human resources services...

advice and counsel on employee issues

Assisting clients in handling sensitive employee relations matters is one of the most commonly requested services that our firm offers.  Our consultants provide clients with non-legal advice regarding employee behavioral or performance issues.  Client management teams who utilize this service can be assured that WhitneySmith Company stands ready to provide competent, objective, and fully compliant assistance in this vitally important human resources area. 

employee communications

WhitneySmith Company is able to provide our clients with complete services in the development of communications directed toward employees, such as policies and benefits information, whether delivered in print, electronically, or web-based.

background searches

Pre-employment background searches and investigations are increasingly important in the business climate today.  From thoroughly checking references to license verifications to criminal background searches, our firm can assist you in verifying that an applicant has been accurate and truthful on the application and resume.  We will also ensure you are utilizing appropriate disclosures and forms including all requirements and obligations under Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements and other applicable laws and regulations.

human resources policies

Our firm offers our many years of experience to clients in both reviewing and offering recommendations in a variety of human resources related topics such as terms and conditions of employment, employment, compensation, benefits, operating, and separation procedures.

An employee handbook can be an invaluable tool for an employer, serving to inform employees about company policies, procedures, practices, and to communicate expected performance and standards of conduct.  A well-designed employee handbook can positively influence employee behavior, morale, and loyalty.  An employee handbook is also a critically important tool for a client to avoid liability in employee lawsuits.  An employer that clearly states policies prohibiting harassment and discrimination, outlines grounds and procedures for termination, and follows these guidelines over time will be in the best position to defend against charges in these areas. 

While state and federal laws sometimes require that certain policies and procedures be posted in public places, distributing a handbook to all employees ensures that the company’s critical standards are accessible to all, and that each employee will have a handy reference when questions arise.

In addition, a supervisory manual is often developed or updated to provide the client with comprehensive documentation and administration procedures for all management-approved human resources policies and procedures. All policies are designed to meet the client's needs and to guide supervisors in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

management succession planning

Regardless of the industry, management succession planning plays a key role in ensuring that your organization is prepared for future challenges.  WhitneySmith Company can develop a program to assist your organization in recognizing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of current managerial staff and to determine future staffing requirements of key management positions.

outplacement counseling

Our recruiters have extensive experience in providing outplacement counseling to terminated employees.  From C-level executives to skilled trade workers, WhitneySmith Company can combine solution-oriented services with today's leading technologies to deliver the most effective and fastest search cycle times.

termination assistance

The termination of an employee is never a pleasant task for any manager.  Effectively and legally handling this sensitive activity is extremely important to protect both the organization and the individual manager from charges of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.  Additionally, properly handling terminations helps protect the organization and its employees from potential retaliatory activity from a former employee.  Our firm is fully prepared to assist client management teams with this often necessary but unpleasant task.

unemployment claim assistance

Our firm stands ready to assist clients with all aspects of unemployment compensation claims that they may receive from former employees.  When providing this service, all factors involved in a former employee's claim for unemployment compensation are evaluated, detailed responses are prepared, and complete support is provided to the client in every stage of the unemployment compensation claim, from initial response to subsequent appeals hearings.

workers' compensation claim assistance

Our firm assists clients in creating and managing programs that encourage safe operating procedures, with an end goal of decreasing the occurrence and severity of on-the-job injuries.  Our consultants can provide guidance on the proper administration of workers’ compensation claims.  Also, claims brought by injured workers can be investigated both on- and off-site to determine their legitimacy.

mediation

Mediation is a form of conflict resolution through which parties are provided the opportunity and assistance they need to get beyond an impasse. The option of mediated settlements to workplace disputes is often used by organizations facing various employment-related discrimination or harassment situations, and mediation is common when dealing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or related state or local “fair employment agencies”.  Our firm is highly qualified and available to represent its clients in formal mediation activities relating to a wide variety of workplace issues. 

affirmative action plans

Organizations holding contracts with the federal government should be aware of requirements to maintain, and to annually update, written affirmative action plans (AAPs).  In addition, organizations acting as subcontractors to companies required to have AAPs may themselves also be required to maintain up-to-date affirmative action plans.  Specifically, under the provisions of Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and Section 2012 of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act of 1974, qualifying federal contractors and subcontractors are required to develop and implement written affirmative action plans (AAPs) and to implement actions to ensure employment and upward mobility for qualified minorities and females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. 

