Workforce Changes
for 2011
Don Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
A
new decade is upon us. We bring into this new decade the scars
and memories of a very tough recession. 2011 brings with it
uncertainty and optimism. Our optimism comes from having survived
a very difficult recession and the belief that we will have
another day to grow.
1.
Measure it —if it's worth doing, measure
it and measure it again. Chart the progress or lack of it
until it is no longer worth doing. This especially applies
to performance reviews. We need to chart our own performance
in light of the goals of our company and remove the slackers
who no longer produce. Have you made your Individual Development
Plan (IDP) objectives for 2011?
2.
We are all global companies —we need to think
global and act global in our thinking and staffing if we are
to grow. Small companies need to think big and apply their
own solutions to create new opportunities in solving world
events; earthquakes, healthcare reform, oil spills, flooding
and other global and national events provide opportunities
for local solutions.
3.
The need for networks —each of our individual
networks have great value to the companies we represent. All
companies need to expand and leverage their ability to network
with clients, leaders in our fields, colleagues and experts.
4.
Social media tools are here to stay —if you're
not using social networks because they appear to be a waste
of time…you need to think again. The Millennial Generation
will continue to push the envelope with the power of social
networking. If you don't join them, you will loose.
5.
Five Generations in the workplace will help us grow
—though we have an aging workforce we also have a
diversity which if captured successfully can create unprecedented
strength. Many Boomers will remain in the workforce longer
than earlier expected (part-time, flexible time and full time)
providing experienced mentors to the new workforce. Here lies
one of the keys to growth. We need to create cross functional
virtual
learning and collaboration tools.
6.
Capture technology changes—there has been
multitude of changes in technology in the past 10 years and
we've only just begun. No one can keep up with all the advances
but we must try. The cell phone (a misnomer) has seen the
greatest change with 1000's of app.'s ranging from games,
training devices and video.
