Lunch and Learns

Cautious optimism was the climate for 2005. Our clients are asking for more targeted and cost-effective training offerings in 2007 and 2008. Many of our clients are keeping a watchful eye on the bottom line but understand that training is an investment. Most US companies are spending just under $1000 per employee per year on training dollars. How can you offer training in a cost-effective manner?

One option is a concept called “Lunch and Learns.” Lunch and Learns are training workshops delivered onsite over an extended lunch hour (1.5-2 hours in length). With a laser-like focus on a very specific training topic, this option is both cost-effective and convenient. A range of topics can be covered and many companies offer one per month or one per quarter. It shows a commitment to training without the enormous expense typically associated with training (travel, time out of the office and the cost of the training program itself!). Participants like the targeted “no nonsense” approach. Lunch and learns are both practical and informal – a forum where participants can raise real-life questions that they encounter on the job. Some topics to consider:

Rewards and Recognition
What do employees want anyway? Many companies feel like they try endlessly to please employees and nothing ever works. This workshop outlines some proven strategies for effective programs – even for small budgets. Cost-effective solutions are discussed.

The Legal Side of HR
Compliance in the world of HR is more complex than ever. In this workshop, we explore the “alphabet soup” of HR, including FMLA, HIPAA, ADA, I-9s, AA, EEO, IRCA, FLSA and OSHA is de-mystified. Managers are given a broad overview of compliance requirements. The session is even further tailored to discuss specific laws relevant to your company size, industry and geographic location(s). Definitions of key employment and labor laws are reviewed in layperson’s terms. This workshop will show critical decision-makers how to avoid the threat of costly and time-consuming litigation. Real-life case studies are presented and analyzed. A must for supervisors and managers.

Everyone is Welcome – Diversity, Respect and Inclusion
Our workforces are truly microcosms of our culture. Our employees come from different backgrounds and experiences. There is value to recognizing the differences among us. Learn how to embrace our commonalities and appreciate our differences. In this session, we discuss how we are different but also how to look at these differences in a new way. Issues discussed will be race, gender, ethnicity and disability (or differently abled) and how our life experiences give us a different lens on the world.

How Business Leaders Can Shape Organizational Change
Mergers, acquisitions, alliances, partnerships and the like have created havoc for many US companies trying to improve efficiencies, market share and profitability. Many companies forget about the “people side” of organizational change. The people side can include both external and internal people – customers and employees. A framework for dealing with change is discussed as well as a practical approach to the HR issues.

Business and Professional Dress for the Workplace
Business and professional dress in the workplace has become even more confusing with the introduction of business casual dress. In this workshop, we address what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. Using a humorous approach, participants learn tips and tricks for assessing their attire before they walk into the workplace (so managers don’t have to!). We also discuss the message that inappropriate dress sends to others. This workshop targets entry- and mid-level employees.

Harassment in the Workplace – Are You Ready?
Harassment suits continue to create legal nightmares for many employers. Many employers have not provided training to their managers and supervisors. Unfortunately, these untrained managers and supervisors are unaware that they are responsible for maintaining a work environment free of harassment. We will discuss what constitutes sexual harassment and how a company can ensure a harassment-free workplace. Real-life case studies and small group breakout sessions ensure that participates leave this workshop with a solid understanding of the legal issues and a company-specific plan for compliance. This workshop can also be co-presented with a Boston-based employment attorney that has extensive experience in this area.

How to Conduct a Performance Review
Employees often complain that they don’t get feedback on their performance in the workplace. Managers feel that they don’t know how to give feedback and what is the best way to give feedback. This workshop provides practical tips for delivering feedback – at performance review time and throughout the year.

Corporate Ethics – Does it Matter?
Your company might not be as well known as Tyco or Enron, but sadly now even well run and ethical companies are now coming under unparalleled scrutiny. Companies that are guided by sound ethics practices are enjoying stability and surviving the rocky ride through this unprecedented focus on corporate ethics while some of their peers are unraveling. Participants will discuss and debate real-life examples of ethical dilemmas.

Compensation Dilemmas
Compensation is a tricky issue for most US companies. We will present the most common real-life dilemmas that face US firms – internal and external equity, salary ranges – do they really work or do they limit your hiring and promotion decisions, how to interpret external salary survey data, determining a starting salary, total compensation – what is included and what is not, pay for performance – what works and what doesn’t.

Communication for Business
“He can’t communicate.” “I don’t feel comfortable approaching her.” “She doesn’t listen to me.” “I can’t get through to him.” Does this sound familiar? In this session, our focus is on verbal communication (as opposed to written business communications). We will discuss how to effectively get the message across, from sender to receiver. The importance of non-verbal communication will be discussed as well as communicating difficult information. Practical exercises will put our skills to work!

Meeting Management NEW - in response to several clients’ wish lists!
How to effectively lead a meeting. Setting the ground rules and norms for your meetings. We will discuss agendas and using practical tools to run more efficient meetings. Learn how to make better use of your time using a focused approach.

First Beacon Group LLC (www.firstbeacongroup.com) is a Human Resources consulting practice.
We can be reached at (508) 435-9889.

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