August 2012 / Commerce Connection/
VIEWPOINTS According to the 2008 US Census Bureau, 86% of firms in Illinois employ less than 20 employees. In these firms, responsibilities for the Human Resources function are often assigned to someone who is the business office manager, has done payroll or is “good with people.” The impact of an individual who hasn’t been properly trained in handling Human Resources issues is difficult to measure, but could potentially include increased staff turnover, legal missteps, lowered employee morale, improperly contested worker’s compensation or unemployment claims, and decreased customer satisfaction-all affecting employee productivity, customer loyalty, and company profits. Every two months, the Chamber surveys its members on a topic of local relevance. Results of the survey are communicated to Chamber members via this “Viewpoints” section.
HOW MANY EMPLOYEES WORK FOR YOUR COMPANY? 1-4 8.7% 5-9 3.5% 10-19 12.2% 20-99 31.5% 100-499 14% 500+ 15.7% No response 14% DO YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYEE OR EMPLOYEES DEDICATED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION?
DEPARTMENT? 1 24.5% 2 3.5% 3-5 14% 6+ 8.7% My office does not have a HR function 28% No response 21% DOES YOUR HR FUNCTION:
...CONTEST UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION CLAIMS? Yes 64.9% No 12.2% Yes 47.3% No response 22.8% No 12.2% Employee does HR plus has other ...MANAGE WORKER’S responsibilities 26.3% COMPENSATION CLAIMS? No response 14% Yes 63.1% No 14% IF YOU HAVE A DEDICATED No response 22.8% HUMAN RESOURCES FUNCTION, HOW MANY ... COMPLY WITH STATE AND EMPLOYEES WORK IN THAT FEDERAL LAWS?
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Yes 77.1% No 0% No Response 22.8% ...ADMINISTER BENEFIT AND COMPENSATION PROGRAMS? Yes 70.1% No 7% No response 22.8% ...RECRUIT AND RETAIN STAFF? Yes 57.8% No 17.5% No response 24.5% WHAT ADDITIONAL AREAS DOES YOUR HR FUNCTION MANAGE? Assist with strategic direction of company Succession planning Cell phones Employee handbook COBRA forms Profit sharing info Talent development Strategic planning Implement background checks Salary statements Recruit employees Health and safety Training Bookkeeping Employee behavior issues Wellness program Corporate giving Counseling Employee recognition Employee newsletter DO YOU BELIEVE THAT FORMALIZED EDUCATION IN HR WOULD BE VALUABLE TO YOUR ORGANIZATION/ HR DEPARTMENT? Yes 56.1% No 15.7% No response 28%