SILVER LININGS
Despite Economic Uncertainty, There are Opportunities Out There
As 2011 draws to a close, there is a lot of angst, uncertainty, frustration, and negativity regarding the economy. With so many negative headlines dominating the media lately, it is easy to become pessimistic. However, it is important not to lose sight of some of the positive events of 2011, such as strong corporate earnings, increased M & A activity, emerging global markets, and an increase in hiring both in the United States and abroad.
September/October 2011 SRA Update
INTERVIEWTING TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS
An interview is part of almost every hiring process. Interviewing can be expensive and time consuming for a company. Typically, the interview is one of the final evaluations of a candidate. Yet, many people believe that they can just “wing it” when conducting an interview, and many organizations do not take the time to prepare or train their interviewers. Improving the interview process can lead to higher quality new hires, which will certainly pay dividends for the company.
July/August 2011 SRA Update
WHY EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT MATTERS
Engaged employees can make a difference
The May/June 2011 edition of the SRA Update explored non-monetary factors that motivate employees in their career decisions. These factors may also play an important role in combating another problem facing many organizations worldwide – disengaged employees. Beyond increased turnover, apathetic and disengaged employees create a host of other issues for companies, like decreased productivity and employee morale.
May/June 2011 SRA Update
WHAT REALLY MOTIVATES EMPLOYEES?
By understanding what is important, companies can attract and retain talent
There are numerous local and national surveys naming the “Top Places to Work” or “Most Admired Companies”. These publications are usually fun to read because the focus tends to be on the perks offered by employers. Unusual or unique perks make for interesting conversation and allow companies to grab the spotlight momentarily, but do they result in improved employee retention long term? Other organizations take the approach that monetary rewards are the only real motivators. Consistently, employees list certain nonmonetary factors as primary motivators in their career decisions, and this edition of the SRA Update focuses on several.
March/April 2011 SRA Update
ALWAYS AVAILABLE, 24/7 CONNECTIVITY
Do smartphones, laptops, and other wireless devices really increase productivity?
Many executives believe that the 24/7 connectivity and accessibility that comes with their smartphones, PDAs, laptops, tablet computers, and other wireless technology increases productivity. Increased responsiveness and availability and the ability to work effectively when outside of the office are benefits that these modern devices afford. However, recently, there have been a growing number of articles, blogs, and studies in which the authors question whether the 24/7 connectivity and increased work hours that frequently accompany wireless devices actually decrease the productivity and negatively affect the overall performance of the employees using the devices.
January/February 2011 SRA Update
DUE DILIGENCE OR DISCRIMINATION?
Pre-employment background checks are under increased scrutiny
Conducting a background check on prospective candidates is considered part of the normal due diligence in the hiring process by many employers. Reviewing a candidate’s criminal record and credit provides the hiring manager with more information on that candidate and may identify potential “red flags”. The practice has, however, come under increased scrutiny by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), state and local legislatures, and Congress.
November/December 2010 SRA Update
TALKING ABOUT THE BABY BOOMER GENERATION
Are fears of a coming “labor shortage” and “knowledge drain” well founded? explores the approaching talent gap between retiring Boomers and GenX & GenY. Will there be a knowledge drain or labor shortage as they retire? Are Boomers ready to retire?
"EXTREME COMMUTERS, VIRTUAL CEO'S, AND OTHER MOBILE EXECUTIVES - Doesn't Anyone Just Relocate Anymore?" reviews the reasons why many executives are reluctant or unable to relocate and examines relocation benefits and strategies used by companies in the current market, including non-traditional arrangements such as “extreme commuting” and executive telecommuting.
"A RISING TIDE? Employees Begin to Explore Their Options" explores explanations for the recent increase in the number of employees quitting their jobs and the predicted increase in movement by top talent.
"CORPORATE MATCHMAKING - Personality Testing in the Employment Process"
Like singles using dating services, many companies try to find their “perfect match” through the use of personality tests and other psychometric testing.
"TIME TO FOCUS ON TALENT MANAGEMENT" provides an overview of strategies, concepts, and considerations to utilize in developing a strategic talent management plan.
“THE RECOVERY HAS BEGUN” highlights recent positive news regarding the economy and looks ahead at hiring trends that will likely result from the economic recovery in 2010.
“FINDING GLOBAL TALENT” observes, despite the global economic crisis, the globalization of operations and worldwide movement of human capital talent will continue.
"MANAGING THE WEB 2.0"
Social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and blogging has created a new set of dilemmas and questions for companies.
For a complete archive of past issues of the SRA Update, please click HERE.