Barriers to Work-Life Balance

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Barriers to Work-Life Balance

(Barriers to Work-Life Balance)

Analysis

Barriers in achieving work-life balance

Implementing work-life practices for organizational effectiveness may be compromised by lack of use of these practices. Research conducted amongst organizations in the UK suggests that employees often remain unaware of their work-life entitlements following the implementation of work-life balance practices (Kodz et al, 1998). For example, in a survey of 945 employees in six different organizations across three sectors of employment (local government, supermarkets, and retail banking), it was found that 50% of employees were unaware of the family-friendly practices offered by their organizations (Yeandle et al 2002).

Barriers to Work-Life Balance

Five distinct aspects of work-life culture have been identified from previous studies (McDonald et al 2005), all of which should be considered by organizations when attempting to improve employees’ work-life balance. These are outlined below:

  1. Managerial support is consistently emphasized in discussions and studies as a factor influencing work-life balance. Managers play an important role in the success of work-life programs because they are in a position to encourage or discourage employees’ efforts to balance their work and family lives. Where supervisors enthusiastically support the integration of paid work and other responsibilities, employees will be more likely to take up available work-life programs. On the other hand, it has been suggested that even in ‘family-friendly’ organizations, managers may send negative signals indicating that the use of flexible benefits is a problem for them, their colleagues and the organization as a whole (Hudson Resourcing, 2005).

  2. Career consequences: The second factor associated with a barrier to the successful implementation of work-life practices is the perception of negative career consequences. In a study of 463 professional and technical employees in biopharmaceutical firms, Eaton (2003) found that the provision of work-life practices improved employees’ organizational commitment, but only to the extent that employees felt free to use the practices without negative consequences to their work lives—such as damaged career prospects. Similarly, Cunningham (2001) cites an American Bar Association report that although 95% of American law firms have a part-time employment policy, only 3% of lawyers have used it due to fear of career derailment. The perception that using work-life balance practices will have a negative impact on their career prospects appears to be a powerful demotivator for employees’ use of these practices (Kodz, Harper, Dench, 2002).

  3. Organizational time expectations: Another factor that influences the uptake and overall supportiveness of work-life policies is organizational time expectations—the number of hours employees are expected to work; how they use their time (e.g., whether employees are expected to take work home). In several studies, however, long working hours have been identified as a signal of commitment, productivity and motivation for advancement. One study, based on interviews with engineers in a Fortune 100 company in the US, concluded:
    “If one is to succeed, one has to be at work, one has to be there for long hours, and one has to continuously commit to work as a top priority. To be perceived as making a significant contribution, productivity alone is not enough. One has to maintain a continual presence at work.”
    This is particularly the case in organizations with “presenteeism” cultures, where those who succeed are the ones who come in early and stay late as a matter of course. Known as “face time,” being visibly at the workplace, often for long hours, is seen as a sign of commitment, loyalty, competence and high potential (Beauregard and Lesley 2008), but also is seen as a major barrier to achieving work/life balance.

    Employees who do not give the maximum amount of time possible to the organization are often defined as less productive and less committed, and are therefore less valued than employees working longer hours. We consider that the shift to evaluating performance on the basis of outputs rather than time spent physically at the workplace is, however, an essential part of developing a culture that supports work-life balance. It is very difficult to implement flexible work arrangements in organizations where the focus is on hours rather than output, and presence rather than performance. This means that organizations that want to increase work-life balance need to introduce new performance measures that focus on objectives, results and output. To do this, they need to reward output not hours and what is done, not where it is done. They also need to publicly reward people who have successfully combined work and non-work domains and not promote those who work long hours and expect others to do the same.

  4. Gender perceptions: Perceptions that work-life policy is developed only for women are the fourth factor related to their use. A review of men’s use of family-friendly employment provisions argues that barriers to men’s use arise from three major sources. First, the culture of many workplaces casts doubt on the legitimacy of men’s claims to family responsibilities. Second, the business environment imposes competitive pressures to maintain market share and increase earnings. Third, the domestic organization in employees’ own homes often precludes men from taking up available work/life options. Some work-life provisions, such as paternity leave, are intended specifically for men and aim to foster a greater sharing of responsibilities between men and women. Thus, encouraging more men to use opportunities for flexible work is important, but clearly this requires a supportive work environment as well as changes in attitudes and expectations in the wider community.

  5. Co-worker support: An increasing amount of evidence shows that workers who make use of work-life practices suffer negative perceptions from colleagues and superiors. An experiment (Beauregard & Lesley, 2008) found that employees who used work-life balance practices were perceived by co-workers as having lower levels of organizational commitment, which was thought to affect the subsequent allocation of organizational rewards such as advancement opportunities and salary increases. Some staff that use flexible arrangements have reportedly experienced a “family‑friendly backlash” or resentment from co-workers. In other organizations, employees without dependent care responsibilities (in this paper, defined as time spent performing childcare, eldercare or care for a disabled dependent) interpret “family friendly” as favoritism and complain that they are being “unfairly” or inequitably treated. We consider that such employees feel that their colleagues with childcare or eldercare responsibilities are “getting away with less work” and that the needs of childless employees are being ignored, but this kind of attitude should be changed. This backlash against “family friendly” makes it harder for organizations who wish to address the issue.

In conclusion regarding such perceptions, it is therefore not surprising why work-life practices tend to be underused by male employees, single employees and career-oriented mothers; and that apprehension of negative career consequences for using practices has been associated with increased levels of work-life conflict.

