Herman Trend Alert: Transnational Job Movement
Many Americans are upset about the migration of jobs to countries like India and China. While the perception is that a huge proportion of jobs is permanently leaving the U.S., the reality seems to be considerably different.
Herman Trend Alert: Where the Jobs Are (Or Will Be)
One of the major problems faced by employers in the U.S. and in other countries is a shortage of skilled workers. Employers are struggling to find thousands of qualified Heating and Air Conditioning engineers, specialized computer programmers, imaging technicians, pharmacists, hotel clerks and even housekeepers. These jobs exist now, not just in some future scenario.
Herman Trend Alert: Outsourcing, Insourcing, Resourcing, Flexsourcing
Worker-employer relationships are changing. In addition to full-time, part-time and job-sharing options, employers are developing and enhancing alternative relationships with other employers and individuals in contingent arrangements. Over the next few years, outsourcing will increase. For-profit corporations, not-for-profits, government agencies and school systems will all distribute work to outside contractors. As more small companies are formed to meet the exploding need, expect an increase in the number of outsourced service providers.
Herman Trend Alert: Competition for Recent Graduates
Employers are showing renewed interest in fresh college graduates. For years, these young people have experienced frustrating difficulty finding stimulating and rewarding jobs after graduation. Many companies that had traditionally conducted on-campus interviews have been missing; the interest in graduates has been unusually low. Things are changing. Employers are showing renewed interest in college seniors, increasing their recruiting efforts and demonstrating stronger response to inquiries from students taking the initiative to find their preferred career-starting job.
Herman Trend Alert: Electronic Connectivity
Rapid developments are underway in the field of electronic connectivity. Sending and receiving e-mail is possible virtually anywhere that you can connect your computer to a telephone line. Internet cafes are plentiful and convenient, especially in countries outside the U.S. International travelers can now stay in touch as they move, increasing their efficiency and peace of mind. The exploding connectivity trend makes it possible to keep in touch with headquarters, clients, suppliers and loved ones.
Herman Trend Alert: Overtime to Increase
Under ideal conditions, employers have just the right number of employees to perform the work that needs to be done. Overtime payroll costs are minimal, incurred only in those rare instances when there is some unusual circumstance or a critical employee is ill or on vacation. Over the past few years, companies have reduced employment to minimum staffing levels. People have been asked to work extra hours from time to time on an “as-needed” basis. This strategy has been a preferred alternative to hiring more people and increasing fixed payroll costs.
Herman Trend Alert: What Some Recruiters Look For
As futurists, we are often asked by concerned parents what advice they should give to their children. What courses to take? Where will the jobs be in the future? Because of the speed of evolution of occupations and technology, we recommend that young people study liberal arts to gain a good grounding in a wide range of areas. Students learn how to research and explore, solve problems and make decisions, challenge and collaborate—vital skills in today’s workplace. We’ve seen another trend emerging recently.