Herman Trend Alert: Women will be More Desirable in the Workplace
More women are pursuing careers than ever before in history. Throughout the world, women are gaining more education, deeper wisdom and higher effectiveness than in previous generations. They compete successfully with men and, in many cases, prove their superiority. Increasing demand for highly competent women — as leaders, as professionals who can be counted on to get things done — will drive significant changes. Gender compensation equity is the easy response. Other changes require more creativity.
Herman Trend Alert: The Great Mismatch
Higher education has become more accessible to students in developed countries around the world. A university degree has gained status as a means of entry into more highly regarded careers. Families at all socioeconomic levels now strongly encourage their youth to attend 4-year colleges and universities, as well as to pursue graduate degrees. In many cases, the parents sacrifice so their children can attain levels of education beyond what had been achieved in the family before.
Herman Trend Alert: Bonuses for New Hires
Employers are becoming more aggressive in their pursuit of highly talented employees. Recruiting efforts are being stepped up. Once again, bonuses are being paid to new employees, just for joining the company.
Herman Trend Alert: Demographic Train Wreck?
Commentators, consultants, politicians, and others are talking about a “demographic train wreck.” They warn that employers will run out of workers to serve customers and make money for their companies.
Herman Trend Alert: Cynicism
The events of 9/11 had a serious and permanent impact on the U.S. psyche, creating a level of cynicism not seen since the Depression. As we transition into a stronger economy, it is interesting to listen to cynics, disbelievers, doubters and pessimists. Even though the positive numbers are becoming stronger — even in manufacturing, there are people who still think — and act — like the economy is in trouble and will not improve.
Herman Trend Alert: Small Businesses Hiring College Grads
Over the years, research has proven that the greatest growth in the economy, including hiring, comes from small business rather than large organizations. As small and medium-size businesses grow in response to demand generated by an expanding economy, they will need more talented and energetic people to join their teams.
Herman Trend Alert: States Will Compete for Jobs…and Qualified Workers
State government economic engines have never stopped running. Attracting industry to build the tax base and employment opportunities is vitally important. With business expanding, we will see significantly more activity in this arena, with intensifying competition between states—and counties and cities—to build stronger economic environments.
Herman Trend Alert: Domestic Job Growth
With the political campaigns heating up, expect to hear more noise about jobs going to other countries. Even with all the movement, only a small percentage of jobs have gone overseas.
Herman Trend Alert: Benefits Will Return
In the highly competitive employment market of the late 1990s, companies scrambled to offer new and different employee benefits to attract the job applicants they needed in the hot economy. In response to the economic slowdown, when corporate strategy shifted from hiring to layoff, employers reduced their investment in a wide range of employee benefits. Many of those benefits will be reinstated as recruiting and retention intensify.
Herman Trend Alert: Innovation Talent Bank at Risk
America’s vital research and development is at risk; the country’s share of global degrees in the innovation fields (both baccalaureate and graduate) is declining. Long-term shifts are likely in the share of global talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Herman Trend Alert: Education Will Be the Competitive Edge
More Americans are complaining that their jobs are going to foreign nationals. Indignantly, they point to American companies giving preference to citizens of other countries — the work to be performed in the U.S. or in some other country. The accusations charge that the employers are choosing the foreign alternative to save money, that the foreigners will work more cheaply than Americans. Our research has uncovered a much different situation.
Herman Trend Alert: Executive Exits Expected
Executives are restless. Employers expect leaders at top levels to depart at a substantially faster rate over the next few years, compared to what has been seen over the past few years. Results from a recent poll conducted by The Association of Executive Search Consultants revealed that 54 percent of executives responding expect to work for seven or more employers during their career, compared to nine percent who felt that way ten years ago.