Often seen as the police of the company, the human resource department isn't usually the first to hear about problems in the workplace. Most employees communicate work-related issues to managers or colleagues. Sixty-six percent of employees would rather approach their manager about a dispute, according to a survey by Opinion Research Corp., an infoGroup company. And 39 percent of workers prefer sharing problems with friends or co-workers. Only 22 percent of employees approach HR personnel for assistance.

"Our research demonstrates the need to improve the quality of the relationship between employees and the HR department," says Vicki Wheatley, vice president of Opinion Research Corp.'s Employee Engagement Practice.

Baby boomers seem to have trouble trusting the HR department. Just 17 percent of respondents over 65 years old would go to HR compared to 32 percent of workers aged 18 to 24. And 33 percent of baby boomers are hesitant in HR's ability to keep personal details private.

Lisa Wojtkowiak, client relationship manager at Opinion Research Corp., says the HR department is starting to be seen as more of a strategic partner. Baby boomers probably doubt HR employees because the department used to be seen as only the company enforcer or the paper-pusher. The younger generation seems to be more open to HR's assistance; these young workers want more feedback, according to Wojtkowiak.

"Companies are now more willing to share the big picture and communicate with workers," says Wojtkowiak. "The older generation isn't used to open communication; they would rather talk to a manager or keep it to themselves."

HR personnel should share more information about the future of the business with workers, according to Wojtkowiak. Keeping employees up-to-date on workplace issues makes them feel more valued, which may help to keep workers during a weak economy.

"The HR department can lead the way in building more open dialogue and reaching out to employees," says Wojtkowiak.

Build a positive environment by hosting meetings to discuss company goals and objectives. Wojtkowiak suggests that HR employees try to be approachable and take the time to listen to the workers' needs: Use suggestion boxes or plan meetings with career mentors. Learning and tackling work-related issues might help change the older generation's view of the unapproachable HR department.

Serve as advocates for the employees when meeting with the boss and upper management. HR must measure, monitor and manage, according to Wojtkowiak. Act as a facilitator by giving a voice to employees as well as equipping managers with information to protect the company.

"The newer generation is seeing that HR persons are part of the future growth of the company," says Wojtkowiak. "The older generation needs to be pulled on at a slower pace. HR is a valued part of a company's growth."

For more information on the survey, visit www.opinionresearch.com.

FACE TO FACE MEETINGS HELP WITH HIRING

Employers prefer in-person contact when choosing job candidates. Thirty-eight percent of finance and HR managers, according to a survey by Accountemps, a staffing service that questioned more than 600 managers, say that both in-person interviews and performance on a short-term basis serve as the most influential hiring tools.

In order to figure out whether an employee is qualified for a position, both working ability during a temporary period and the interview take first place. Reference check comes in second with 17 percent, followed by resume and cover letter at 6 percent.

"In today's economic environment, employers are taking extra measures to minimize the risk of making bad hiring decisions," says Max Messmer, chairman and author of "Human Resources Kit for Dummies." "Temporary and project assignments provide the opportunity for companies to observe firsthand an individual's skills, performance and fit for the position before extending a full-time offer."

For more information, visit www.accountemps.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.