcharge? How does it work and how can a company implement it? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Payroll System
How does your company pay its employees? This process is called a payroll system, and there are several different types. Continue reading to learn what features every payroll system should have, how to choose a payroll system and more.
Interview-Scheduling Software
Enough with long chains of emails and phone calls trying to schedule interviews. Use software to do it and save yourself time and hassle.
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
A health reimbursement account can be of great benefit to both your company and employees. There are various HRA types and design options to consider.
Paid Vacation
Encouraging employees to use paid vacation is a great way to build a healthy work-life balance culture. What is paid vacation and what are the benefits of it? How do you create a paid vacation policy? Continue reading to find the answers to these questions and more.
Virtual Job Fair
Looking to step up your recruiting game? Virtual job fairs can reach more candidates more easily and cheaply than other recruiting options. Continue reading to learn how to find, prepare for, and reap the benefits of virtual job fairs.