With years of expertise in this area, our firm is ready to develop fully compliant affirmative action plans for your organization.

EEOC charge assistance

Employees and former employees may file charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against your organization based on a wide variety of perceived discrimination or harassment.  Claims of sexual harassment, age discrimination, or discrimination based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability are commonly seen. In addition, charges may also be brought against an organization through state or local “fair employment” agencies with direct connections to the EEOC.  Should an organization fail to effectively respond to a charge brought against them by the EEOC or a related state or local agency, or not adequately represent itself in an EEOC mediation session, the results can be very costly.  Our firm is here to assist you at every level of an EEOC charge, from initial response to mediation to investigation, as well as follow-up assistance should any subsequent employment-related litigation occur.

OFCCP compliance review assistance

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is the federal agency responsible for monitoring and auditing the affirmative action efforts of federal contractors and subcontractors.  Should OFCCP investigators find issues with an organization’s affirmative action plan or associated programs, penalties can be severe, ranging from large monetary settlements to disbarment from future federal contracts.  Our firm has extensive experience in OFCCP audit activities and in dealing directly with OFCCP compliance officers.  We stand ready to represent and assist you should your organization be faced with an OFCCP review.

wage and hour compliance assistance

Ensuring that employees are properly categorized as exempt or nonexempt under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act is a critically important task for employers, and failure to properly do so may leave the employer open to government scrutiny and penalties.  In addition, employers who fail to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act’s requirements to pay employees minimum wage, pay time and one-half for overtime hours worked, and to maintain employee pay records are also at risk.

Our firm is highly experienced in ensuring wage and hour compliance for clients in a wide variety of industries, and we are available to assist you with any federal or state compensation-related compliance issues.

base compensation structures

Are you curious about how your company’s compensation levels compare with other companies in your industry or targeted labor market?  Our consultants use market pricing methods to create internally equitable and externally competitive base salary administration programs.  Salary ranges or salary grades are developed by our firm to provide management with an effective compensation structure for administering salaries.  Our compensation professionals will use compensation philosophies and strategies that best fit your organization’s culture and labor market. 

compensation program evaluation

WhitneySmith Company can effectively evaluate your organization's compensation programs, research your competitors' programs, and recommend modifications if necessary.  We can evaluate your existing base salary, bonus, and/or incentive compensation programs to determine effectiveness and give recommendations to maximize the use of payroll dollars.  Business owners and Boards of Directors need sound compensation recommendations and our compensation staff can provide an outside expert’s review and opinion of your existing programs.

compensation surveys

We conduct surveys of compensation practices on selected positions, industries and/or geographical areas.  The data obtained from these customized surveys are then statistically analyzed and summarized into a survey report for our client.

On an annual basis, and since the inception of the firm, WhitneySmith Company has conducted a salary survey of the local labor market.  Our salary survey has support from the local business community and local human resources association and is considered a premier source of compensation data. 

executive compensation analysis

Our firm can be your outside objective source for determining if your executive compensation programs are competitive and reasonable.  Our insight into competitive market practices can provide you with defensible executive compensation programs covering base salary, bonuses, long-term incentives, perquisites, and benefits.  Our compensation staff can determine if your executive compensation practices and programs comply with governmental regulations and/or make necessary modifications to ensure compliance. Compliance with reasonable compensation requirements promulgated by the various regulatory agencies for industries including banking, nonprofits, healthcare, etc. can be assessed by our compensation professionals.  

incentive compensation plans

We are experienced in developing variable compensation plans to maximize employee productivity and reward outstanding employee performance.  Variable compensation is an important component of the total compensation package and should not be overlooked.  Incentive plans, bonus plans, and commission plans may be a critical element in a total compensation package.  Business models can be developed and tailored to fit your organization’s needs. 

job descriptions

WhitneySmith Company consultants are proficient at job analysis and determining essential job elements.  Job descriptions are written and/or updated, and provide written documentation of reporting relationships, critical job specifications, duties and responsibilities, and performance accountabilities.  Job descriptions can be an important piece of evidence in employment-related claims and disputes.  Well-written job documentation is the primary source for supporting and defending management decisions.