Barriers to Work-Life Balance

Conclusions

Changing demographics are behind the move to embrace work-life programs. The decline of the traditional family, an increase in dual-career couples, and a rise in the number of single parents mean that employees are juggling more responsibilities outside work. In conclusion, we want to enhance that everyone benefits from good practice in work-life balance. For instance: business, through easier recruitment, improved retention, and easier service delivery; the economy, as the labour market grows more skilled and experienced people are available to work; parents and carers, who can spend quality time at home as well as providing financial support through work; people with disabilities, through improved access to work; and the workforce generally, where they are better able to balance their work with other aspects of their lives.

The more control employees feel they have over their lives, the more able they are to balance work and family. An overall conclusion of much of the research is that work-life balance practices are most effective when they enhance employees’ autonomy and increase their capacity to perform well in work and in family situations.

In summary, a successful convergence between work and non-work aspects can be a win‑win situation for employees and employers alike. The ability to achieve satisfying experiences in all life domains enhances the quality of personal relationships and a range of organizational outcomes. Availability and use of work-life balance practices, when provided in the context of supervisor and organizational support, can reduce work-life conflict and increase positive appraisals of one’s organization. These effects are often associated with employee attitudes such as increased job satisfaction and enhanced control over their work schedule. The results are: reduced absenteeism, reduced intent to turnover, lower job stress levels and work-life conflict, and increased productivity. A lower turnover intention means: lower recruitment and training costs, increased retention of valuable employees, and increased organizational commitment and loyalty. All of these aspects are associated, in turn, with cost savings, higher customer satisfaction and implicitly higher levels of organizational performance.

This article argues that building an organizational culture which supports work-life balance is a long‑term process for large organizations. It involves changing the way people think and talk about their work and about work-life balance so that using flexible working options and other work-life initiatives becomes accepted and normal for everyone regardless of their gender, seniority within the organization, or personal commitments.

 
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Health Care Policy and Determinants

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Health Care Policy and Determinants

(Health Care Policy and Determinants)
Part 1: The Importance of Health Care Policy and Its Impact on Determinants

Health care policy plays a critical role in shaping health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to health services. Policies guide the allocation of resources, regulation of providers, and delivery of care. Health care determinants—such as socioeconomic status, education, environment, and access to care—are heavily influenced by these policies. For instance, a policy expanding Medicaid eligibility directly improves access to health care services for low-income populations, positively affecting their health outcomes. Additionally, health care policy influences preventive care efforts, insurance coverage, and public health programs. Through well-crafted policies, disparities in health care delivery and outcomes can be addressed effectively. Therefore, policies not only serve as administrative tools but also as instruments for social justice and public health improvement.

Part 2: Health Care Policy Forms Chart

Identify the four different forms of health care policy Identify an example of each form identified Classify the form identified into one of the two categories of the health care policy Describe why the health care form identified fits in the category identified (15–45 words)
1. Laws The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Regulatory Laws set standards and rules that govern the operation and delivery of health services.
2. Rules and Regulations HIPAA Privacy Rule Regulatory Regulations enforce existing laws by detailing how they will be implemented and monitored.
3. Operational Decisions Medicare reimbursement procedures Allocative These decisions allocate resources by determining payment methods and service coverage.
4. Judicial Decisions Supreme Court ruling on ACA mandate Regulatory Judicial decisions interpret and enforce laws, setting legal precedents in health care policy.

Part 3: Using Different Health Care Policy Forms to Shape Future Policies

Different forms of health care policy provide a framework for future policy development. Laws can establish foundational programs like Medicare, which may later be expanded through amendments or new rules. Regulations adapt to evolving needs by defining how existing laws are implemented. Operational decisions allow for flexible resource allocation, especially when addressing emergent health issues such as pandemics. Judicial decisions, on the other hand, clarify constitutional boundaries and influence the legality of new policies. Together, these forms allow policymakers to create responsive, evidence-based legislation that meets both current and future health care demands. They ensure that policy can be adjusted as health care systems and population needs evolve.

References

Longest, B. B. (2016). Health policymaking in the United States (6th ed.). Health Administration Press.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). HealthCare.gov. https://www.healthcare.gov

 
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Gender Beliefs in Childhood

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Gender Beliefs in Childhood

(Gender Beliefs in Childhood)

During Early Childhood, Gender-Stereotyped Beliefs

1. During early childhood, gender-stereotyped beliefs

A. first emerge.
B. strengthen.
C. weaken.
D. disappear.

2. Gender-schematic thinking is so powerful that when children see others behaving in gender-inconsistent ways, they

A. become more pronounced in their gender segregation as well as gender-role conformity.
B. experience a crisis of gender labeling that disrupts peer interactions.
C. object and tell that person not to behave in such a way.
D. often can’t remember the behavior or distort their memory to make it gender-consistent.

3. The connection between mature moral reasoning and action is

A. nonexistent due to the fact that theoretical morality and real-life morality are based on different constructs.
B. weak due to the impact of personal relationships on the decision-making process.
C. modest due to the influence of empathy, sympathy, and guilt.
D. strong due to the realization that behavior reflects thinking and judgments.

