Herman Trend Alert: Need Tech Support? Ask a Kid
Recently, we received an article forwarded from one of our daughters. Originating in the United Kingdom and published on line by the British Broadcasting Corporation’s magazine BBC News, the article talks about parents depending on their children for IT support. She was obviously sending us a message. She wanted us to know that we aren’t the only parents to ask/beg for help from our children.
Herman Trend Alert: Secret of Effective Leadership in 21st Century
Our research into what makes leaders effective has uncovered an interesting factor that deserves more exploration and discussion. For years, workers seeking to grow into higher career positions have developed specialties in particular areas of expertise. In tomorrow’s world, these subject matter strengths will be valuable, but will not enable people to become effective leaders.
Herman Trend Alert: Career and Economic Trends Converge
A number of trends are converging to heighten sensitivity to the future. Perhaps the most significant trend is a noticeable tendency for people to take back control of the management of their careers. People also want more control over other aspects of their lives and we see signs that consumers are becoming more demanding. As individuals step back into the driver’s seat, corporations will be forced to become more responsive to both employees and customers.
Herman Trend Alert: Interest in Telecommuting Rising Internationally
Telecommuting is increasing in popularity — among workers and employers — on a local, national and international basis, at least during part of their work week. People work for local companies, for employers across their country, and for employers in other countries.
Herman Trend Alert: Avoidance of Confrontation
A significant number of people avoid confrontation in the workplace. They are reluctant to ask for increases in compensation, more training or different job assignments. These employees would rather change employers than risk the resistance or negative consequences from bosses who may not support their requests.
Herman Trend Alert: Training vs. Off-Shoring
Employees in developed countries are increasingly concerned about the number of jobs being moved overseas. Alarmists sound the cry that a huge number of jobs are vanishing from traditional workplaces, spelling the elimination of employment opportunities. Though this perspective stretches the truth, thousands of jobs that had been performed in the U.S., England, Australia, Germany and other places have been moved to countries with considerably lower wage rates. On balance, this shift is good for the economies of developed countries, since employers are able to get more accomplished for less, freeing resources for other uses-like creating more jobs, though different, that can be performed by their own workers.
Herman Trend Alert: Recruitment Intensifying
Employers are becoming noticeably more active in recruiting. The volume of employment advertising is increasing, including an unusual December growth in The Wall Street Journal. Professional recruiters report that the people they’re calling have received other inquiries, as well. Forward-looking employers are already seeking top talent, even during this usually quiet holiday season.
Herman Trend Alert: Universities Coming to the Corporate Campus
Employers, distressed that their employees lack critical knowledge and skills to perform effectively in a highly competitive, fast-moving marketplace, are looking to colleges and universities for help. Executives are inviting professors to come to the corporate offices to teach executives and managers. Supervisors are being trained in their work settings, as well as on campuses of universities and community technical colleges. While this practice is not new, the intensity and level of activity will grow substantially.
Herman Trend Alert: Employment Picking Up
As we completed the election campaigns in the United States, the economy showed signs of improvement. Those indicators, combined with relief that the campaigns would be over and corporate expansion could resume, stimulated job growth. Our forecasts are becoming reality.
Herman Trend Alert: The Global Problem of Short-Term Employee Turnover
A major personnel cost for employers is the turnover of employees with less than one year of service. Research conducted by a number of companies shows that if an employee stays for a year, there is a strong likelihood that the person will remain with the company for a much longer time. Unfortunately, many employers suffer from a costly churning in their new-hire labor force.