wage and hour exemption analysis

Jobs are analyzed and tested under federal regulations to determine exempt and nonexempt wage and hour classifications.  We do this to assist clients with compliance in minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping regulations.  An analysis will include a management report or summary of the study and will provide a complete explanation of how jobs meet or do not meet the numerous FLSA wage and hour classifications.  In addition to exemption classifications, our staff has extensive knowledge regarding independent contractor classifications.  Employment misclassifications can be costly to an organization so accurate classifications are critical to an organization’s success.

compensation audits

Are your compensation practices equitable between all employees?  Could some practices be creating internal inequities and possibly be considered discriminatory?  WhitneySmith Company can conduct statistical analyses of your employee population that will assess whether your company’s compensation practices are resulting in adverse impact or adverse treatment among employees of all protected classes.  Included in these analyses will be recommendations for correcting any potential pay problems. 

due diligence analysis

The due diligence analysis provides our client with an in-depth review of compensation and benefit programs, policy variances, discrimination claims, employment litigation status, staffing levels, and adherence to state and federal employment laws in companies designated for merger with or acquisition by the client company. WhitneySmith Company consultants will step in, research, identify, and analyze the current policies, claims, and staffing issues that can impact the decisions supporting mergers and acquisitions.

human resources audits

A human resources audit assesses the effectiveness and quality of an existing human resources function.  The audit focuses on employee relations, compensation, recruitment, benefits, and training disciplines within the organization.  The audit identifies existing or potential areas of concern, as well as areas which may be in conflict with applicable laws and regulations, including equal employment, wage and hour issues, policies and procedures adequacy, and benefits administration, to mention a few.

Upon completion, we will provide a report to the client which will summarize the audit results, and when appropriate, outline enhancements to the existing functions and recommendations for corrective action.

management studies

WhitneySmith Company consultants can evaluate selected managers and professionals through position analyses and personal interviews to determine whether individuals meet the qualifications and requirements for their designated positions and for promotional opportunities. The study assesses individual strengths and weaknesses and WhitneySmith Company consultants provide recommendations for staff and organizational changes when necessary.

360-degree performance evaluation

Confidential evaluation instruments are provided by our consultants to a full circle of "customers" that interface with the individual manager/employee. Our consultants can prepare a formal report of the individual's performance that combines the vertical and horizontal input from managers, peers, subordinates, and others within the organization. The report provides an assessment of the individual's performance so that meaningful and constructive feedback can take place.  

employee opinion surveys

Confidential surveys which assess the attitudes and opinions of the client's employee population are conducted and analyzed. Our consultants take the statistical results and comments and summarize them in a management report.  At the client’s request, we can serve as an objective third-party administrator and analyze the data and make recommendations.

performance evaluation programs

Exempt and nonexempt performance evaluation programs are designed by WhitneySmith Company for use in documenting and measuring employee performance against evaluation factors deemed important to the client. Performance evaluation instruments designed by WhitneySmith Company can be utilized by clients, and our consultants can assist the organization in implementing these programs and using these instruments. 

upward appraisals

Through our firm’s processes, employees are provided the opportunity to confidentially evaluate their managers' leadership and management skills. The evaluations are analyzed and summarized into a complete assessment of each manager's performance, skills, and leadership style from the employees' perspectives. Representatives from our firm can present the appraisals to the managers if requested.  Our professionals can recommend and provide training, mentoring, and coaching programs if appropriate. 

coaching

Coaching targets leadership development and improved business results. Simply put, executive coaching consists of a series of structured, one-on-one interactions between a coach and an executive, manager, or supervisor aimed at enhancing that individual’s performance on the job and to achieve balanced success in work, life, and com­munity.  WhitneySmith Company is pleased to provide coaching services, from training to various personality assessments, to our clients.

employee orientation

New employee orientation involves all aspects of the process of integrating a new employee into an organization.   An effective employee orientation program can assist with retention, motivation, job satisfaction, and can quickly enable each individual to become a contributing member of the work team.  WhitneySmith Company can assist your organization in designing a new employee orientation program that will best serve to accommodate, assimilate, and accelerate your newly hired team members.