4. Dr. Arbus is interested in learning how children come to understand their multifaceted world. In her research, she asks questions like, “When do infants discover that they are separate beings, distinct from other people and objects?” Dr. Arbus is studying

A. the inner self.
B. social cognition.
C. personality development.
D. self-concept.

5. Colin says, “I’m Colin. I’m 6 years old and have two older brothers. I’m good at running and football. I’m not very good at wrestling, and I don’t like doing my chores. Sometimes I get mad at my brothers.” Colin is constructing his

A. self-concept.
B. remembered self.
C. theory of mind.
D. autobiographical narrative.

6. Research findings suggest that language is _______ teach children about gender stereotypes and gender roles.

A. the only method to
B. the primary means through which parents
C. not a factor in the way that parents
D. a powerful indirect means to

7. Twin studies reveal that empathy is _______ heritable.

A. slightly
B. highly
C. rarely
D. moderately

8. Which of the following statements is an example of recursive thought?

A. “If she doesn’t give me the book, I’m going to tell the teacher.”
B. “Mommy is mad because I hit my sister.”
C. “I thought you would think I was just kidding when I said that.”
D. “My teacher is always happy.”

9. During the evening drive home, Mr. Cruz looks at his 4-year-old daughter in the rearview mirror and asks what she’s doing. She responds, “I’m thinking inside.” Her response indicates an awareness of the _______ self.

A. categorical
B. enduring
C. remembered
D. inner

10. Eight-year-old Oren has just begun describing other people’s personalities. He is most likely to describe someone as

A. “tall and thin.”
B. “boring and dull.”
C. “angry and sad.”
D. “always fighting with people.”

11. In the United States, _______ students are the most isolated group.

A. white
B. Hispanic
C. black
D. Asian

12. Because cross-cultural findings on the reversals of traditional gender roles are inconclusive, a more
direct test of the importance of biology on gender typing could be achieved by

A. studying adolescent boys and girls in tribal villages.
B. observing other-sex play in children who score high in androgyny.
C. observing infant behavioral preferences immediately after birth.
D. testing the impact of sex hormones on gender typing.

13. To manage her emotion, 12-year-old Britney appraises the situation as changeable, identifies the difficulty, and decides what to do about it. Britney is using

A. problem-centered coping.
B. emotion-centered coping.
C. emotional self-efficacy.
D. a secure base.

14. _______ is the only emotion that males express more freely than females in everyday interaction.

A. Anger
B. Sorrow
C. Embarrassment
D. Envy

15. Which of the following four babies who went to the doctor for the same vaccination will most likely remember it better?

A. Mari, who smiled and cooed at the doctor
B. Bina, who was highly upset by the injection
C. Wyatt, who was startled by the injection, but didn’t cry
D. Juan, who remained alert throughout the appointment

16. Mastery-oriented children focus on learning goals, whereas learned-helpless children focus on _______ goals.

A. performance
B. specific
C. short-term
D. social

17. Temper tantrums tend to occur because toddlers

A. frequently compete with siblings for desired toys.
B. are easily overwhelmed and often have a difficult temperament.
C. recall that crying as an infant got them immediate adult attention.
D. can’t control the intense anger that often arises when an adult rejects their demands.

18. After seeing two little boys taunt another child on the playground, Najai tells the teacher that they should make playground rules that protect other people’s rights and welfare. Najai is requesting a common set of

A. social conventions.
B. moral imperatives.
C. moral ideals.
D. matters of personal choice.

19. In 1990, shyness in Chinese children was positively associated with being well-adjusted. However, as China’s market economy expanded and the valuing of _______ increased, the direction of the correlations shifted.
A. timidity
B. passivity
C. collectivist values
D. sociability

20. In response to the Heinz dilemma, Bill says, “You shouldn’t steal the drug because you’ll be caught and sent to jail if you do. If you do get away, the police would catch up with you any minute.” Bill is most likely in the _______ stage.

A. instrumental purpose orientation

B. punishment and obedience orientation

C. social-order-maintaining orientation

D. morality of interpersonal cooperation Childhood Development

 
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Behavioral Competencies

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Behavioral Competencies

Behavioral Competencies

In this section, you will determine strategic HR initiatives that support people, organizations, and workplaces under the technical competency while selecting the most appropriate behavioral competencies.

You must select at least one behavioral competency in addressing each domain (i.e., business, leadership, or interpersonal).

A. Determine HR initiatives that support the people technical competency and explain which behavioral competencies within the business domain are the most appropriate.

HR Initiatives for People Technical Competency

Implement comprehensive training programs. These programs enhance employee skills, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and technological advancements.

Foster a culture of continuous learning. Encourage employees to pursue professional development opportunities and stay updated with industry trends.

Introduce mentorship programs. Pair experienced employees with new hires to facilitate knowledge transfer and professional growth.

Develop robust recruitment strategies. Focus on attracting talent that aligns with the company’s values and technical requirements.

Implement performance management systems. Regularly evaluate and provide feedback to employees, promoting growth and addressing any performance gaps.

Behavioral Competencies within the Business Domain

Effective communication is essential. It ensures clear conveyance of ideas and expectations, fostering a collaborative work environment.

Adaptability is crucial. Employees must navigate changing business landscapes and adjust strategies accordingly.

Leadership skills are vital. Leaders inspire and motivate teams, driving organizational success through strategic vision and guidance.

Critical thinking is important. It helps in analyzing complex problems and making informed decisions that benefit the organization.

Teamwork enhances performance. Collaborative efforts lead to innovative solutions and a supportive workplace culture.

