/PressMediaWire/ - A new publication by a Northern California Human Resources consultant aims to help employers avoid liability and improve business results by creating more accurate, more comprehensive job descriptions. “The Art & Science of Creating Job Descriptions,” by Becky Regan, M.A., C.C.P., is a 90-page guide for employers, HR departments and HR consultants. The program, which can be used by companies in any industry, is available online at ReganHR.com .

Why create a detailed how-to guide to writing job descriptions, when there are so many "canned" job description templates available? "'Cookie-cutter,' generic job descriptions may be tempting for a busy HR manager," says Regan. "But a custom-written job description—one that accurately reflects an employee's real work and position in the company—is the cornerstone of effective HR management."

In recent years, several huge American employers have helped Regan make her point. Merrill Lynch paid $37 million to settle a class action lawsuit that alleged misclassification of inside sales representatives as exempt employees. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company paid a whopping $135 million to settle claims that adjusters were never paid overtime because they were treated as exempt. And these companies aren't alone. In 2006, class action overtime lawsuit settlements cost 24 Hour Fitness $38 million, Morgan Stanley $42.5 million, and financial services firm UBS AG agreed to pay up to $89 million.

Regan created “The Art & Science of Creating Job Descriptions” in part to help employers avoid Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) misclassification and other common problems relating to inaccurate job descriptions. Unlike other job description template packages, “The Art & Science of Creating Job Descriptions” specifically addresses the thorny issues of compliance with FLSA, Worker's Compensation regulations and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The publication includes a step-by-step roadmap for implementing a job description review program, giving an employer precise instructions for every stage of the process.

Why is this so important?  "If a job description template doesn't accurately describe the work that the employee performs on a daily basis, nor detail the job’s legitimate minimum qualifications, how can you use it for hiring, promoting, developing or retaining staff?" asks Regan. A thorough, customized job description can help companies avoid allegations of bias, helps employees be more effective in their jobs, and ultimately, "positively impacts a company's bottom line," says the author.

Helping companies avoid liability is just one benefit of “The Art & Science of Creating Job Descriptions,” says Regan. By completing the job assessment processes outlined in the publication, employers can:

• Improve employee alignment with company goals by helping them understand exactly how they fit into the organization

• Source and recruit high-quality applicants for open jobs

• Price the company’s jobs in the marketplace against the competition

• More accurately measure employee performance in their performance appraisal process

• Improve employee retention by creating a clear career path for employee development

• Establish the basic infrastructure to effectively manage human resources

For more information about “The Art & Science of Creating Job Descriptions,” contact Becky Regan at (916) 660-0146, or via email at Becky@ReganHR.com.

About Regan HR, Inc.

Regan HR's mission is to provide high-quality, cost-effective human resource consulting services to growing companies so they can make best use of their assets — both human and financial. The firm provides a comprehensive range of HR services, including review or creation of employee handbooks, job descriptions and company procedures; assisting in the hiring top-notch HR, Senior management or C-Level executives; creating compensation and structured variable pay plans; and creating customized job descriptions. Notable Northern California clients include Raley's, CalPers, Franklin Templeton, The McClatchy Company, PRIDE Industries, Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, and EdFund. Regan HR can be found online at www.ReganHR.com.

About Becky Regan, M.A., C.C.P.

Becky Regan is a member of the Sacramento Area Human Resources Management Association, World at Work (formerly known as American Compensation Association), the Northern California Human Resources Association and the Society for Human Resources Management. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, with a major in Human Resources.

Before pursuing her M.A. in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco, Becky held a number of management-level Human Resources positions in the corporate world, as well as operating her own Human Resources consultancy. She holds the "Certified Compensation Professional" designation from World at Work. Today, Becky Regan owns and operates Regan HR, Inc., working with clients throughout northern California and beyond.

CONTACT:
Becky Regan, M.A., CCP
Regan HR, Inc.
PH: (916) 660-0146
Becky@ReganHR.com

This news release has been distributed by Imagine That Creative, Inc., on behalf of our client, Regan HR, Inc. To interview the author, or for more information, please contact Becky Regan directly.

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