9-19 Analyzing Annual Reports

Using the Internet, access the annual reports of three companies in different industries. How are human resources issues handled in the annual report? What kind of HR issues do the reports discuss? Are the issues similar or different among the companies?

9-20 Social Media and HR

It is happening more and more that a candidate’s social media profile has caused him or her not to be hired. Review all of the online materials available about you—Facebook, LinkedIn, blog postings you have made, photographs uploaded—from the perspective of a potential employer. Do you have any materials that might keep you from being hired? What do you think of the privacy issues surrounding this practice?

9-21 Battle of the Superstores

Costco directly competes with Sam’s Club, the bulk-sales retailer owned by Walmart. Costco and Sam’s Club approach labor in different ways. This can be seen in the salaries they pay, in the benefits they provide, and in their relationship with unions. How do labor rates at Costco compare to those at Sam’s Club? What about the profit per employee, turnover cost per employee, and turnover rates? Try to compare the overall labor costs for each of the businesses in contrast to just the labor rates they pay workers.

9-22 Benefits Packages

Many companies have determined that their biggest asset is their employees, so taking care of employees is a mission-critical objective. Research companies that use benefits packages as a way to make their employees feel cared for and that retain a high percentage of employees. Consider both small and large businesses.

9-23 A Student and an Employee

Research several colleges’ policies on student employees. How many hours can students work, and what types of employee behaviors and disciplinary actions do the policies specify? How do the rules at specific schools overlap with federal and state laws? Do you see specific rules that need to be revised to better accommodate student workers?