Archive for December, 2008

Today, while others are reflecting on the most memorable events and accomplishments of the past year (for me, 2008 will always be remembered as the year I learned how to spell “Blagojevich”), CareerBuilder.com looks ahead with the release of its 2009 U.S. Job Forecast.

According to the annual survey of hiring managers and HR professionals conducted by Harris Interactive® (spoiler alert!), employers will be slower and more cautious about hiring in the coming months.  But wait, there’s more…

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• Posted by: Mary Lorenz on December 30, 2008
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• Categories: Employee Attraction, Survey Results

You don’t need to hear yet again that we as a nation are in a state of economic turmoil. But you should be aware that moving forward, your employees are looking to your leadership to guide them through economically troubled waters and onto safe workplace ground. Tensions are high, pocketbooks are light, and morale is low. Now, more than ever, they need a leader who is strong, realistic, and able to create a sense of balance. It is not an easy task, but we have laid out some tips to help you reinforce confidence during these trying times.

How you choose to react to our current economic situation as an employer – and as a leader – will make a significant difference not only in your own life, but in the lives the employees who depend on you.

• Posted by: Amy Chulik on December 30, 2008
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• Categories: Economy, Employee Engagement, Employee Retention, Employer Advice, Leadership Development

When it seems like you can’t turn to any news source without hearing about another round of layoffs or budget cuts, it’s nice to hear that there’s at least someone getting a raise in this economy…even if it is for Jamie Spears – a.k.a. Britney’s dad. 

Last week an L.A. court gave him a generous bump in pay for managing his daughter’s estate - to the tune of $75 an hour. (That’s $12,000 per month, y’all!)  Hmmm…I guess I can see that.  I mean, “Daddy” Spears must be doing something right, right?  

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• Posted by: Mary Lorenz on December 29, 2008
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• Categories: Employee Engagement, Employee Retention

If you’re, like me, feeling a little cabin fever-y because it’s three $%@ing degrees out where you are, too – or you’re simply restless due to the upcoming holiday weekend…here’s one more Monday/fun-day item for you.

Yesterday’s featured item from MSN Careers – the “10 Worst Employees of 2008” – summarizes news stories, from around the country and throughout the year, of employees whose antics put Tracy Jordan to shame.   Check it out and keep in mind that, as much as you might dread holding your annual employee performance reviews, you could have it worse….

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• Posted by: Mary Lorenz on December 22, 2008
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• Categories: Fun and Games

We’re not going to accuse you of having a “case of the Mondays” – but we are aware of the fact that it is, indeed, Monday morning. With that said, we thought we’d pass this little game along. If you need a break or want to work off some of that morning meeting aggression, just click below. We just started rolling this out, so let us know what you think!

Play “Blue and Orange Bowl” Now

• Posted by: Amy Chulik on December 22, 2008
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• Categories: Fun and Games

Back in Q3, nearly one in four workers (24 percent) said they were fearful of layoffs at their firms, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey (conducted among 2,922 hiring managers and HR professionals and 7,960 U.S. employees).

Not surprised? I’m not either. And I would venture a guess that in light of recent layoffs at many U.S. companies, the percentage has increased since this survey was conducted.

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• Posted by: Amy Chulik on December 19, 2008
• There are 4 Comments. Join the discussion.
• Categories: Employee Attraction, Employer Advice, Innovation, Survey Results