In 2026, drug testing remains a critical pillar of workplace safety. However, for organizations operating in Guam, the regulatory landscape represents a unique blend of federal mandates and local statutes.   Navigating the overlap between USDOT 49 CFR Part 40, HHS Guidelines, and Guam Coded Law requires a clear understanding of where these rules meet and where they diverge.   The Federal Framework: DOT and HHS   The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 40 serve

In the rapidly shifting economic landscape of 2026, your mantra for your local business should switch from "hiring the best" to "building the best." On a small island like Guam, where skilled employees are a finite resource, local enterprises face a choice: wait for talent that may never arrive or invest in the people they already have. From mid-2025 to the present, Guam's unemployment rate has been trending at 3.2%. This means there is a greater demand for skilled workers th

Safety training is often viewed as a checkbox exercise, but it is the backbone of a productive workplace. At its core, safety training isn’t just about following rules; it’s about equipping every employee with the skills to identify hazards before they become accidents. Whether you are in a corporate office or on a high-risk construction site, the primary goal remains the same:  minimizing the risk of injury and ensuring every worker goes home healthy. Step 1: Identifying the

As the confetti settles and the last strains of Auld Lang Syne fade, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the new one.   While resolutions often revolve around personal goals like fitness or hobbies, dedicating time to cultivate better work habits and refine our online etiquette can have a profound impact on our productivity, professional relationships, and overall career satisfaction.   This new year presents a perfect opportunity

As the new calendar year is set to start, the vibrant island of Guam—a key economic hub in Micronesia—is poised for a new year of growth, presenting both exciting opportunities and unique challenges for employers. With an economy largely driven by a combination of the military buildup and the regrowth of the tourism industry after the pandemic, businesses must strategically set their hiring goals to secure the talent needed for the coming expansion.   The competitive and tigh

Soon, Christmas will be upon us. As Judy Garland, and later Frank Sinatra, sang in the classic song,  "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,"  it is a beautiful time for warmth and celebration. Here on our little island, we look forward to the twinkling lights, the comforting aroma of food cooking, and the joy of friends and family gathering around the Christmas tree. To truly enjoy this wonderful season, we must practice safety first. Safe Lighting and Electrical Practices

The conversation around employment often overlooks a massive, yet often motivated, segment of the potential workforce: individuals with past criminal convictions. This oversight is more than a missed opportunity; it's a systemic barrier that hinders personal growth, community safety, and economic prosperity.   Second chance employment is the intentional practice of recruiting and hiring those with criminal records, a movement that provides a vital pathway to reintegration and

Managing employee leave in Guam presents a unique challenge, requiring employers to blend compliance with federal regulations (as a U.S. territory) with specific local laws and a culture that values family and community. While federal laws like the  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)  provide a baseline, Guam's own statutes often establish different or more generous entitlements.   Adopting clear, fair, and legally compliant practices is crucial for maintaining a productive

The foundation of workplace safety rests on the  General Duty Clause of 1970  (Section 5, (1)(a)(1)), which mandates that every employer must provide a workplace  "free from recognized hazards"  that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. This isn't just a guideline—it's the law. Knowing Your Risks: Office vs. Industry While the mandate is universal, the hazards vary dramatically by environment. At Allied Human Resources, for instance, our primary  office hazards

I have written in this space about the mental health and well-being of your workforce and how fostering a positive and productive atmosphere is paramount for any organization's success.   Let's expound on this and discuss employee recognition programs in the workplace. Beyond just a pat on the back, these programs are tools designed to acknowledge employees' contributions, boost morale, and ignite a powerful sense of motivation. For businesses and organizations in Guam, where

An inclusive workforce that supports people with disabilities provides immense benefits for employers and the community. Beyond fulfilling a social responsibility, hiring individuals with disabilities is a smart business strategy that improves a company's bottom line, fosters innovation, and enhances its public image.   The Case for Inclusion   Companies that embrace disability inclusion often outperform their competitors. According to a report by Accenture, a multinational s

A recent magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia's coast sent a tsunami across the Pacific, impacting coastal areas, including Guam. As the...

Today, where people are so influenced and stressed by social media and politics, we have to protect a mentally healthy workforce, as it...

Housekeeping is an essential component of a workplace safety program, extending beyond just cleaning to include the elimination and...

Workplace drug testing has long been a staple of many company safety and risk management protocols, particularly in safety-sensitive...

Having a strong work ethic is a crucial skill for job success that goes far beyond a simple willingness to work hard. It's an essential...

Ergonomics is the practice of designing a workplace to fit the person, not the other way around. It's a proactive approach that helps...

The landscape of work has undergone a seismic shift since the COVID Pandemic hit us, with remote work opportunities becoming more common...

Over the past few weeks, we've explored the components of S.M.A.R.T. goals:  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, and Relevant . Now, we...

With today's competitive talent needs, connecting with qualified candidates is paramount for businesses seeking to run like a well-oiled...