Workplace
When Does a Workplace Qualify as Being Hostile?
Claims against employers are rising, with a majority alleging employees or former employees were subjected to a hostile work environment or hostility in the workplace. A 2010 poll conducted for Bellingham, Washington-based Workplace Bullying Institute said that 37% of U.S. workers – 54 million people – believe they have been subjected to a workplace hostility….
State unemployment rate improves to 9 percent
An estimated 4,600 jobs were added in Washington in October, lowering the unemployment rate to 9.0 percent — the lowest since the 9.2 percent rate recorded in March 2009, according to Dave Wallace, an economist for the Washington Department of Employment Security. Wallace called job growth in the state slow, steady improvement … consistent with…
Employment Security Department announces layoffs
The Washington state Employment Security Department announced the layoff of 222 employees Friday, with more expected layoffs next summer. The department has already reduced its numbers substantially this year. A department spokeswoman told The Seattle Times the layoffs were due to cuts in federal funding, which is the primary source of support for the department….
Seattle Chamber survey finds businesses optimistic of their prospects in spite of a tough economy.
A SeattleMetropolitan Chamber of Commerce survey of 1,700 business operatorsin King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties concludes that while businesses are generally pessimistic about the broader economy, they are more optimistic about their own prospects. The results of the survey mirror those from a survey of manufacturers released last year by Impact Washington in which…
Medical marijuana laws vs. the drug-free workplace: Can the two co-exist?
https://seattlebusinessmag.com/sites/default/files/Jessy_Renea.jpg Attorney, Paradigm Counsel It is undisputed that employers benefit from a drug-free work place. Maintaining sound policies and procedures to achieve a drug-free work place helps to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Taking such an approach also helps employers comply with federal and state regulations. For instance, businesses with federal contracts or…
What it takes to be a great place to work
Attorney, Paradigm Counsel Tony Schwarts, CEO of the Energy Project and author of Be Excellent at Anything, compiled a great list of some of the ways companies can go about creating great places to work. He argues that the key is to get employees engage. 12 ways to do that are: 1. Commit to paying…
What it takes to be a great place to work
Attorney, Paradigm Counsel Tony Schwarts, CEO of the Energy Project and author of Be Excellent at Anything, compiled a great list of some of the ways companies can go about creating great places to work. He argues that the key is to get employees engage. 12 ways to do that are: 1. Commit to paying…
Ringing in 130th year, Seattle Chamber of Commerce rebrands
The Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new nameand a new brand as it kicked off its 130th program year on Friday. Founded in1882 to capitalize on advantageous Alaskan mail routes, the now-Seattle MetropolitanChamber of Commerceor Seattle Metro Chamber, for the chic and hurriedhasgrown into the largest network of businesses in the Puget Sound…
The Management of Art
When an important arts organization encounters an existential crisis, as Intiman Theatre and the Bellevue Philharmonic both did this year, business leaders inevitably scratch their heads. Perhaps if a nonprofit were run more like a business, they speculate, these organizations wouldnt have to suspend operations after putting on only one of its five productions, as…
The Do’s and Don’ts of Arts Management
Kevin Maifeld runs a masters program at Seattle University that trains people in arts management. Photo by Hayley Young DO > Regularly communicate the good and bad news with staff and board. No one likes to be surprised, particularly with bad news. > Carefully review the financial statements every month and ask questions until you…
Job Growth Continues, But Unemployment Remains HIgh
July marked another month of job growth for the state of Washington. Based on preliminary estimates, 5,700 jobs were added this month, making July the 11th consecutive month of job growth for the state, according to the July 2011 Employment Situation Report from the states Employment Security Division. This 11-month growth trend is paralleled in…
State job growth continues, but at a snail’s pace
Washington State added 3,600 jobs in June from the month before reflecting 10 consecutive months of job growth, according to the Washington State Employment Security Division. The new numbers include a revision to last months report to show that the state had added 2,500 jobs in May, instead of the originally reported loss of 700…