 

B. Determine HR initiatives that support the organization’s technical competency and explain which behavioral competencies within the leadership domain are the most appropriate.

 

C. Determine HR initiatives that support the workplace technical competency and explain which behavioral competencies within the interpersonal domain are the most appropriate.

 

D. Recommend strategic HR initiatives across the organization that utilize a combination of behavioral competencies and explain why this is the most appropriate approach.

Guidelines for Submission: This milestone must be submitted as a 3- to 4-page Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Use the latest edition of the APA manual for formatting and citations.

 

References

https://www.aihr.com/blog/hr-initiatives-examples/

 
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Human Resources And Management

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Human Resources And Management

(Human Resources And Management)

Answer each case question according to the information given in the case.

Each answer should be between 150-200 words.

Human Resources And Management

1. Understanding Your Employee Benefits: Qualifying for Unemployment Benefits

During the three years that you have worked at your current company, the company has had some success, but mostly, it has not done well. The most recent downturn in business has made you concerned about the future of the company. Several employees who work in your department were laid off in the past six months due to lack of work, and you are concerned that you may be next on the list. It seems that others feel the same way, as company morale is at an all-time low. In fact, the overall company morale, coupled with the poor attitude of your supervisor, is making your job miserable. You aren’t sure if it is worthwhile at this point to try to stick it out.

Every day you dread getting up and going to work. Your supervisor is frustrated about trying to get work done with a lean staff, and you feel that he is taking it out on you. He criticizes you constantly and sometimes makes it seem that it is your fault that things are going so poorly. He has mentioned several times that the department will likely be closed within the year. You know that he is under a great deal of stress, given the impending lay offs, but the situation is becoming unbearable. You still show up to work and do your best, but you’re not sure how much longer you can do it. It seems inevitable that you will lose your job, so you are starting to think that it might be a better idea to resign your position now.

You know that you are going to need to look for a new job soon, regardless of what you do, but it is hard to even think about a job search while you are working full time. You are thinking that maybe quitting your job now will relieve some stress and give you the time you need to conduct a job search. However, you rely on your weekly paycheck, and you aren’t sure what you will do if it takes you very long to find a new job. A former coworker who was laid off last year told you that the unemployment insurance payment that he received helped bridge the gap between the lay off and finding a new job. After a one-week waiting period, he received a weekly benefit that helped him pay his bills until he found another job. As the job market is uncertain, you think that you need the support of unemployment insurance to sustain yourself until you find another job.

You are pretty sure that you will be eligible for unemployment insurance if your company does ultimately lay you off. However, you’re not sure if you can still qualify for unemployment insurance if you resign. If you are able to collect unemployment insurance,214you would like to quit soon so that you can move on with your job search, and you must do some research to understand the unemployment insurance benefit.

1. Are you eligible to receive unemployment if you resign?

2. Should you resign or wait to find out if and when you are laid off?

Human Resources And Management

2. Managing Employee Benefits: Social Security and Retirement Planning at Taylor Foods

As Gavin Jackson leaves the monthly professional luncheon for human resource executives in his area, he starts to consider how the information he learned will affect his company, Taylor Foods. The program speaker provided an update on the Social Security system and how challenges in financing the system may affect organizations. As the director of human resources at this large food-processing and distribution company, Gavin must plan the retirement benefits for the organization’s employees. Gavin had been aware that the Social Security system is in trouble, but now has some clear ideas about how it will affect both the retirement benefits offered by Taylor Foods and the retirement plans of its employees.

Gavin learned that the current Social Security system is unstable and that the future of benefits to be provided is uncertain. In particular, the Old-Age, Survivor, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), which provides retirement benefit payments to retired workers, is under a strain. Retirement benefits comprise a majority of the payments made by the Social Security system, and the instability of the system suggests that current workers may not be able to rely on the Social Security system as it exists today to support them in retirement. Gavin knows that this information affects the retirement benefit planning at Taylor Foods.

The speaker also noted that employees retiring in the relatively near future may base their retirement decisions to some extent on the Social Security benefits available to them. While employees may receive their retirement benefits from Social Security starting at age 62, the amount is reduced if they haven’t reached the full retirement age, which is determined based on year of birth. For example, the age for full retirement is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Further, the system contains other incentives to encourage individuals to delay retirement. This is important to Taylor Foods, as the age at which employees plan to retire affects the company’s human resource planning process. Annually, Gavin creates staffing plans that include estimates for turnover of employees, and employee retirements are included in those estimates. This information, coupled with a current downturn in the economy, leads Gavin to believe that Taylor Foods may experience a lower level of turnover as employees delay retirement.

Gavin is considering both of these issues as he considers retirement benefits, as well as staffing planning at Taylor Foods. While the company currently offers a competitive retirement plan, he knows that he needs to reexamine the benefits in the context of his new understanding of the Social Security system. He also needs to consider how employees planning to delay retirement will affect the organization and the human resource planning process.

1. How does the instability of the Social Security system affect retirement benefit planning at Taylor Foods?

2. Should Gavin consider the possibility of employees delaying retirement in the company’s human resource planning process?

Human Resources And Management

1. Understanding Your Employee Benefits: The Decision to Work from Home

As you make the nearly hour-long commute home from your job at your company’s downtown office, you think about today’s announcement with some excitement. The director of human resources introduced a new company policy that permits employees to apply to telecommute. The company is doing well and is hiring new workers. As a result, management recently reviewed company policies and practices to accommodate the needs of the growing workforce. The company is looking to save some facility costs and also respond to employee requests for more flexible work options. The company will allow people in certain positions, including yours, to work from home either full time or a just a few days each week.