training programs

Organizations often mistakenly assume that managers and other employees naturally possess the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that they are fully informed regarding human resources issues. Proper training is essential to ensure effective and compliant administration of matters relating to employment laws and other human resources-related matters.   WhitneySmith Company provides a wide range of customized and cutting-edge training programs for organizations ranging from highly technical human resources administrative topics such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, to “soft skills” training such as team building and communications…..and everything in between.

facilitation

Our firm will provide professional strategic facilitation services to assist clients in developing achievable visions, generating new ideas and practical strategies, and setting organizational objectives.  Our facilitation services can help your organization align with your strategic agenda and ultimately innovate new ways to do business. 

personality assessments

Personality profile instruments and assessments can allow employers to assess the suitability and compatibility of an individual with the organization and the job he or she will be expected to perform.  In addition, personality assessments are highly useful in a variety of other human resources areas such as team building, communication training, and management development.  WhitneySmith Company offers a range of valid and reputable personality assessments that may assist employers in such human resources endeavors.

skills assessments

With the rising costs associated with recruitment, training, poor performance, counterproductive workplace behaviors and turnover, having a valid and reliable employee selection program in place could make the difference between an organization's success and failure. Research has consistently shown that pre-employment assessments can be more effective than the job interview alone in predicting an applicant's future job performance. WhitneySmith Company offers employers a comprehensive choice of skills assessments that can be combined to offer a powerful customized solution to any organization's specific hiring needs.

myers-briggs type indicator

WhitneySmith Company has consultants certified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).  The MBTI is a psychological instrument that has been designed to effectively put the theories of Swiss psychiatrist Carl G. Jung to practical use in a wide variety of applications. When administered to an individual, the MBTI can reveal patterns of "mental habits" for that individual.  Our firm currently utilizes the instrument to serve clients in a variety of applications including management development, team building, career development, outplacement, communication training, and conflict resolution. 

benefits communications

WhitneySmith Company will support your organization with communicating employee benefits programs, policies, and changes.  Our consultants present benefit programs and changes to enhance communication with employees.  These activities maximize the employees' understanding of, and participation in, benefit programs.  Benefits should be understood by employees and seen as an important component of their total compensation package.

benefits policies

Our consultants write benefits policies for client companies to be included in policy manuals or employee handbooks.  These policies include information and procedures regarding benefits eligibility, paid and unpaid time off, medical, dental, and life insurance, retirement programs, and others.  Employee benefits policies must be clear and thorough to ensure that employees understand their benefits and responsibilities for compliance with these policies.  In addition, these policies assist supervisors and the human resources department in administering the policies on a consistent basis.

benefits studies

WhitneySmith Company gathers benefits information from survey sources for selected markets and/or industries, and the data is compiled into a report along with the client company’s benefits programs.  From this comparative analysis, recommendations can be provided for modification of the client's existing benefits program, as well as, evaluation and selection of appropriate benefits providers.

employee benefits surveys

Our firm conducts surveys of benefits programs and practices for specific industries and/or geographical areas.  The data obtained from these customized surveys are then analyzed and summarized into a survey report for our client.

On an annual basis, WhitneySmith Company conducts an employee benefits survey of the local labor market.  Our benefits survey has support from the local business community and local human resources association and is considered a premier source of employee benefits data.

safety inspections

WhitneySmith Company conducts safety inspections of your company's property, equipment, and procedures to evaluate adherence of safety rules and OSHA standards.  A report summarizes the inspection results and recommendations for corrective action.

safety programs

Our consultants develop employee safety handbooks that detail safety policies and procedures and provide communication to employees regarding safety and health standards.  We design and implement incentive programs to promote adherence to safety policies and reward employees for achievement of safety goals.

safety training

WhitneySmith Company develops safety training programs and accompanying communications to maintain an ongoing commitment to workplace safety.  We can help ensure that workplace safety compliance is in accordance with internal safety programs and/or state and federal regulatory requirements.

workers' compensation programs

Our firm assists clients in creating and managing programs that encourage safe operating procedures, with an end goal of decreasing the occurrence and severity of on-the-job injuries.  For clients in the state of Texas, our firm can evaluate clients who prefer not to subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance coverage.  Our guidance includes recommendations on the advisability of this decision.  We also assist during the process of workers’ compensation insurance discontinuation to ensure regulatory compliance.