Ring in the New Year with Resolutions

'Tis the season for New Year's resolutions - personal as well as professional. Not only do we want to finally sign up for that exercise program, start saving more money, and begin on those home improvements, we also want to improve things at work. After all, we spend a good part of our lives there. But how to go about it?

To help you along, we're offering several workplace resolutions for your consideration. All are based on the best information from our twenty-four Your Workplace articles of 2005. And all are aimed at improving employee performance, upping your bottom line, and making your work environment a better place to be.

Creating resolutions are often worth the effort. Studies show that two out of five people (some say about half) make and keep New Year's commitments, turning them into action. So, whatever 2006 has in store for you and your company, here's hoping Your Workplace will continue to help you meet the challenges and take advantage of the best opportunities in the New Year.

Resolution #1: Foster a More Creative Work Environment

For decades, American businesses have tended to ghettoize creativity, relegating it to a few departments or "types" of workers. But as companies look at competing with each other in the new economy, more recognize that building a creative business culture in which everyone is producing novel and useful ideas is key to their success. One way to set the stage for greater creativity is to replace a highly controlling environment with one that is more open to questioning how things are done and to listening to innovative solutions.

Resolution #2: Create a Disaster Recovery Plan

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urges businesses to develop a business continuity plan to manage any emergency situation, both man-made and natural. Since fire is the most common of all business disasters, companies will need to have fire safety procedures in place and to develop and practice plans for evacuating. Also develop plans for sheltering in place. Think about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Resolution #3: Start a Corporate Giving Program

Consider one that fits employees' goals and preferences. Your company might offer grants to nonprofit groups at which employees volunteer or provide employees with online access to charitable giving. It's not just an altruistic move - it's a smart one. Studies show that offering employees an easy-access, low-pressure and meaningful giving program can play a significant role in boosting employee loyalty and morale.

Resolution #4: Set out a Clear Policy for Corporate Blogging

Create a written policy for employees that sets out clear guidelines for corporate bloggers - web loggers who keep an Internet journal and may comment about the companies they work for or their products. Consider establishing rules that are inviolable such as respecting company secrets. You might also explain that you are concerned about the image and reputation of the company and that you expect loyalty. Then set expectations about when your company will intervene.

Resolution #5: Become a Senior-friendly Company

Today, almost half of the workforce is 40 years or older - and aging. Meanwhile, America is developing a labor gap projected to be 4.8 million workers within ten years, and almost 36 million within 30 years. Given the two trends, companies are beginning to court older workers and recognize the greater value they bring - more reliability, higher productivity, lower training and recruitment costs, and an ability to mentor.

Resolution #6: Snuff out the Sniffles

The trend among many employees to come to work even when they're sick, thus prolonging their own illnesses and infecting others, is costing American businesses as much as $150 billion per year in lost productivity, higher health-care expenses and cascading absences, according to a recent report in the Harvard Business Review. So, it pays to start sending sick employees home. Managers can also show employees through personal example that it's okay to use sick days and vacation time and to stay home when they're not feeling well.

Resolution #7: Invest in College Interns