HR responsibly. That's the tagline for HR Bartender, the recently launched weblog (blog) from human resources consulting firm Internal Talent Management (ITM) Group. HR Bartender is a strong mix of human resources musings, tips, and useful information peppered with fun facts and recommendations about food and drink from ITM Group president and blogger Sharlyn Lauby. The blog can be found at www.hrbartender.com (http://www.hrbartender.com).
"Several of my clients have asked for ongoing human resources guidance." Lauby said. "Blogs are a great medium to provide solid business information in an informal, interactive, and
entertaining way. And that keeps people coming back for more."
Lauby, a 20-year veteran in the field of human resources, wanted to combine her two passions: HR and food. She is a self-proclaimed "foodie" who maintains on her blog that both of her
obsessions should be "savored, appreciated, and enjoyed." In an attempt to make human resources information accessible to a wide audience, Lauby develops her content to address concerns
of business owners, entrepreneurs, department heads, and, of course, fellow HR professionals.
The HR Bartender name was chosen because Sharlyn feels her clients, colleagues and employees have often wanted her to be like a neighborhood bartender - that friendly face who is always
there when you need them.
"After a long day at the office, a bartender will listen, laugh with you, occasionally offer advice and, when you need it, give you that encouragement to go out and do what you need to
do." Lauby said. "That's my goal for the blog too."
HR Bartender started in May 2008 but was officially launched June 18. Blog posts are arranged in several categories including training and development, strategic planning, employee
relations, and happy hour. Visitors can subscribe free of charge.
Sharlyn is the current president of HR Florida, the statewide affiliate of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Central
Florida, and is recognized as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the Society for Human Resource Management, a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) from the
American Hotel and Lodging Association and a Certified Professional in Learning Performance (CPLP) from the American Society for Training and Development. Lauby formed ITM Group, Inc. in
2002.