| August 6, 2009 | E-mail news for employers |
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- Flexible programs remain in place as companies weather the downturn, study says
Most companies are keeping programs that allow workers to set their own schedule even as they lay off workers and cut salaries to survive the economic downturn. A Families and Work Institute survey of 400 employers found that 81% have maintained programs that involve telecommuting, consolidated work weeks, phased retirement and voluntarily reduced hours. Employers recognize that flexible programs can help them to retain talented workers, experts say. Workforce Online
(7/23)     
| Industry & Workplace Trends | | |
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- Older white males hit especially hard by economic downturn
The economic downturn has hit older white men particularly hard, industry observers say. Many of these men have lost their jobs at the peak of their earning power and are struggling to land new positions. Meanwhile, government data shows that unemployment rates among men and women older than 55 are at their highest point since the Great Depression. Older workers also spend more time searching for new work than younger workers, according to government data. USA TODAY
(7/31)
- Column: Unemployed baby boomers apply for lower-level positions
A recent Harris Interactive and CareerBuilder survey found that many unemployed baby boomers have applied for jobs that are below the level of their previous position, writes Emily Brandon. A related survey found that many employed workers are asking their employers for permission to delay retirement and remain on the job. Many employers are open to allowing the workers to stay because they retain the workers' intellectual capital. U.S. News & World Report
(7/23)
- More career-switchers are seeking to become teachers
Interest in programs that prepare new teachers has spiked, driven by a vast number of people switching careers during the economic downturn. A national retraining program saw 30% more applications this year. But not enough potential teachers are drawn to the hard-to-fill specialties of science, math and special education, and some are concerned the newcomers may need a lot of training to make them classroom-ready. The Washington Post
(7/31)
- Thousands attend federal job fair in Houston
A federal government job fair in Houston recently attracted thousands of people who hoped to land a position created by the economic stimulus plan. Unemployment in Houston has risen to its highest level since 1987. The metropolitan area shed nearly 70,000 jobs between June 2008 and June 2009. Officials say they will hold a second government job fair later this year. Houston Chronicle
(7/26)
- Companies boost cash incentives for employee weight loss, study says
Employers have boosted cash incentives that they are offering to employees as a reward for losing weight, according to a recent online survey. The study of 372 companies found that the average cash incentive rose to $329 in 2009, up from $204 in 2008. It also found that more companies are including the spouses of employees in fitness and wellness programs. EBN (free registration)
(7/28)
- More older Americans postpone retirement, remain on the job
The desire to stay active and the need for additional resources are two key reasons why many older Americans remain in the workforce instead of retiring. AARP Bulletin Editor Jim Toedtman also noted that the stock market's sharp decline has forced many Americans of retirement age to stay on the job. Toedtman also noted that older workers in specialized fields often remain in their positions because there are no trained workers to replace them. MSNBC
(7/29)
| AARP News | | |
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- View AARP webinars on flexible work, recruitment
The AARP Executive Insights webinar series was created to provide employers with tools and insights to manage a skilled workforce in tough economic times. Co-sponsored with the Society for Human Resource Management, the Web series focuses on key business and HR strategies to build an engaged, multi-generational workforce. Archived versions of the first two webinars in the 2009 series are now available: "Why Now is the Time for Flexible Work Options" (recorded July 23) and "Recruiting Experienced Talent in a Recession" (recorded April 16). Learn more and view the webinars at AARP.org.
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| Law and Regulation | | |
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- Federal stimulus package leads to green job creation, White House adviser says
The number of green jobs created by the federal economic stimulus plan is difficult to quantify because no definition for a green job exists. In a Q-and-A with Newsweek, Van Jones, a senior adviser for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said the Department of Labor is working to develop a unified definition. He also noted that green programs included in the stimulus package are funding a program to teach workers weatherization. Meanwhile, government incentives have prompted companies to add turbine plants and create jobs, Jones said. Newsweek
(7/28)
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