Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Human Resources at Work

This article relates to the Human Resource Functionsknowledge about my benefit programs and the
competency, commonly evaluated in employeesequence of procedures that I should follow. There
satisfaction surveys. It reflects one employee'swere a few areas that seemed questionable, but she
satisfaction with the manner in which her HRpromised to get answers and get back to me. She
department carried out their work. This competencyfulfilled that promise quickly and efficiently.Over the
examines how your employees feel with regards tonext few weeks, which proved to be a trying period,
the quality and implementation of the human resourceJulie was always there for me. She helped me
role within your organization. A human resourceprocess paperwork, contacted the proper home office
department that is properly informed of employeedepartments on my behalf, and did everything she
issues, demonstrates a high integrity level, andcould to minimize the stress involved in my recovery.
communicates effectively with staff and management"You just concentrate on getting better, I'll take care of
should expect a high satisfaction level in thiseverything at this end", she would say to me
competency area.This short story, Human Resourceswhenever things got too confusing. She really
at Work, is part of AlphaMeasure's compilation, Talesunderstood my distraction and took over for me when
From the Corporate Frontlines. It illustrates how aI wasn't thinking clearly. I'm sure there were times when
competent, compassionate staff can perform their HRanother person would have lost her cool and become
functions and really make a difference in the lives offrustrated, but Julie never did.I recently returned to
employees, creating goodwill that spreads throughoutwork after a long rehabilitation period. I'm feeling much
the workplace.Anonymous Submission: Humanbetter now, and see and speak to Julie less often.
Resources at WorkI've worked at a few differentWhen I think of the people who were most responsible
companies, and never had much interaction withfor helping me to recover, I always think of her. She
human resources departments, other than hiring andtook responsibility to assist me, and did a fantastic job.
benefits enrollment paperwork.I'd like to tell you aboutShe knew how to handle my issues, and was
one staff member who really made a difference in mymasterful at effective communication. Julie is an asset
life. Stricken with a sudden and very debilitatingto our human resources department, and reached the
sickness, I was completely confused about mystandard that I believe all professionals in this field
benefits and responsibilities with regard to time off forshould strive for.© 2005 AlphaMeasure, Inc. - All
treatment, and the coverage provided by myRights ReservedThis article may be reprinted, provided
company-paid health insurance plan. I'd rarely evenit is published in its entirety, includes the author bio
been sick before, and never hospitalized.I called workinformation, and all links remain active.Measure. Report.
from my hospital bed to tell my manager what hadImprove your organization with AlphaMeasure
happened. I asked a few questions about my optionsemployee surveys.Josh Greenberg is President of
and he told me he hadn't a clue---and offered toAlphaMeasure, Inc.AlphaMeasure provides
transfer my call to the HR department. I really didn'torganizations of all sizes a powerful web based
know what to expect. I had heard some lunchroommethod for measuring employee satisfaction,
complaints abut nasty attitude over the years, but haddetermining employee engagement, and increasing
no reason to expect a problem in this situation. Still, Iemployee retention.Launch your employee surveys
was nervous.I needn't have been. Julie was kind, helpful,with AlphaMeasure.
and very efficient. She had a broad base of