With high gas prices, daily parking expenses, and the logistics challenges that the two hours a day you spend commuting causes, you see this as a great opportunity. You have two children, and, although they are in school full time, it is almost impossible for you to attend your children’s special events at school without taking a full day off and using one of your limited vacation days. Further, when your children get sick, you have to use a sick day to stay at home taking care of them and not working.

The new company policy states that employees who telecommute must use their own computers and provide evidence that they have a safe and quiet work environment. The company will provide you with any other work supplies that you need. All of the information you need to do your job is available to you via an online connection, so the transition to working at home should be fairly easy. You already have an office at home with a computer, so you could begin telecommuting as soon as your request is approved.

It seems like the perfect solution to your daily challenges, but you worry about how telecommuting will affect your career. You’ve heard from others that old adage, “out of sight, out of mind” and have concerns about your chances for future promotions if you aren’t in the239office every day. Further, you have high productivity expectations and you consider whether working at home alone will allow you to work harder, as you would not have the typical office distractions, or whether you would be distracted by work that needs to be done around the house. You also think that you might feel somewhat isolated, as you generally are a social person and enjoy seeing your coworkers each day. As you consider some of the negatives of telecommuting, your excitement wears off, and you aren’t sure what you should do.

1. Should you apply to telecommute? If so, should you pursue a part-time or full-time work-at-home arrangement?

2. If you do telecommute, what can you do to make sure that the arrangement does not negatively impact your career? Are there any other concerns you should have?

Human Resources And Management

2. Managing Employee Benefits: Transitioning to a Paid Time-Off Bank

Human Resources Manager Stan Gomez finds that he is spending a lot of time talking with supervisors about employee absences. Stan is the Human Resource Manager works for Custom Call Services, a contract customer service-call center that provides year-round online and telephone service to the customers of a wide variety of clients. Staffing levels are essential to meet the demanding level of calls and inquiries the center receives each day. The company offers paid time-off options to its employees to allow them to balance work and nonwork interests. A goal of the time-off program is to keep unscheduled absences to a minimum in order to keep productivity and service quality high. Unscheduled absences create a problem, as the company has to cover the workload of the absent employee with little advance notice.

Custom Call Center offers a generous paid time-off program to allow employees to have time off to rest and relax, to meet personal obligations, and to manage unexpected illnesses. Currently, employees receive 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, and 5 sick days per year. Due to the nature of the business and the need to provide service to clients every day, the company does not close on any holidays. Thus, in addition to other time-off benefits, the company provides seven floating holidays and encourages employees to take these on or near traditional holidays.

Human Resources And Management

The time-off program currently creates some challenges for the company. While the company uses an automated system to track employees’ time off, supervisors still need to record and properly allocate time off as it is taken. This requires the supervisors to know the reasons for each absence and the scheduling policy for each type of absence. For example, employees must schedule vacation and floating holidays in advance. They are encouraged to schedule personal days in advance, but personal days may be taken without advance notice if necessary. Finally, sick days do not require advance notice, but they may require a doctor’s note if an employee uses a few days in a row, or if the supervisor questions the need for the absence.

The sick days create the most challenges for supervisors, as sick days are typically taken without advance notice. Many supervisors suspect that not all last-minute call-offs are necessary. Some employees have admitted that they use sick days even if they are not sick when they have exhausted all of their other time-off options. Essentially, they plan to take a day off, but because the policy does not allow them to schedule sick days in advance, they call off shortly before they are scheduled to work. As a result, supervisors must quickly arrange to cover those shifts.

To overcome these challenges, Stan is considering transitioning the company to an integrated paid time-off (PTO) policy in which all time off is grouped into one bank. Instead240of the current time-off allotments, the company would offer 25 PTO days each year. Under this policy, employees could still call off on the same day due to illness, but they would be encouraged to schedule most of their time off in advance. Further, supervisors would not need to know the reasons for the absences; they only would need to track the number of days taken off by employees. Stan thinks that the PTO bank would eliminate many unscheduled absences and ease the administrative burden of the company’s current time-off policies.

1. Should Custom Call Services switch to a PTO policy? What are the pros and cons of doing so?

2. If Custom Call Services does transition to a PTO policy, what are some things that Stan should consider including in the policy to address concerns about absenteeism?

 
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Strategic Workforce Planning Analysis

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Strategic Workforce Planning Analysis

(Strategic Workforce Planning Analysis)

questions 

1. Discuss the workforce planning process. After discussing each step, explain what would happen if an organization did not follow the workforce planning process. Explain from the perspective of the employer and the employees. (210 Words)

 

2. Based on the reading in this unit, there are many external sources of information that firms can tap into to forecast the demand for their product. Discuss the five most common types of information that can be used to evaluate general business trends in the economy. Provide an example for each. (210 Words)

 

3. Within staffing planning, there are three questions that need to be addressed. Identify and discuss each question and its components in detail. (210 Words)

 

4. Part of forecasting a firm’s labor supply requires an understanding of current and future skill and competency trends in the labor market. Compare and contrast forecasting the internal labor market and the external labor market. Be certain to discuss key components used within each process. (210 Words)

APA CITATION

REFERENCE:

Phillips, J. M., & Gully, S. M. (2015). Strategic staffing (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Strategic Workforce Planning Analysis

Staffing and Labor Forecasting Paper

Workforce Planning Process

Firstly, workforce planning involves environmental scanning to identify internal and external trends. Secondly, forecasting workforce demand predicts needed positions based on strategic objectives. Thirdly, forecasting workforce supply assesses current employee skills and future availability. Fourthly, gap analysis compares demand and supply projections to identify shortages or surpluses. Fifthly, solution implementation addresses identified gaps through recruitment, training, or redeployment. Finally, monitoring and evaluation ensure plan effectiveness and enable timely adjustments.

