Ceridian Enters into Merger Agreement with Thomas H. Lee Partners and Fidelity National Financial

Transaction Valued at $5.3 Billion Business Editors MINNEAPOLIS & BOSTON & JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 2007--Ceridian Corporation (NYSE:CEN), Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. ("THL Partners") and Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Ceridian will be jointly acquired by THL Partners and FNF in an all cash transaction valued at approximately $5.3 billion.
via HR Executive-Business Wire

U.S. Policies on Maternity Leave 'Among the Worst'

The United States is one of only five countries that does not provide or require employers to provide some form of paid maternity leave, placing it behind a majority of the world when it comes to instituting family-oriented job policies, according to a new study.via Inc.com

U.S. Workers Hate Their Jobs More Than Ever

Employee dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, according to a national survey released Monday by the Conference Board, a New York-based private research group.

In a survey of 5,000 U.S. households, more than half of all respondents said they dislike their current jobs, compared to less than 40 percent in a similar survey conducted 20 years ago.
These days, the lowest levels of job satisfaction are among younger workers, the survey found. Only 39 percent of respondents aged 25 and younger said they liked their current jobs — the lowest level in the survey's 20-year history — compared to 45 percent for workers between 45 and 54. via Inc.com

Immigration Reform Deal: Should Businesses Be Forced to Act as Border Cop?

Washington, D.C. — According to many lawmakers and administration officials, the latest immigration deal places “border security and enforcement first.” But will businesses get pushed around in the process? via Fox News

When Is It Time To Get HR Help?

Whether and when you need HR help depends on several factors. via allbusiness.com

HRO on Display in the Big Apple

Even without all the controversy, HRO World New York still draws hundreds to the New York Hilton for the industry’s biggest gathering where buyers learn, kick tires, and sign multi-million-dollar contracts.

via HRO Today

Going All Out

As the costs of managing HR departments rise, more companies are outsourcing the bulk of services to one-stop shops.via CFO Magazine

The New Human-Capital Metrics

A sophisticated crop of measurement tools could take the guesswork out of human-resources management. via CFO Magazine

Bryant asks to be traded by Lakers

Kobe Bryant asked to be traded from the Lakers on Wednesday, a day after calling the National Basketball Association team's management "a mess." He said there was nothing the Lakers could do to change his mind. via CNN

Where Small Business Owners Receive Their HR Education

I find it interesting when speaking with small business owners, just how limited their knowledge is when it comes to human resource matters, and interesting where they "pick-up"some of their education.

Last month I was discussing issues related to employer payroll and taxes with a group of small business owners in Phoenix. Each "entrepreneur" admitted ignorance when it came to such issues and mentioned they received much of their "education" from the sales reps that came from the service bureaus or Professional Employer Organization (PEO). While I believe that most of the leading service bureaus and PEOs train their personnel very well (and most reps have worked in at least a couple different companies in the space) their knowledge may be limited and not 100% accurate.

All the individuals in our discussions agreed that payroll and "HR stuff" is not core to their business and to outsource it makes sense (10-45 employees).

I completely agree with outsourcing as much of the HR function as possible and what is viable for your business, but before accepting the appointment with the sales rep, do your homework, educate yourself. Knowledge is power! Speak to your CPA, outside counsel (if versed on employment law) or HR consultant. A little time and money spent now may pay dividends in the future!

Do Employees Understand and Appreciate their benefit plans?

With employers spending the high dollars today to provide comprehensive benefit plans for their employees and their dependents, one question continues to come up; do employees really understand what they are getting and do they realize the total value of the benefits?

The issue here is often communication. Many organizations really on the HR department to get all the information out on benefits, but this is usually at open enrollment time where the administrative process of enrollment takes precedence over communication or employees are left to navigate through cumbersome employee self-service portals to complete their enrollment; which often is followed by a phone call to the HR department for clarification.

Look to make a change in 2007. Are their outside resources that may take the burden off your HR department? Ask an HR consultant or search online for "Benefit Communications".

Top 5 Total Reward Priorities...

Key Findings

The Top Five Total Rewards Priorities Survey, now in its second decade, highlights the fact that employee benefit specialists agree almost unanimously that controlling health care costs is a top benefit priority for employers in 2006. Overall, 91 percent of respondents identified this issue in their top five priorities, with 55 percent naming it their number one priority. This is the seventh consecutive year that benefit specialists have identified controlling health care costs as their companies’ number one priority.

Learn More

http://www.centricconsultinggroup.com/documents/top5survey_06_000.pdf

Pros and Cons of Freelancing, Contracting, and Consulting

NOLO gives good information on consulting: The benefits and drawbacks of working as an independent contractor rather than an employee.

http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/catId/450464AB-FA7C-4AAC-B374F1BCE305E4DB/objectId/221FE3AA-D933-4595-B0ACEAA2082BC06F/111/159/ART/