0816_TOEFL-Test-and-Score-Manual-1997

222 ● 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business
Here are some tips to avoid problems:
• Draft and distribute a clear policy prohibiting sexual harassment at
your company. Ask employees to acknowledge in writing that they have
read it and understand the ramifications of violating it.
• Document all sexual harassment complaints in writing. Create a paper
trail that contains details of the alleged event and how you handled it.
• Question any witnesses to the alleged event and document their account.
• Consult an experienced attorney before your employee threatens to file
a formal complaint.
• Remember, under federal law, an employer is automatically liable for
an employee’s behavior in the workplace, unless you can prove that
you created and distributed a policy prohibiting sexual harassment.
GREAT
Rely on Temps and Freelancers
Talented people, especially in the high-tech arena, are
IDEA
fielding multiple job offers. In a seller’s market, top
people demand high salaries, incredible benefits, and perks. Big companies
can afford to woo them, but what can you do to compete for talent?
Don’t despair. There are millions of terrific people who, for one reason
or another, prefer to work for a variety of firms. So they register with
temporary agencies or employee leasing firms. Temping also has a strong
appeal to people who are between jobs or people who just need a fresh start
after a bad work experience, maternity leave, or a move across country.
Unlike the strictly clerical or secretarial agencies of the past, modern
temp agencies attract top talent and frequently specialize in specific
industries. There are agencies that place accountants, chief financial officers
(CFOs), software engineers, marketing executives, construction managers,
graphic designers, and medical doctors. No matter what kind of work you
require, you can find a temporary worker to fit the bill (see Great Idea #158).
In fact, temporary workers in the labor force have increased to 10 percent
from 8 percent five years ago.
Christopher Dwyer of Aberdeen Group believes such workers will
increase to 25 percent by 2011.