HR Academy

The HR Academy Program features 7 four-hour sessions specifically designed for human resource professionals who are new to the field or interested in enhancing their existing knowledge and networking with peers to learn best practices. The HR Academy offers formal training on handling sensitive human resource situations such as legislation and regulation issues, implementing must-have programs and sharing practical day-to-day policies and procedures. You’ll learn the latest in human resources trends and how to strategically align human resources with your corporate philosophies. The HR Academy program is HRCI approved for 22.75 credit hours. Below is an overview of material covered in each session.

Session 1 HR Strategies:

Aligning HR strategies to meet your business objectives is a key element in maintaining a healthy culture. This session will focus on how HR should help the organization define the culture and how to be sure your HR systems are supporting the culture.

Session 2 Employee Recruitment Success:

This session will provide useful, how-to advice for each phase of the applicant selection process, including: identifying key job requirements, choosing the right candidates for interviews, developing interview questions, leading successful interviews, making tentative selections, checking references and making the offer. You’ll also learn about major legalities, enforcement agencies, and practical applications to help protect your company during the recruiting and hiring process.

Session 3 Designing Orientation & Training Programs:

Discover the key elements and benefits of orientation and training programs. You’ll learn ways to customize programs to fit your culture, and proven ways to measure the results to ensure effectiveness.

Session 4 Creative Compensation Models:

Hear how other companies improve employee loyalty through creative compensation models. We’ll feature a successful case study, discuss best practices of the top 100 Best Places to Work in PA companies, and provide an overview of both standard benefit programs and ways to creatively compensate employees.

Session 5 Performance Management:

Learn about performance management basics, including: effective communication techniques, creating a performance-based environment, identifying who drives the process, setting expectations, defining accountability, documenting results, coaching and counseling, and monitoring short-term and long-term progress.

Session 6 Employee Relations 101:

Overview of common employee relations issues such as attendance problems, interpersonnel conflicts, the “bad attitude”, policy administration, and self assessments. Learn practical techniques to effectively manage employee relations through the power of listening and by creating a “safe” environment in which employees can thrive.

Session 7 HR Best Practices & Panel Discussion:

Review of previous sessions and an opportunity to address any questions and/or topics the group wishes to discuss. The last two hours of this session will focus on an open dialogue panel discussion, featuring industry experts who are prepared to answer questions and share their best practices -- what has worked for them and what has not.