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Human Resources
Is Your Veterinary Practice Hiring Right?
From writing better job ads to assessing real skills on the floor, here’s how to build a hiring system that works for your practice.
Human Resources
When AI Crosses the Line in Veterinary HR
HR Huddle columnist, Kellie G. Olah, answers your questions about the use of AI in practice management and flexibility in negotiating employee contracts.
Human Resources
When an Online Post Becomes a Work Issue
Navigating the line between protected speech and workplace conduct.
Human Resources
How to Reconcile PTO Upon Termination
Choosing to pay a portion of PTO to one individual, even as a goodwill gesture, can create unintended consequences.
Human Resources
When Are Employee Name Changes Valid?
There’s generally no legal issue in allowing an employee to use another first name in a public-facing context.
Human Resources
When Risqué Talk Becomes a Legal Risk: HR Professional Guidance
HR professional answers how to navigate risqué talk to avoid a potential legal risk.
Human Resources
Tread Carefully Around Pregnant Workers
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act helps pregnant employees maintain their health and economic security without discrimination and undue financial hardship.
Human Resources
How to Administer Working Interviews
Safety and compliance training is essential in any working interview.
Human Resources
Give This New Hire the Benefit of the Doubt
Unfortunately, diligent reference checks won’t eliminate all risks as not every employer will be forthcoming or reliable in their feedback.
Human Resources
What May I Ask Users of Medical Marijuana?
Asking someone on a job application about medical marijuana use could be viewed as discriminatory or a violation of privacy rights.
Human Resources
Expert Answers Veterinary Clinic HR Questions
HR Expert answers your veterinary clinic questions.
Human Resources
When Team Members Are Off-Site But On Call
Under certain conditions, employees must be paid when they’re not actually working.
Human Resources
When an Employee Is Stricken at Work
Assessing the person and workplace after the fact ensures everyone’s health and safety.
Human Resources
Protecting Your Leaders From Burnout
Emotional, mental and physical exhaustion can plague middle managers, too.
Practice Management
Just Get Real
Reality-based leadership is a blueprint for success if you focus on accountability and eliminating costly emotional waste.
Human Resources
How to Use ChatGPT in HR
The AI app can do everything from creating interview questions to analyzing why your employees quit. Remember to proofread and, when necessary, fact-check.
Human Resources
Too Much Information
Drawing the line between personal and professional relationships at work isn’t always easy. However, it’s necessary.
Human Resources
Hide and Seek
Not being upfront about salary information in veterinary job postings can reduce your candidate count. Furthermore, full disclosure is mandatory in some places.
Human Resources
How to Craft an Attendance Policy
Clearly define expectations and the penalties for unexcused tardiness and absences. In some cases, incentives could reinforce good habits.
Human Resources
Can I Fire Someone Who’s Off Work?
Medical leave isn’t blanket protection for employees when the circumstances warrant termination.
Human Resources
When in Doubt, Check It Out
Six tips for spotting and reporting fraudulent vaccination records.
Human Resources
Too Little, Too Late
You can try to tame an employee’s persistent tardiness, but termination sometimes is the appropriate move.
Human Resources
Unemployment: The Good, Bad and Ugly
Jobless claims are a cost of doing business, so understand what you can control or challenge and what you can’t.
Human Resources
Cashing in on the Opportunity
Sign-on and retention bonuses might make the difference in successfully recruiting veterinarians and keeping others in the fold.
Human Resources
How to Reset Your Workplace Culture
Improving the atmosphere inside your practice can’t be accomplished without employee input, team building and clear communication.
Human Resources
Judgment Calls
Reference calls can go beyond verifying information. They also help ensure that you’re hiring someone who will contribute significantly to your practice and its productivity.
Human Resources
Your ADA Responsibilities
If your practice lacks a process for how employees with a disability formally request accommodations, consider hiring an adviser.
Human Resources
What You Need to Know About Recruiting
Choosing a recruiting agency that charges a lower percentage might not always be the best choice.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity Pays Off
Just as with generational diversity, veterinary practices can benefit from gender-diverse teams.
Human Resources
What About a Raise?
If you decide to ask for a raise when one typically isn’t given, make sure to come prepared.
Human Resources
The Final Analysis
Exit interviews should be held face to face and in a place that’s convenient and private.
Practice Management
Who Calls the Shots?
If your practice is considering the implementation of a health-related requirement, consult first with a human resources attorney.
Human Resources
Find a Happy Medium
Some people are career-oriented while others place greater value on time away from work. Practice leaders can support both.
Human Resources
You Can Help
Recognizing signs of mental distress in team members is the first step in getting them the assistance they might urgently need.
Human Resources
Prized Perks
Team members and job candidates desire more than a paycheck. Benefits such as flexible schedules, paid CE and mentoring can produce happier employees.
Human Resources
Your Legal Responsibilities
As employment laws change or are enacted, practice owners and managers need to be cognizant of all the twists and turns. An array of online resources is available to explain the details, or you might want to consult an attorney.
Human Resources
Proof Positive
Workplaces thrive in a culture of gratitude and when teamwork and collaboration are encouraged.
Human Resources
Bad Hire or Bad Hiring?
Be honest with yourself. Did you rush the job candidate through the interview? Did you miss any warning signs? Did you quiz the references? Does your onboarding and training program need an overhaul?
Human Resources
When the Problem Is the Problem Finder
Chronic complainers within a veterinary practice can be toxic. Learn to develop a workplace full of problem solvers.
Human Resources
Silence the rumor mill
If the gossip is largely about decisions made in the veterinary office, then being more transparent about what’s going on can go a long way in quashing the gossip.
Human Resources
How #MeToo affects you, too
If your team has a sexual harasser, your practice may be one complaint away from a disaster.