workforce
Unemployment drops in all Louisiana metro areas
The LA Workforce Commission reported that non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for Louisiana and all of its metropolitan statistical areas improved in September for the third month in a row, In September, the statewide rate dropped to 6.9 percent -- the lowest since April -- from the August rate of 7.3 percent. The U.S. rate improved to 8.8 percent from the August rate of 9.1 percent. Full article.
Create an engaged workforce
Nationwide job satisfaction is currently its lowest point, with only 45 percent of US employees are satisfied with their jobs. Engaged employees care more about their jobs, perform at a higher level relative to their peers, and stay longer in their positions. If you want to create a more engaged workforce, consider assessing a potential employees’ cultural fit along with his/her skill and experience, think about increasing the percentage of performance-based pay that must be re-earned each year, and be sure to recognize employees and show sincere appreciation. Full article.
Create an engaged workforce
Nationwide job satisfaction is currently its lowest point, with only 45 percent of US employees are satisfied with their jobs. Engaged employees care more about their jobs, perform at a higher level relative to their peers, and stay longer in their positions. If you want to create a more engaged workforce, consider assessing a potential employees’ cultural fit along with his/her skill and experience, think about increasing the percentage of performance-based pay that must be re-earned each year, and be sure to recognize employees and show sincere appreciation. Full article.
Alexandria area jobs up vs June 2010
The latest LA Workforce Commission report indicated that LA’s annual job growth slowed in June, but the state still posted its largest number of private-sector jobs since December 2008. Better news: Alexandria’s metro area gained 1,400 jobs to wind up 2,900 ahead of June 2010. The metro area's unemployment rate for June was 7.8 percent, compared with 8.1 percent statewide in Louisiana and 9.3 percent nationwide. Full article.
Four Ideas for a positive workforce
People who think positively are more self-aware, innovative, and strategic. They can see the big picture more clearly. Organizations need positive leaders and there are several things managers can do to help employees to think more positively, including expressing appreciation for work performed and focusing on teams. Full article.
Partnership between Rapides schools, businesses aims to ease labor pains
The problem of finding a qualified work force has plagued area businesses for years. Rapides school district officials recently met at a community breakfast with as many as 130 business leaders representing diverse industries in what could be the beginning of a stronger bond between businesses and schools to resolve this issue. Full article.
LSU gets $15 million grant for biomedical research pipeline
LSU received a $15 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to strengthen the biomedical research infrastructure and workforce within Louisiana. The five-year grant will be matched with a $1.2 supplement from the Board of Regents for the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network. The grant will be used to provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and to encourage collaborative research. Full Article.
More seniors going back to work
A recent study from the Urban Institute shows that 26 percent of men and 29 percent of women born between 1933 and 1937 returned to the workforce. Experts say full time retirement has changed because employers cut back retiree health benefits. Full Article.
Preparing to Manage Your Workforce for the Turnaround
The composition of today's workforce has evolved. A new mix of full-time and contract workers will give companies the flexibility they need. It also challenges companies to make sure that this new blend of workers is managed effectively, stays in compliance with current regulations, and delivers the right skills needed for the organization to succeed. There are several ways to make the transition from a down economy and improve talent supply-chain efficiencies to achieve strategic objectives. Full Article
Help your best people do a better job
One way to help your people create a good job is to use job crafting, a naturally occurring phenomenon in which employees treat their jobs as a collection of tasks that can be molded and reorganized to fit their individual strengths, passions, and motives better. Amy Wrzesniewski, along with Justin Berg at the Wharton School of Business and Jane Dutton of the University of Michigan, developed a tool called the Job Crafting Exercise that helps organizations reinvigorate their workforce. Full Article.
