The 2015 Ratios Survey is open! The annual Ratios Survey has been redesigned and updated to better match the modern firm that runs multiple processes and offers various ancillary services.

The results of the survey provide benchmarking financial ratios and productivity data that can be found no where else and can help companies become more efficient, productive, confident, focused, and profitable. The cost?  It's free when you share your information (confidentially).
 

For more information and to complete the 2015 Ratios Survey, visit www.printing.org/ratios or contact Ed Gleeson at [email protected].

A recent discussion with a member company regarding a termination of an employee with poor attendance (and other issues), brings to mind the importance of documentation.

Documentation must be created when events occur - not after the fact.  When you begin documenting poor performance or other issues after a complaint has surfaced, you risk being charged with "building a file" to support your position.  No matter how busy you are dealing with the problem, get the facts down right away so you can back up your actions and decisions in the future. 

Reliability - doing what you say you'll do - isn't exciting or glamorous, but it's vital to your credibility as a manager -- or firm.  Remember these five tips for keeping that reputation up to date:

Consider before committing - Commit only after you've considered whether you have the time, abilities, and resources.

Prepare for challenges - Few tasks are completed without some setbacks.  Reliable managers aren't diverted from completing what they promised.  Avoid the temptation to quit, and anticipate the obstacles you're going to likely encounter.  Remember Murphy's Law #3 -- Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.

Face up to problems - If you're not going to be able to complete the work as promised, say so as soon as possible. Without making excuses, be clear about what happened to prevent you from fulfilling your commitment.  Provide an accurate update on the situation and specify what you need to finish.

Coach employees - Include the steps above - careful commitment, follow through, and honesty - in all assignments you give your workforce.

Recognized reliability - Track employee reliability as part of your overall evaluation process.  Thank reliable employees and point out their accomplishments to the group. Dependable performance should be one of the qualities that you and others reward!

On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Young v. UPS case that reviewed Pregnancy and accommodation.  While the Justices are sending the case back down to a lower court for more consideration, they did say that UPS's position on their light duty policy and pregnancy was discriminatory.  Originally, the UPS policy allowed light-duty for cases of Workers Comp claims, ADA accommodation, or loss of DOT driving certificate, but not for pregnancy medical restrictions (e.g., lifting over a specific weight).

Last summer the EEOC issued guidance on the subject that basically supports the Court's decision.  Here's the information.