HR Confidential

How is an independent contractor like a hit man? Let me count the ways. But when your independent contractor wants to be treated like an employee, things can get awkward. Don't lose good talent because of poorly defined rules of engagement. Familiarize yourself with the IRS guidelines and be prepared to defend your judgement call.

Though it depends on your company's technology, in most cases, the answer is yes. Yes, they can. But will they? It's unlikely, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't treat your work devices and work email as just that—company property. As a rule of thumb, anything we document digitally can probably find itself in the hands of another.

This week a listener raises a concern about how her company attracts and retains women. Whether it's an ongoing conversation you'd like to be a part of or one you feel needs to be raised, it can be scary to dive in. In this week's podcast, we talk about how to avoid putting people on the defensive and how best to offer your help in the diversity and inclusion mission.

Advocating decisions or messaging from the top is something every manager struggles with at some point in their career. While it may be easier to point the finger and say "so-and-so said", it isn't necessarily better. There are many ways this tactic blows up in your face, or worse, behind your back. Listen in to learn how to take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen your position as a leader.

Layoffs happen regularly in some industries, and when they’re done right, it’s not personal. Join us as we clear the smoke around the concept of the blacklist and reveal that, frankly, a blacklist is too unwieldy and demanding for any company to keep as a house pet.

Starting a new job is challenging enough, but when the company culture is new to you, too, it can make you feel crazy and lost. Culture shock can scare even the best professional away from incredible opportunity — but don't let the shock waves knock you off your feet. Listen in for advice on how to settle in and make yourself at home.

There are many brilliant minds out there that can offer guidance on how to negotiate, but here's a little perspective from the HR side of the table. While no expert at negotiating, I can share an insider's advice and some hard-won lessons about establishing trust and setting yourself up for success. New York City’s recent ban on salary inquiries notwithstanding, there's a lot to be said for openness and honesty in negotiations.

The decreased workload, the lack of eye contact, or worse . . . the warning. There are several telltale signs that you may be heading toward the exit sign. But what if you want to stay? Here's how to know when things are going south and how to get back on course with your manager.

When the Canadian startup SkiptheDishes canceled an interview with a potential employee after she asked about pay and benefits, the world came to Taylor Byrnes’ defense. Here's my take on why this was a monstrous misstep by the employer and how managers should approach their value proposition.

Not all promotions are no-brainers. If yours comes with big risks like relocation or longer hours, you may need to pass it up. But don’t let your “no” close a door—use this offer to your advantage.

Are you unexpectedly considering a move, but love the company you’re with? Our advice: always take the lunch. Navigating headhunting can be tricky, but you never know where it will lead. In this podcast, learn some tips for weighing the pros and cons.

In most cases, the answer is yes. But if your boss hasn't explained his or her decision, it's incumbent on you to ask. Just remember to be respectful and flexible when it comes to change—because new job duties aren't necessarily punitive; they may, in fact, be an opportunity to grow or show your worth to the company.

If an employee is in the habit of posting on Facebook or yakking away during work hours, it can make managers want to scream. But before you sit down for an awkward scolding, identify the real problem. Is it distracting or affecting productivity? Does your employee simply have too much time on their hands? We map out the conversation for you.

Don't give up right away. First, talk to your manager and get creative. Sometimes, it's a magic wand hovering over your existing seat and turning it into something new. Sometimes, you have to make a lateral move to make an upward move. And sometimes, it's just not the right fit anymore—and it's time to exit gracefully.

It’s hard to inspire change in someone who oversees you, especially when you’re at the mercy of a rigid, unrelenting manager. In this week’s podcast, learn how to define flexibility, approach delicate conversations with your boss and persuade them to give flexibility a try. (Hint: it's about the quality of the work.)

Sorry, folks, but the answer is yes. Granted, denying vacation can’t be done as a punishment or in a discriminatory way. But if the intent is about benefiting the team and the business — like a rotation around holidays — controlling when you take vacation is fair game.

Sometimes applying for a job feels like sending your best efforts into a vacuum — where you’re lucky to get an auto-rejection, and worse yet, may hear nothing at all. In this week’s podcast, you’ll learn a few tips on how to get noticed (hint: use your network) and discover some of the perfectly mundane reasons why you didn’t get the job.

Accepting a counter-offer means that, you're always going to be the person who wanted to leave. On the other hand, a counter-offer also gives you negotiating power — particularly to get that raise. Ultimately, the right decision depends on the culture of your organization and your field, and on what you really want from the situation.