Govt HR embraces social media

A new report from the Human Capital Institute and Saba estimates that 66% of local, state and federal government agencies currently use some form of social networking, including blogs, wikis, instant messaging and online discussion boards, as part of their recruitment and talent management strategies, states Nextgov.

Agencies reported that social networking tools are used most effectively for knowledge sharing and informal learning and development functions.

The study also found that federal agencies are leading the way in using social networking tools for project planning and collaboration, but lag behind county and municipal governments in using social media to improve customer service and reduce costs.

Payroll issues continue to create headaches for many business owner-managers, but new methods of payroll delivery are providing some welcome relief, writes NZBusiness.

Choosing a payroll package and support provider that best suits the needs of a particular business is absolutely paramount. 'Pain points' or challenges for businesses, according to industry experts, generally centre on holiday pay calculations, especially average earnings, KiwiSaver, record keeping - and generally getting the pay done accurately and on time.

“Our payroll seminars focusing on holidays and KiwiSaver are some of the most popular features of our education programme,” reports MYOB GM Julian Smith, “which highlights the number of Kiwi business owners that need support in managing this aspect of payroll.”

The DC fire department, which failed to include seniority pay in its fiscal 2010 budget proposal, is on pace to more than double its overtime spending and is projected to run nearly $2 million short in fringe benefits - setting up a $11 million-plus shortfall for the year, says The Examiner.

"I don't see how this cycle's getting any better," at-large councilman Phil Mendelson, chairman of the DC Council's public safety panel, said during his latest oversight hearing into pay and overtime problems at Federal Emergency Medical Services (FEMS). "Where's the plan that shows how that number's going to be reduced?"

The pot for fringe benefits is running $1.7 million short for the year, says Darryl Staats, FEMS fiscal officer. The department is shy another $1.1 million for salaries because the agency's payroll software failed to include longevity pay - a payment to senior employees at the top of the scale - when it projected wages for the fiscal year.