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CHAPTER 144  Human Resources PAUL DOHERTY, AIA Copyright 2002 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click here for terms of use. ...

D Design firms realize that a highly skilled and motivated workforce is pivotal to success: there is nothing more important to a ...

schedules that adapt to the changes in workforce needs. The demographics of today’s employee market have changed forever as the ...

work environment, highly touted HR initiatives must be easily implemented. There is nothing worse than a HR change that is annou ...

the firm follows a strict process that involves identifying needs, allowing flex- ibility, and requiring technological competenc ...

MENTORING The best way The best way for a design firm to foster professional growth and ensure that its employees learn how the ...

Over the past decade, talent has become more important than capital, strategy, or R&D. Think about the sources of competitiv ...

RETAINING THE “BEST AND BRIGHTEST” The most frustrating aspectThe most frustrating aspect of the design business today is recrui ...

COMPENSATION The compensation systemThe compensation system adopted by a design firm is one of the main engines driving its busi ...

and benefits. Before the firm sets its salary policies and wage structures, it should be sure to consult with an attorney and ge ...

your firm’s pay system, immediate and open communication can help allevi- ate unfounded rumors, increase trust, and create a hea ...

conduct an orientation as to what benefits are offered and the processes involved. The orientation will allow the firm to educat ...

Employee manuals should include the following: A Welcome statement from firm leader(s) An Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) po ...

Maintaining a creative, healthy firm culture.The work style and envi- ronment of the design firm has a bigger influence on its ...

Work/life. Best practice makes work/life issues a priority of the firm. Human compassion and understanding far outweigh rigid H ...

positions in the design industry. Designers are using incentives unheard of just a few years ago to lure talent—for instance, si ...

CHAPTER 160  Financial Management GARY E. WHEELER, FASID, FIIDA, AIA Copyright 2002 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click he ...

T The design professions have struggled between the art and business of design for decades. As artists we naturally focus on the ...

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT To have a clear understanding Income or “Payment for Services” To have a clear un ...

Once you understand the various areas of expenses, setting up a tracking system is relatively easy. Your accountant will be able ...