If an organization skipped environmental scanning, strategic threats might go unnoticed. Consequently, forecasting demand would lack precision, causing understaffing or overstaffing. Moreover, ignoring supply assessments could overlook employee retirements or promotions. Therefore, gap analysis would fail to guide recruitment or training correctly. In turn, solution implementation would be misaligned with actual needs. Finally, without evaluation, the organization cannot measure success or correct course.

From the employer perspective, bypassing workforce planning leads to skill mismatches. Hence, project delays and higher labor costs may occur. Additionally, legal risks might increase when staffing levels do not comply with regulations. Moreover, staffing inefficiencies hinder productivity and reduce profitability.

Employees also experience negative outcomes. Firstly, understaffed teams face excessive workloads and burnout. Secondly, overstaffed units may see unclear roles and diminished job satisfaction. Moreover, limited communication channels may foster uncertainty and lower morale. Thirdly, limited development opportunities reduce engagement. Ultimately, employees may leave, increasing turnover and harming organizational culture.

External Information Sources

Firstly, economic indicators track macroeconomic performance through measures like gross domestic product. For example, rising gross domestic product signals increased consumer spending potential. Secondly, consumer market surveys gather direct feedback on preferences and purchase intentions. For instance, a smartphone manufacturer might survey buyers on desired battery life. Thirdly, competitor analysis examines rival strategies, pricing, and product offerings. For example, a clothing company may analyze a competitor’s new sustainable line. Fourthly, industry trend reports identify evolving patterns in technology and consumer behavior. For instance, an automotive firm may use an electric vehicle adoption report. Fifthly, government statistics offer reliable data on labor costs, trade volumes, and import trends. For example, a furniture exporter might use import tariff changes to forecast pricing.

Moreover, economic indicators include unemployment rates and inflation measures. Therefore, a retailer could adjust stocking based on predicted consumer confidence shifts. Furthermore, consumer market surveys often involve focus groups and online polls. Consequently, survey data helps firms align product features with customer expectations. Similarly, competitor analysis may involve benchmarking key performance metrics. In contrast, industry trend reports often originate from consultancy firms. Additionally, government labor statistics guide staffing decisions and production capacity planning. Therefore, combining these sources improves forecast accuracy and supports strategic planning. Moreover, using diverse data reduces risk from any single erroneous forecast.

Staffing Planning Questions

Firstly, organizations must ask how many employees they require. Quantity analysis involves headcount projections by department. Firms evaluate workload, production schedules, and turnover rates to estimate needed staff numbers. In addition, firms may use trend analysis and historical headcount data to adjust projections.

Secondly, firms ask what skills and competencies employees should possess. Skill analysis covers educational qualifications, technical expertise, and behavioral competencies. This ensures alignment between employee capabilities and job requirements. Moreover, competency mapping helps reveal internal talent pools and development needs.

Thirdly, planners inquire when and where employees will be needed. Timing components include recruitment lead times, training durations, and project deadlines. Location considerations cover geographic distribution and remote work feasibility. Furthermore, planners consider seasonal demands and project-based requirements for precise timing.

Furthermore, balancing these questions reduces labor costs and improves service quality. Consequently, organizations can implement recruitment or training before shortages emerge. Therefore, organizations gain competitive advantage through proactive planning. Ultimately, addressing these three questions fosters efficient and effective staffing practices.

Internal and External Labor Market Forecasting

Internal forecasting examines existing workforce capabilities. Internal processes include skill inventories, performance appraisals, and succession planning. For example, a hospital may track nursing competencies and identify future nursing leaders through performance reviews.

By contrast, external forecasting evaluates outside labor supply and skill trends. Components involve analyzing labor force participation rates, educational output, and occupational outlook data. For instance, a clinic may review nursing graduate numbers entering the market.

Internal forecasting focuses on employee development and mobility. It uses talent management systems and career path analysis to fill upcoming vacancies. Conversely, external forecasting relies on government labor statistics and industry association forecasts. This approach helps anticipate skills shortages and wage pressures.

Moreover, internal forecasts often leverage replacement charts and internal applicant pipelines. In contrast, external forecasts use demographic trends and immigration patterns. Therefore, organizations can plan recruitment campaigns or partnerships with educational institutions. Additionally, internal forecasting ensures retention of institutional knowledge. Meanwhile, external forecasting supports strategic decisions about outsourcing or offshoring. Ultimately, combining both forecasts yields robust staffing strategies that balance internal talent development with external labor market realities.

References

Phillips, J. M., & Gully, S. M. (2015). Strategic staffing (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

 
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Healthcare Payment Trends Matrix

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Healthcare Payment Trends Matrix

(Healthcare Payment Trends Matrix)

HCS/385 – HEALTH CARE FINANCE: Finance Environment Matrix

Create a matrix in which you:

  • Identify at least 3 economic trends of the health care payment system.
  • Identify ethics and compliance issues associated with those trends.

