For generations, the traditional hiring playbook has followed a rigid formula: job seekers submit resumes highlighting degrees, specific certifications, formal job titles and part-time work experience, while employers filter applicants based on these written credentials. In Guam, however, this conventional model increasingly misaligns with economic realities. In a rebuilding economy with post-typhoon recovery demands, a massive military buildup, and evolving tourism and servi

What a wonderful tool artificial intelligence can be. Photos can look remarkably realistic, documents can be generated in seconds, and information can be gathered with unprecedented ease. Yet behind this efficiency lies a critical question for workplace safety professionals: how accurate and reliable is the information we are collecting? To use AI effectively, we must first understand how it operates. AI functions by collecting and organizing vast datasets, using algorithms t

Small businesses often struggle with employee discipline because enterprise frameworks feel like red tape and are impractical. Owners and managers frequently avoid addressing performance or behavioral issues until an incident occurs or the problems accumulate into an abrupt, reactionary termination. In Guam, where everyone seems to know everyone, this reluctance can be even stronger. The absence of a formal structure can lead to legal issues, damage workplace trust, and d

Equipment often requires repairs and maintenance to stay in good working order. Just like working on a car's electrical components, a safe practice is to disconnect the battery terminals before repairing or removing a part to prevent electrical shock or device damage. Prior to replacing an electrical outlet, safety protocols require turning off the power at the electrical panel and placing a lock and a sign to prevent someone from unknowingly turning on the breaker switch whi

In the world of human resource staffing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shifted from a futuristic concept to a foundational tool. As of 2025, 96% of US hiring professionals reported using AI in recruitment, with the vast majority confirming that it effectively identifies strong candidates. AI is revolutionizing how staffing agencies screen talent by increasing efficiency and managing high volumes of data. However, as this technology increasingly takes over the top of the hi

Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its official list of the most frequently cited workplace safety violations. The 2025 rankings brought a significant new addition to the top ten: Fall Protection – Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503). Debuting directly at 6th place with 1,907 violations, its inclusion highlights a major enforcement focus on how thoroughly employers prepare their crews to recognize and avoid fall hazards. The Fi

Guam’s economy in 2027 will be defined by private-sector expansion driven by historic defense build-up growth, civil infrastructure upgrades, and a slow but steady rebound in tourism. With low overall unemployment, local employers face a tight labor market, creating major career opportunities for resident workers across these expanding sectors. The Guam Department of Labor has identified four areas of highest demand: Construction & Skilled Trades: Construction accounts

When discussing workplace safety, standard protocols and safety gear usually take center stage. However, true workplace safety begins with personal health and daily wellness habits. Absenteeism impacts organizations through both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include overtime pay for employees covering extra duties and lost wages for absent workers. Indirect costs manifest as reduced overall productivity and increased stress among remaining team members who absorb

When managing job site safety, title and terminology matter. Employers frequently assign employees additional safety duties, but OSHA draws distinct lines between what it means to be an authorized, competent, or qualified person on the job site. Understanding these differences is essential for maintaining compliance, preventing workplace accidents, and ensuring every team member knows their exact responsibility. Here is a breakdown of how OSHA defines these three distinct r

Have you ever heard of the Designated Employer Representative (DER) in drug testing? I regularly train people across Guam who are stepping into this role, and they all leave saying the same thing: “I never knew that; this is all new to me.” In safety-sensitive industries, including commercial transportation, aviation, and public transit, drug and alcohol testing programs are essential for protecting workers and the public, whether in Guam or the mainland. At the heart o

In 2023, Guam was devastated by Super Typhoon Mawar, and the island faced further destruction in 2026 from two consecutive storms, including Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Beyond damaging and destroying homes, these severe storms severely impacted power, water, and communication infrastructure. Ocean inundation reached 10 to 15 feet along Guam’s coastline, heavy flooding submerged roadways, homes, and businesses, and two indirect fatalities due to carbon monoxide poisoning were repor

Every business leader and manager knows that change is inevitable. Key employees retire, pursue new opportunities, or face unexpected health and life events. Despite this truth, succession planning is frequently relegated to the "important, but not urgent" pile of things to do. In truth, a robust succession plan isn't just an exit strategy for aging executives—it is a vital business continuity tool that protects organizational stability, legacy, and market value. For smal

A few years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world with a novel virus. Guidelines were established to minimize the risk of infection, asking us to maintain physical distance, wash and disinfect our hands regularly, and practice good hygiene. Understanding how these prevention strategies work remains essential for protecting overall health and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. Workplace safety extends beyond physical hazards; preventing the spread of illne

As a drug testing program manager, I was recently asked to conduct a "random" drug test for an employee the organization suspected of impairment. Maintaining a safe workplace is a top priority for any organization, whether it's a construction site in Guam or an office stateside. Yet when an employee shows clear signs of impairment, management often hesitates. Rather than confronting the issue directly, supervisors often try to sidestep the uncomfortable conversation, hopi

Guam’s hospitality sector is the heartbeat of the island’s economy, but maintaining a robust workforce requires more than just waiting for talent to graduate. Enter the Hotel Associate Youth Apprenticeship Program (HAYAP), an innovative initiative by the Guam Community College (GCC) and the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL). In a meeting with GCC and the Department of Labor last week, I was amazed at how proactive our local efforts have been in supporting this industry. Whi

What we consider ordinary today was cutting-edge technology just a few years ago. During my days as a young adult, we relied on paper maps to navigate unfamiliar places; today, we have GPS. We used to check the weather in the morning newspaper or wait for the 6 PM evening news broadcast. Now, the current temperature, likelihood of rain, and exact wind speeds are available at our fingertips at any hour of the day. This rapid technological shift has also revolutionized safety m

In the business world, navigating without a clear roadmap is a recipe to settle for less. Strategic planning meetings serve as an organizational compass, aligning leadership, defining long-term objectives, and mapping out the tactical steps required to achieve them. When executed correctly, they bridge the gap between high-level ambition and daily operational execution. However, the efficacy of a strategic plan relies heavily on timing, the temporal scope of its horizon,

Social media is currently buzzing with reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) has flagged a potential storm formation. When encountering these viral weather updates, our first step should always be to verify the source. A quick check of the NWS Guam Facebook page confirms that they did indeed post this advisory. However, a cross-reference with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) satellite imagery shows no active storm visible just yet. The logical conclusion

As Guam navigates an unprecedented wave of economic growth, the island faces a critical bottleneck: a pressing shortage of localized talent. This shortage is driven heavily by massive defense-related construction, advanced technology initiatives like additive manufacturing, and an expanding healthcare sector. Guam demands an agile and highly skilled labor force capable of meeting these rising demands. To address this, the Government of Guam is actively rolling out aggress

Guam’s economy is thriving, driven by major military infrastructure projects and a recovering tourism sector. However, for this growth to truly benefit local families, the island must focus on resident job creation. Bridging the gap between public assistance and stable employment is key to building a self-sustaining economy. The signing of Executive Order 2025-01 marks a great start in this effort, creating a direct pipeline to helping Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Progra