NAR's HR Connection program provides AEs the convenience of "one-stop shopping" for quality, human resource services and information.

As part of the "Right Tools, Right Now" initiative, Human Resources consulting services are available at no cost.  Review of your employee manual will cost $75!  Customized training is also available at cost; travel expenses must be reimbursed.  Revised pricing is valid through 12/31/2009.

HR Connection No-Cost Services

Human Resources Tool Kit

A handy, online reference with tools and checklists for:
• HR Audit – Assess your human resources needs.
• Employee Relations – Learn fundamental policies and procedures that can help nurture satisfactory relationships with your staff.
• Recruiting – Get the tools you need to bring talent to your team, including processes for posting open positions and conducting interviews.
• Compensation – Discover appropriate wages with salary surveys and other competitive market data.
• Benefits – Establish a competitive benefits package to help recruit, retain, and motivate talented and dedicated workers.
• Training – Help your staff grow personally and professionally with a well-formed development curriculum.
• Legal – Learn which employment laws apply to your organization, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HR Column in REALTOR® AE Magazine

If there's an employee issue you're dealing with, chances are you're not alone! Submit your human resource-related questions to hrconnection@realtors.org. Selected questions will be answered in each issue of REALTOR® AE Magazine.

HR Consulting Corners

Thirty-minute, one-on-one consultation sessions about HR best practices at all major NAR meetings and select regional conferences.

AEI:  Consulting sessions will be available at the Association Executives Institute in Colorado. Sessions are available March 20-23.  Contact Donna Garcia at dgarcia@realtors.org to schedule your session.

 

HR Connection Premium Services

Employee Manual Review/Development

Employee manuals are an important way to ensure that your policies are communicated properly to your employees and help reduce your legal exposure.

Three options are available to ensure that your manual is up to date:

1. Purchase NAR's "Standard" Manual with your specific information included. This boilerplate manual includes policies regarding:

• Confidentiality
• Compensation – Performance reviews, pay days, payroll deductions, work hours, time reporting, overtime policy, etc.
• Conduct – Policies include alcohol/drug abuse, harassment, conflict of interest, telephone use, dress code, electronic communication, voice mail, performance improvement, etc.
• Employment – Equal employment opportunity
• Privacy – Employment verification, personnel file access
• Safety – Medical emergencies, whistleblower policy
• Termination – General policy, voluntary/involuntary termination, vacation pay, employment at will
• Time Off

Complete a questionnaire to include your association's specific information as it relates to time off, work hours, etc.
Cost: $150    $75

2. NAR's "Standard" Manual with additional state/local customizations and policies not listed above.
Cost: $100 per hour  $75

3. Current manual review. Submit your current employee manual for review. You'll be provided with detailed information on how to bring your manual up to date and in compliance with federal law.
Cost: $100 per hour ($250 minimum), $1,000 maximum    $75

Employee Relations/Compensation/Benefits Assistance

Assistance includes but is not limited to:

1. Employee Relations – Conflict resolution, team-building, and removing other obstacles that hinder your employees' effectiveness
2. Compensation - Determining FLSA status (exempt v. non-exempt), job description development, ensuring an equitable compensation system, etc.
3. Benefits - Benefit programs assessment to ensure market competitiveness

Cost: $75 per hour, minimum $20 for a quarter hour    No cost

Association Executive Search Assistance

Assistance includes but is not limited to:

1. Initial phone consultation (no charge)
2. Assistance with skills/experience/knowledge identification, resume screening, on-site interviewing/selection

Cost: $500 per day, plus travel expenses    Reimbursement of travel expenses only

Tailored Training on Human Resource Issues

Supervisor and employee training is crucial to any successful organization. Courses may be offered for your association and/or members. What a great way to generate revenue for your regional/association meetings!  For 2009, all training will be provided at cost, unless specified otherwise.  Reimbursement of travel expenses is required.

Following are some of the courses currently available:

1. The Pacific Institute (2 days) – This comprehensive, motivational seminar is a brilliant way to assist you, your staff, and/or leadership in working through negativity that may hinder them from reaching their potential. Topics include: a) A study of how the mind works; b) How to control the way we think; and c) How to increase self-efficacy.
Cost: $50 per person (payable to The Pacific Institute); $3,000 facilitator fee, plus expenses

View a video by the Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS® to learn how The Pacific Institute has helped transform the organization.

2. Sexual Harassment – This two-hour training course, which includes a 14-minute video and print materials, addresses how to identify actions that constitute sexual harassment, ways it can be prevented, and how to establish company policies and procedures to address incidents of sexual harassment.
Cost: $250 per class, plus expenses

3. Additional Topics -  Tailored training on topics such as communication, conflict resolution, time management, leadership, etc., are available.  Participants complete an online assessment prior to the course and then receive their own personal profile at the session.  The session is developed based upon the participants' assessment results.

Cost:  $500 per day, plus expenses    

 

For more information about HR Connection, contact Donna Garcia,  MSHR, SPHR, Director of NAR Human Resource Services, at 312/329-8311or dgarcia@realtors.org.

Donna has been with the NAR since 1984. She joined NAR's Legal Affairs Division, where she worked for 12 years. While in Legal Affairs, she reviewed employee manuals for state and local associations, developed and revised courses for the Legal Liability Series, and was staff executive to the Risk Reduction Committee.

In 1996, she joined the Human Resources Division where she has gained extensive knowledge in employee relations, training, compensation, and benefits administration.

Donna received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from St. Xavier University and her Master's Degree in Human Resource Management from Loyola University. She obtained her certification in Organizational Development and her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation in 2008.  She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and American Society of Association Executives.

She is a certified facilitator for The Pacific Institute's Investment in Excellence Program.