106: Carmen Torres - HR for every business

Human Resources, commonly known as HR gets frequently ridiculed on TV shows . Think Big Bang Theory when Sheldon and the gang get called on the carpet for their behavior. Yet, HR is critical to your business' success. Why? Because it sets the policies for what is allowed and what is not allowed at your business. Properly executed HR takes the "grey" out of your policies and provides clarity to employees. Vacations, medical leave, dress codes, technology policies even how to answer the telephone and interactions with clients can be misinterpreted by employees. For years Disney had a policy of no facial hair for men. There were several others as well. This was clearly explained BEFORE someone was hired and they signed and attested they knew it on hiring. This PREVENTED issues from occurring. But how do you know what is required by law, not allowed by law and how to handle employee issues when you don't have the funds for a full-time HR department? Enter Carmen Torres, founder of My HR Specialist. Carmen shares what you need in every employee handbook, what should be in the employee file and the BIG question on every entrepreneurs mind: when does a contractor become an employee? Carmen Torres brings over twenty years of experience creating equitable, safe, and collaborative workplace environments for both, employers and employees. As a trusted adviser to many organizations, she has successfully helped countless small to mid-size businesses and non-profit organizations establish reliable, stable human resources departments. Her approach includes a 360° analysis of the human resources function that results in building job descriptions, policy and procedures manuals, conflict resolution, employee retention and terminations structures, compliance/audits standards, and employee communications. Ms. Torres brings a deep understanding of the complexities of managing human beings and meeting regulatory requirements while maintaining the organizational mission, achieving business goals and meeting quality standards – a perspective that converts her into an invaluable resource. Ms. Torres speaks, has been interviewed, and can present on the following topics: Essentials of HR for Employers, Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Employee vs. Contractor, The Benefit of an Employee Handbook, Interns: To Pay or Not to Pay?. Carmen Torres is a member of PIHRA (Professionals in Human Resources Association), Vice President of NLBWA-LA (National Latina Business Women Association, Los Angeles), and in 2003 she received her Human Resources Management Certification through the extension program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. www.MYHRSpecialist.com