thinking outside the box

We’ve been through tough economic times before, and we will again.  While it never ceases to amaze me how everyone behaves as though this is the first time we have ever endured such a situation, it is reassuring to see that at least some of us are coming up with clever ways to adapt to the times.

It has always been that when the going gets tough, the tough get pink slips or wage cuts.  However now we are seeing some creative solutions emerging to age-old problems, and I find this very encouraging.

Take for example, the actions the Quebec government has taken to assist with pension plans for some companies in danger of going bankrupt; or the education stipend available to those in Ontario wishing to upgrade their skills and go back to school after being let go from a sinking ship.  Most recently I have read with interest about the work-sharing initiative launched by the federal government.  It is designed to mitigate or prevent layoffs by allowing approved employers to reduce the hours of their workforce while they collect part of their wages through EI.  Up until now it has been enforced in industries such as forestry and manufacturing whose employees were able to collect EI for up to 38 weeks.  This is now being extended to one year as a part of Canada’s economic plan.  I think it’s genius, and something I would hope to see many companies in Canada taking advantage of.

There are, of course, certain eligibility requirements that employers must make to participate in this program, which will be available to Canadian companies until April 2010.  While it is estimated that this program could cost us in the neighbourhood of $200 million over the two years in which it is being implemented, if it is utilized effectively and by enough organizations it is going to help many Canadians keep their jobs, maintain employee morale and save money in retraining costs.

PHOTO: {Plim}

NKE prep time!!!

You may have heard about all the hype lately surrounding HR.  On the other hand, your knowledge of this ubiquitous role may be woefully inadequate.  If you’ve ever wondered what requirements exist for those looking to call themselves an HR practitioner, allow me to enlighten you.

I am now prepping for a big exam in May – the National Knowledge Exam.  For those who are not ‘HR savvy’, you most likely won’t realize what a very big deal this is.  The serious HR student is in pursuit of the designation of Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).  This designation is as well-respected in Canada as a Bachelor’s degree among HR professionals.

To obtain the complete body of knowledge required for the CHRP designation you need to complete 9 or 10 courses within a 5-10 year timeframe, depending on the institution at which you are studying.  You must finish with an average grade of no less than 70%, with no more than one course being under 65%.  Then you must ensure that you are a paid member in good standing of the Human Resources Professionals Association of your province (dues cost approximately $300 per year), and have all your course transcripts sent to the association well in advance of your exam sitting date.  It costs over $200 to book a sitting for the exam.

Next, you must prepare.  The best way to prep for this exam (which is comprised of 150 questions that you must answer in 3 hours, giving you only one minute and ten seconds to contemplate each individual question) is to do several things.  Many students will register in some kind of online prep course, purchase the latest study guide and enroll in a one- or two-day exam prep workshop administered by the local college.  This is how you maximize your chances at passing this critical exam, which many have failed on their first and sometimes second attempt.  You need a minimum grade of 70% to pass.  The total cost?  Somewhere around a thousand bucks.

If, and only if, you succeed thus far, you must then write one last exam – a practical exam called the National Professional Practice Assessment (NPPA), which is very similar to the NKE except that it contains situational examples for which you have to choose the best and worst answers.  You have three hours to complete 40 multiple choice questions.

And to top it all off, they are changing the rules for those pursuing or thinking of pursuing the coveted CHRP designation.  Commencing January 2011, any students of HR who have not yet completed the required coursework or written and passed both the NKE and NPPA will be required to have a Bachelor’s degree in order to acquire the designation.

So if you are one of those who have had notions that the HR Administrator in the office down the hall from you is just a glorified receptionist, now you can rest assured that s/he is likely just as educated, if not more so, than you are, and likely is far more broke to boot!

PHOTO: forum122