Cite 3 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references to support your chosen trends and issues.

Note: This assignment is meant to be a high- level look at these issues where you primarily identify what the issues are. You will cover the issues in more depth in the Week Five Finance Trends assignment.

please if you do this assignment i really will like you to do week five assignment to because they are connected both.

Finance Environment Matrix

Economic Trend Description Ethics Issues Compliance Issues
Value-Based Care Models Value-based care shifts reimbursement from volume to quality, rewarding providers for improved patient outcomes rather than number of services. Ethical concerns arise over equity in access; providers may avoid high-risk patients who could hurt quality metrics. Compliance requires accurate coding, outcome documentation, and transparency in reporting performance metrics.
Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients Patients bear a larger share of costs through deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, affecting affordability and access. There is an ethical obligation to ensure financial transparency and to protect vulnerable populations from being priced out of care. Compliance with cost transparency laws (e.g., Hospital Price Transparency Rule) is mandatory.
Growth of Alternative Payment Models (APMs) APMs such as bundled payments and accountable care organizations (ACOs) are expanding to promote cost-efficiency and coordination. Ethical concerns include fair distribution of shared savings and avoiding cost-cutting that compromises care quality. Must comply with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations and anti-kickback statutes.

References

  1. Berwick, D. M., Nolan, T. W., & Whittington, J. (2008). The triple aim: Care, health, and cost. Health Affairs, 27(3), 759–769. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.27.3.759

  2. Rice, T., & Unruh, L. Y. (2016). The economics of health reconsidered (4th ed.). Health Administration Press.

  3. Mechanic, R. E. (2017). Value-based payment and health care delivery reform: The urgent need for alignment. Health Affairs, 36(3), 436–444. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2016.1050

 
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Developing Internal Advancement Strategies

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Developing Internal Advancement Strategies

(Developing Internal Advancement Strategies)

Review the Week 2 Individual Knowledge Check.

Read Ch. 5, Incident 2, “I am Qualified, Why Not Me?”

Write a 700- to 1,400-word analysis, using your research, of the incident, “I am qualified, Why Not Me?” Include the following in preparing your response:

  • Discuss whether or not you believe that Bobby has a legitimate complaint. Does any organization, like Crystal Productions, have a responsibility to provide training and development opportunities to enhance promotion from within?
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a promotion from within policy and whether such a policy would be appropriate for Crystal Productions.
  • Identify, if you were the head of HR, the first step in creating the policy, who should be involved in developing the policy, and what you would do in preparing for implementation.
  • Recommend the desired goals/outcomes of such a policy and the impact your new policy would have on staffing and performance management strategies.
  • Summarize what impact the changing workforce might have on your new policy.
  • Summarize a brief policy that addresses hiring from within.

INCIDENT 2 I Am Qualified, Why Not Me?

Five years ago, when Bobby Bret joined Crystal Productions as a junior accountant, he felt that he was on his way up. He had just graduated with a B+B+ average from college where he was well liked by his peers and by the faculty, and had been an officer in several student organizations. Bobby had shown a natural ability to get along with people as well as to get things done. He remembered what Roger Friedman, the controller at Crystal, had told him when he was hired, “I think you will do well here, Bobby. You’ve come highly recommended. You are the kind of guy that can expect to move right on up the ladder.”

Bobby felt that he had done a good job at Crystal, and everybody seemed to like him. In addition, his performance appraisals had been excellent. However, after five years he was still a junior accountant. He had applied for two senior accountant positions that had opened, but they were both filled by people hired from outside the firm. When the accounting supervisor’s job came open two years ago, Bobby had not applied. He was surprised when his new boss turned out to be a hotshot graduate of State University whose only experience was three years with a large accounting firm. Bobby had hoped that Ron Greene, a senior accountant he particularly respected, would get the job.

On the fifth anniversary of his employment at Crystal, Bobby decided it was time to do something. He made an appointment with the controller. At that meeting, Bobby explained to Mr. Friedman that he had worked hard to obtain a promotion and shared his frustration about having been in the same job for so long. “Well,” said Mr. Friedman, “you don’t think that you were all that much better qualified than the people that we have hired, do you?” “No,” said Bobby, “but I think I could have handled the senior accountant job. Of course, the people you have hired are doing a great job too.” The controller responded, “We just look at the qualifications of all the applicants for each job, and considering everything, try to make a reasonable decision.”

 
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McDonald’s Strategic Case Studies

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McDonald’s Strategic Case Studies

(McDonald’s Strategic Case Studies)

Business Policy and Strategy, CSU (Case Studies – Units I – VII)

Unit I Case Study

Read the Cohesion Case on pages 27-37 in the course textbook. Create a five- to seven-page PowerPoint presentation in which you a) briefly describe your view of McDonald’s strategic position, and b) answer Step 4 of the Assurance of Learning exercise on page 37.

Unit II Case Study

Complete the Assurance of Learning Exercise 3D on page 87 of the course textbook. In addition to completing Steps 1, 2, and 3, summarize your findings in a two-page APA formatted paper and discuss your views of McDonald’s strategic

prospects based upon your analysis of the external assessment and consideration of the opportunities to grow, as well as threats from competitors and the macro environment.

