Weekly, newspapers in Alaska, Washington and Illinois publish Dr. Lynne Curry’s workplace business column. Monthly, magazines such as Carolina Business, Alaska Business Monthly, Podiatry Management and Construction Supervisor use her articles.

Click on any of the following for a useful, enjoyable read.

Partner Doesn't Get It
When companies merge, the owners need more than an on-paper agreement, they need a real partnership. Many partners resist these gut-wrenching conversations and instead swallow irritations, allowing problems to fester until the partnership becomes “in name only” or falls apart. Here's what to do: Full Article »

Federal Contractors, Are you E-Verifying? by Renea I. Saade
A federal court recently confirmed that all federal contractors and subcontractors that are party to solicitations issued or contracts awarded after September 8, 2009 must enroll and participate in the E-Verify program. Federal contractors and subcontractors that do not fulfill their E-Verify obligations, may face agency audits and could possibly lose their eligibility for federal projects. Full Article »

In demanding times, employees must give more
She didn't say, "It's not my job." Within minutes of going off-duty and in the area only because her vehicle was in the shop, police officer Kim Munley heard the distress call from Fort Hood Army post. She didn't respond: "Let someone else handle this." Full Article »

Firm may have to pay for weight-loss surgery
Q. Despite the fact that our employees know our company hovers on the brink of layoffs, one of my key employees made a bizarre request, telling me I needed to pay for her weight-reduction surgery. Full Article »

Good employee morale starts in first week
If you're wondering how to turn morale around in your organization, consider these recent survey results: Full Article »

Tight leash keeps worker from applying elsewh
Q. I live in Wasilla, work in Anchorage and am incredibly tired of the commute, particularly with the ice and snow. Although I'm a hard worker with a good work ethic who is loyal to my employer, I want to work closer to home. Full Article »

'Dream job' may have turned out to be a night
Q. The job I most wanted didn't want me. I interviewed three times at this company, each time with individuals at higher levels in the organization. My last interview was with the person I'd be working for. I thought we hit it off and I was totally jazzed. Not only was the pay great but the benefits were excellent. Full Article »

RESCINDING SEVERANCE
Question: We have one problem employee, “Jack,” who we could fire but we elected to let him resign instead. We thought he’d be grateful, but he’s not. When we had our meeting, we also told him we’d give him one month severance pay – he’s been here five years – Full Article »

BAD PERFORMANCE REVIEW PROMPTS 2ND MEETING
Question: I’m dreading a meeting this afternoon with one of my employees. Last week I gave him his performance review and it was a difficult two hours. He thinks he does a great job and the entire problem is that I’m hard to work for. Full Article »

Employer generosity quickly becomes expected
Q. I feel like a crappy boss. It's been sunny lately and occasionally I'd like to tell my employees to take Friday afternoon off or at least to leave at 4. Full Article »

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