(12) Human Resources Management

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be a manager or an owner to…

promote leadership

What is leadership?

action of leading people to establish goals, innovate, motivate and trust

What are characteristics of a leader?

-Better their environment
-They know their team and themselves well
-They maintain a positive attitude
-They build the next generation of leaders
-Must build their team, mentor them then advocate for them

Why is organizational culture so important to funeral service?

if you are going to work there, its important that you believe in their organizational culture, meaning assumptions and behaviors that yield results for the business. You believe what they believe

Organizational culture

business personality that is tangible and emotional (?)

What are the elements of organizational culture?

-Value (beliefs or standards)
-Symbols (outward signs that represent the FH)
-Stories/myths (legends usually accompany stories about a simpler time)
-Heroes (typically about a deep loyalty to the organization)
-Rituals (daily routines)

What is human resource management?

Process of acquiring, training, developing, motivating and appraising a sufficient quantity of qualified employees to perform necessary activities; developing activites and an organizational climate conductive to maximum efficiency and worker satisfaction

What is the current retention rate in funeral service beyond 5 years?

<25%

What is a job description?

Documents that list the major responsibilities and tasks of a job
-Must be accurate
-Helps avoid misunderstandings

What is expected of a job description?

JOb title, reporting status, qualifications, specific details regarding position

What is job analysis?

The process of determining the critical components of a job for the purpose fo selecting, training and rewarding personnel

What are the characteristics of full time employees?

-Available
-More committed
-Bring a higher skill set
-Issue is often money
-Salary (benefits often = 1/3 of pay) = package

What are the characteristics of part time employees?

-No benefits
-Hourly rate
-No obligation
-no loyalty

What are the characteristics of apprentices/newly licensed employees?

-Costs more
-Less supervision
-Apprentice liability

What are the characteristics of unlicensed personnel?

-Less money
-More liability
-More flexibility

What are the characteristics of experienced employees?

-Short learning curve
-Bad habits
-More money
-Background check/credit check
-Why are they job hunting…
-Baggage

What are the characteristics of inexpereinced employees?

-Longer learning curve
-Train them our way
-Risk in fit
-Risk in flight

When looking to hire, what should managers be thinking?

-Will they fit?
-Will they solve a problem for me?
-Will they help me make/save money?
-Do not hire trouble

What are the 3 steps in the hiring process?

-Recruiting (mortuary school programs, word of mouth)
-Application/Screening (paperwork, screening through references)
-Interview Process (judging applicants)

What is the stair step interview process?

Multiple interviews that get clsoer and closer to the business. May start with a phone call and end with meeting with the staff and tests

What are some ways to market yourself in the interview?

-Cognizant of questions that may be asked
-Be poised in answering questions and do not ramble
-Silence isnt bad
-Don’t lie
-Be thoughtful
-Be on time, attentive and professional

What are the three placement factors?

-Promotion (increase in pay and status)
-Demotion )Lowering of pay and status, may be voluntary)
-Lateral Entry (same pay, same status)

Hourly or salary wage depends on…

state. you should know how you are being paid in a written agreement or employment contract

How you are compensated is determined by…

the amount of freedom the employee has

What does it mean ‘waiting to be engaged’?

Free to go about your life until you are called. Typically, not paid

What does it mean to be engaged to wait?

You are required to be at the FH to answer phones and are compensated

What are perks used for?

motivational carrots (retirement, paid vacation, PTO, bonusses, living arrangements, career ladder, room for growth, relocation, etc)

IF the housing is for the employee’s benefit…

it can count towards your overall package. Must claim this in a benefits package

If the housing is for the benefit of the employer…

it benefits THEM, therefore you do not have to claim this in a benefits package

Even if you do not want the position, what should you do after the interview?

Follow up and express appreciation for their time

What are personal references?

Ministers, friends, relatives; subjective and cannot be relied upon for a vair opinion

What is an objective reference?

Former employer, work associates, former instructors, etc.

WHat is helpful about a good hiring and orientation process?

-assist employees in adjusting to their job and new work environment
-Reduces startup costs
-Reduces anxiety
-Reduces turnover
-Save employees time, big relief to others
-Allows them to develop realistic job expectations, positive attitudes and job satisfaction

How is turnover costly to an organization?

Demoralizing, disruptive and comes with financial loss. Loss in productivtiy of that individual can be very disruptive to a small organization

Aside from money, what else do people need in their work life?

Fulfillment, job security, personal growth

What is Frederick Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory?

Combines extrinsic (hygenic factors) and intrinsic (motivational factors). Extrinsic factors include wages, salaries, job security, working conditions, etc. While intrinsic include promotion, growth, sense of personal achievement, etc. These must be combined to make work tolerable for workers. This results in a good work environment

What is included in HR documentation?

-Handbook and orientation
-Discipline policy (verbal warnings, written warning, suspension and termination)
-Handbook given for retention and signed by the employee

What will be included in the written documentation for violations?

-Company policy was violated
-Specific details of violation (date, time, witnesses)
-Discipline given
-Corrective, preventative measures
-Comment section
-Signature line for employee and employer to sign
-Witnesses

Where is insubordination grounds for termination?

all 50 states

Once reprimanded beyond a written warning, what happens?

D day (decision day)
-50% will quit voluntarily
-35% will promise to change
-15% will have no decision and typically result in insubordination

What is insubordination?

Failure to comply with a direct order. FD’s do not like this.

What should you keep in mind concerning resignation?

-Employment is not an instantly gratifying situation
-Give time before thoughts of resignation
-Right and wrogn ways to do it
-Be careful of bouncing
-self assuredness, class and dignity of a professional
-Polices in handbook might dictate notice

What should you include in your letter of resignation?

-Manager’s name
-Date
-Keep it to the point
-Do not criticize, vent
-Part of permanent record

By following proper resignation etiquette..

you can depart on good terms. You can move forward with a clean slate, conscience and employment record.