Unit III Case Study

Complete the Assurance of Learning Exercises 6A and 6B on page 205 of the textbook. Use the completed SWOT and SPACE matrices to draw conclusions regarding both the long term and short term strategies you would recommend in light of your findings. Summarize in a two-page APA formatted paper. NOTE: It is not necessary to consult other students

to complete these exercises in the textbook.

Unit IV Case Study

Complete the four elements of the McDonald’s organization chart exercise in the Assurance of Learning Exercise 7A on page 248 of the textbook. Once the organizational chart recommendation is completed, create at least one high-level objective for each functional group in the organizational chart. State your rationale for each and briefly state how each

would be measured. Compile your work into a minimum two-page APA formatted paper.

Unit V Case Study

Read the Assurance of Learning Exercise 8A and 8B on page 282 of the textbook. Prepare a product positioning map, and perform the EPS/EBIT calculations given in 8B. Discuss, in a two-page APA formatted paper, how the product positioning is aligned with McDonald’s corporate strategy. Identify potential gaps in the product line or weaknesses in

positioning. Describe the relevance of the EPS/EBIT chart and why it is significant with respect to strategy implementation.

Unit VI Case Study

Follow the instructions for the Assurance of Learning Exercise 9A on page 306 of the textbook. Create a minimum two-page APA formatted paper evaluating McDonald’s strategy. Choose at least one of McDonald’s competitors and discuss its position relative to McDonald’s. Comment on McDonald’s prospects of success against this competitor.

Unit VII Case Study

Complete the Assurance of Learning Exercise 10A on page 326 of the textbook. You will be asked to analyze and to compare and contrast the code of ethics of both Starbuck’s and McDonald’s. Summarize your analysis and findings in a two-page APA formatted paper

 
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Health Reform & Stakeholder Impact

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Health Reform & Stakeholder Impact

(Health Reform & Stakeholder Impact)

HEALTH POLICY ASSIGNMENTS

Case Study Reflection

Write a 4-5 page paper. Your written assignments must follow APA guidelines. Be sure to support your work with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and additional scholarly sources as appropriate. Refer to the Pocket Guide to APA Style to ensure that in- text citations and reference list are correct. Submit your assignment to the Dropbox by the end of this Unit.

In 2007 San Francisco began its Healthy San Francisco Plan designed to provide health care for all San Francisco citizens. In 2007, it was estimated that San Francisco had 82,000 uninsured citizens. Under the plan, all uninsured citizens residing in San Francisco can seek care at the city’s public and private clinics and hospitals. The basic coverage includes lab work, x-rays, surgery, and preventative care. The city plans to pay for this $203 million coverage by rerouting the $104 million the city currently spends treating the uninsured in the emergency rooms, mandating business contributions, and requiring income-adjusted enrollment fees. The plan requires all businesses with more than 20 employees to contribute a percentage toward the plan. Many business owners consider this a burden and warn they will not stay in the city. The Mayor sees universal health access a moral obligation for the city.

Take one of the following positions.

· San Francisco has an obligation to provide its citizens with health access.-OR-

· San Francisco does not have an obligation to provide its citizens with health access.

Discuss the following in your assignment:

1. What is the government’s role in regulating healthy and unhealthy behavior?

2. Has the balance between personal freedom and the government’s responsibility to provide health and welfare of its citizens been eroded? Why or why not?

3. Written Assignment

4. Review the following report at:

5. https://kapextmediassl-a.akamaihd.net/healthSci/HA545/HA545_1703C/u5_as.pdf

6. Using this Congressional Report for members of Congress and your textbook, write a 5-page memorandum/paper on the topic of rulemaking.

7. You are a summer intern with Harry Smith, a Congressman from your home district. He has to advise his congressional committee on the impact of interest groups on legislation. Write the memorandum to explain the purpose and influence on rulemaking in the operation of the legislation. You should offer suggestions on the importance of the implementation phase of the legislation.

Paper

Write a 7-9 page paper with bibliography. Your written assignments must follow APA guidelines. Be sure to support your work with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and additional scholarly sources as appropriate. Refer to the Pocket Guide to APA Style to ensure in-text citations and reference list are correct.

You will synthesize your understanding of why Medicare Part D passed, as well as the influence of the various interest groups and governmental entities during this process. Make sure to discuss both the policy process and the policy environment—that is, the key players involved and other circumstances that shaped this policy-making effort. For this assignment, address the following questions, doing further research as needed:

· How did various stakeholder groups influence the final outcome of Medicare Part D legislation?

· What were the specific strategies and tools that were used most effectively?

· Does the fact that Medicare Part D passed corresponds with your understanding of policy and politics, or did this surprise you? Explain your response.

Paper

Write a 7-9 page paper with a References List. Your written assignment must follow APA guidelines. Be sure to support your work with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and additional scholarly sources as appropriate. Refer to the Pocket Guide to APA Style to ensure in-text citations and reference list are correct.

You will synthesize your understanding of why Clinton’s Health Plan was unsuccessful. Discuss the features of the Clinton health care reform plan and provide reasons why it failed and describe the influence of the various interest groups and governmental entities during this process. Make sure to discuss both the policy process and the policy environment—that is, the key players involved and other circumstances that shaped this policy-making effort. Consider and discuss the following:

1. Take a position in support or opposition

2. Discuss the context of this legislation – name the expected demanders and suppliers as outlined in our textbook, Chapter 3.

3. Describe the expected interest groups and there specific arguments.

4. Describe the expected interplay between demanders and suppliers, interest groups and analyze the public policy environment.

 
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