Friday, February 24, 2006

The Top Ten Hardest Jobs to Fill

Employers Report the 10 Jobs Most Difficult to Fill

A recent study by Manpower, Inc. revealed that employers from around the world are having trouble finding the right employees for jobs.

In the United States, fourty-four percent of employers are having difficulty finding the right candidates, while Mexico (78%), Canada (66%) and Japan (58%) are having even more of a struggle.

As reported in a recent www.hr.blr.com article, the top ten hardest positions to fill are:

1)Sales Representatives
2)Engineers
3)Nurses
4)Technicians (primarily production/operations, engineering or maintenance)
5)Accountants
6)Administrative Assistants & PAs
7)Drivers
8)Call Center Operators
9)Machinists
10)Management/Executives

Monday, February 13, 2006

Girl Scout Cookies to Wrapping Paper...the Charitable Season Begins in the Workplace

CourierPostOnline - South Jersey's Web Site

Ah fundraisers. It's a rare workplace that doesn't have anyone hawking candy for their kids' schools or someone raising money by running for a great cause. It's a good feeling knowing that your donation is making a difference, but it can also cause some sticky situations in the office environment. Late winter/early spring seems to be the time when fundraising is in full swing, and it can be difficult to choose one over the other without hurting anyone's feelings.

Of course, workplace fundraising is a safe alternative to selling door-to-door. However there are some rules of thumb for making the workplace sale or acquiring that donation. From Gannett News Service...

"Avoid office e-mails. Instead, place fundraising fliers, sign-up sheets and self-serve product kits in a high-traffic, central location such as the office break room or bulletin board," suggests Jon Krueger, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Distributors and Suppliers.

Career coach, Lyn Jarrett says, "If it's a cause you don't know much about, you can say that you have your set charities that you give to and that you stick to those. If you do want to give and don't want to look like you're playing favorites, set an amount that you will give to everyone."

One thing to keep in mind is that no one should ever go desk to desk soliciting donations. Not only can it be distracting, but it can be very uncomfortable for everyone involved.

Done the right way, fundraising can promote positive social interaction, although possibly some weight gain. Can someone please pass the Thin Mints?

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

'Office Space' Is Favorite Workplace Movie with 'Nine to Five' a Close Second

'Office Space' Is Favorite Workplace Movie; 'Nine to Five' Aging Gracefully

Looks like workplace movie fans are as passionate about Office Space as Milton is about his red stapler.

In a recent HR.BLR.com poll, 438 participants voted Office Space their favorite work-themed movie at 37 percent. Following closely with 30 percent is the 1980 classic Nine to Five starring Lily Tomlin, Dabney Coleman, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda.

"Like Nine to Five, Office Space was about workers who rebelled against their greedy, soulless employer and it really resonated with a lot of disgruntled cubicle dwellers," said Chris Ceplenski, HR.BLR.com editor. "Considering that Nine to Five is almost 20 years older than Office Space,' that it's still so popular is really impressive."

Rounding out the top five were Working Girl (20 percent), Wall Street (12 percent) and Clockwatchers (1 percent).

Stat Counter