Assignment task:
This company's name says a lot about the business it is in. Can-Tech prides itself on keeping abreast of the ever-changing technology landscape so that it can provide state-of-the-art computer and internet solutions to its customers.
Headquartered in Oceanside City, Can-Tech Computer and Internet Services Inc. employs 35 staff. Two-thirds of them are highly credentialed in technical specialties. The human and intellectual capital of staff with technical specialties is key to the company's success. This is not to underestimate the importance of Can-Tech's proprietary software and hardware infrastructure but to acknowledge that the ability of technical specialists to assess customer needs and match them with technology solutions at a reasonable price has given the company a competitive advantage in the marketplace. While most jobs at Can-Tech involve hands-on work with technologies, there is a small managerial and administrative team to look after company functions unrelated to computer and internet services.
Cyber-security is at the top of the list of needs for Can-Tech's typical customers. In conducting business, both Can-Tech and its customers collect personal information and store it electronically. One of six cyber-security experts is typically part of any project team formed to fulfill Can-Tech's contracts for service. This team member is responsible for developing cyber-security measures to protect the integrity of customers' computer and internet systems, but they also ensure that Can-Tech's own technology infrastructure is hack proof and thus able to provide an extra layer of cyber-security for customers.
Information technology (IT) support to ensure the smooth operation of systems purchased from Can-Tech is also high on the list of customers' needs. After all, service and business interruptions caused by technological problems interfere with service quality and put the bottom line at risk. This is as true for Can-Tech's customers as for Can-Tech itself.
A core group of staff work at company headquarters in Oceanside City and report to the office during the work week. The remainder work remotely. Lately, in a break from the norm, the CEO has been alerted to signs that a handful of employees have not been responding to emails or phone calls for long periods of time, have not been available for videoconferences, or have left on vacation without informing anyone or getting approval for their absence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have been increasingly on edge. The HR department has reported an increase in the number of complaints about how employees are treating one another. While the work environment cannot be described as toxic, employees have made complaints about derogatory remarks and offensive images in online communication.
Can-Tech Computer and Internet Services Inc. offers an attractive salary and benefits package to its employees. Employees are paid well above the industry average, and their benefits package includes paid vacation and sick time, health and dental insurance, paid medical leave, life insurance, and a pension plan. In addition to these benefits that are standard for all staff, Can-Tech has recently launched a profit-sharing program as part of an initiative to improve employee retention.
All companies in the computer and internet services business struggle with turnover of technical specialists. People change jobs frequently, in part because employers routinely compete for talent by offering higher pay and more generous benefits. Technical specialists routinely negotiate employment contract terms that raise the benchmark for technical specialists' compensation.
Can-Tech's HR manager spends a great deal of time on recruitment and selection. Job applicants are thoroughly screened, short-listed candidates are always required to participate in two interviews, and references are checked rigorously. Competition for the best and the brightest candidates is fierce. Can-Tech's competitors are not above tactics that would be construed as aggressive recruiting, and word on the street is that employees are increasingly compromising their fidelity to their employers. Moonlighting is becoming more common. An increasing number of employees with contracts of service in the computer and internet services industry are signing contracts for service on the side.
Based on what you know about Can-Tech Computer and Internet Services Inc., what three types of workplace policies do you think the CEO should prioritize first and why? Your answer should refer to and briefly explain the relevant employment law or laws that support your recommendations.