Alden has always considered himself a benevolent employer, trying to make decisions about employee issues in favor of the employees whenever he could. Yet in all the years he has been in business, he has never had a worker like Mickey. Mickey has been on the payroll for a little over two years and all of a sudden has started missing work two days a week. He has no more accrued sick time and has blown through all of his accrued vacation time. How should Alden handle the problem?

How HR professionals can help their organization manage risks. There are risks to people and risks to budget. Some risks can be shifted away from the organization through insurance policies. Others must be managed and minimized. When HR professionals ask to be included in executive-level discussions, explaining how risks have been controlled is one way to gain that inclusion. Real contributions to business goals and financial bottom line will gain attention every time.