13 Jul Friday Fun Facts
What could be more fun on a summer Friday afternoon than to take a break from work to have a little fun testing your HR knowledge? We’re not keeping score, but the answers are provided in case you wish to.
1. How many applicants seriously misrepresent themselves on employment applications or resumes?
a. 5%
b. 11%
c. 17%
d. 21%
e. 25%
Answer: Surveys estimate that as many as 25-33% of applicants seriously lie on their resumes or applications. Length of employment, past salary, criminal record, and past job title are the most commonly falsified pieces of information. Because good hiring decisions require as much information as possible, and to prevent potential legal problems, we strongly encourage clients to implement a comprehensive reference policy. The question really isn’t “should” you check references but “how.”
2. On average, how many sick days do employees average annually?
a. 3.5
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6
e. I’m not sure, but if I knew it would probably make me sick.
Answer: According to a William Mercer study, Employers’ Time-off and Disability Programs, the answer is C. 5. Some studies have found the number to be closer to 4. Other studies have found that an increasing number of employees view use of sick leave as an entitlement, often unrelated to illness or injury.
3. What percent of employees use the Internet for personal reasons each day?
a. 17%
b. 28%
c. 48%
d. 72%
e. 90%
Answer: E. Recent surveys have indicated that 75-80% of employees have Internet access at work. Of those with access, 90% used the web for personal use each day. Forty-seven percent indicated that they used it 30 minutes or more. More than ½ indicated that they sent 5 personal e-mails daily and 1/3 received over 10 personal e-mails. Many companies have responded to this trend by restricting personal Internet use.
4. What percent of employers monitor internet activity?
a. 5%
b. 19%
c. 31%
d. 62%
e. No time to answer, I need to quickly delete my Internet History and old E-mails.
Answer: D. 62% according to a survey by the ePolicy Institute and American Management Association. 47% monitor employee emails.
5. According to a survey by a worldwide HR consulting firm, which executive personality weakness was found to have the most negative impact on leadership success.
a. Inability to understand others’ behaviors and motivations
b. Arrogance
c. Self-promotion
d. Volatility
e. No. You can’t say “all of the above” even though you may be thinking it.
Answer: A. Inability to understand others. The bigger question is: what can we all do about it?
6. According to the Department of Labor, what percent of Americans hold jobs that were technically nonexistent 20 years ago?
a. 15%
b. 35%
c. 55%
d. 70%
e. I probably knew this at some point but most of my knowledge is obsolete.
Answer: D. 70%
7. What percent of employees have worked for their current employers for less than 1 year?
a. 10%
b. 15%
c. 25%
d. 30%
e. I don’t know. I just started working here last week.
Answer: C. 25%. Studies also show that an effective employee orientation can greatly impact employee success in the job. How effective is your orientation program?