Learning vacations are one of the hottest trends in time off. Instead of sitting poolside for a week, participants in learning vacations try their hand at a variety of activities, running the gamut from archaeology to yoga.
Vocationvacation.com takes the adult learning experience a step further by allowing participants to get a preview of what it’s like to have that “dream job.” Want to test drive being an alpaca rancher? How about a sword maker? Or a country music singer? Here’s your opportunity to try something new in a relatively risk free environment. According to vocationvacation.com, 20% of participants switched their careers as a result of their experiences.
I’ve always been a fan of learning new things, so the idea of a “working vacation” appeals to me. Reading about vocationvacation.com got me thinking about 2 broader possibilities for the HR space:
1. What can we as HR professionals offer through the vocationvacation.com process to others who might think of our organization as a dream job?
2. How can we capture the excitement a learning vacation offers in our own organizations? Mentoring is a start as we look to even broader experiences.
Given the choices on vocationvacation.com, it’s a tossup between Forensics and Meteorology for me. Something to think about for starting that second career after retirement.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Astronology: Democrat/Republican HR Positions - Election Preview
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Earlier this year, 
Monday, October 06, 2008
Hiring and Firing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution starts us off with an article about whether you should dress business casual for an interview: click here
A Human Resource Management Solutions article following up on a HR World article for our next entry on five quick hiring tips: click here
The Houston Business Daily has next for us a Human Resources Guide to employment issues resulting from Hurricane Ike: click here
The Gazette of Colorado Springs says that everyone, especially the employer, benefits by handling layoffs fairly and honestly: click here
Lastly, the Orlando Business Journal cites a study that says that most workers are puzzled about their benefits: click here
A Human Resource Management Solutions article following up on a HR World article for our next entry on five quick hiring tips: click here
The Houston Business Daily has next for us a Human Resources Guide to employment issues resulting from Hurricane Ike: click here
The Gazette of Colorado Springs says that everyone, especially the employer, benefits by handling layoffs fairly and honestly: click here
Lastly, the Orlando Business Journal cites a study that says that most workers are puzzled about their benefits: click here
Friday, October 03, 2008
Some More Financial Jobs News
UBS to cut 2,000 more jobs, scale back investment-banking arm
Last Update: 10:02 AM ET Oct 3, 2008 |
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Job Data continued...
And maybe some of that data has to do with the effect on the job market of the hurricanes: click here
Job Data
By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Business Writer
430 words
09:08 am, 10/02/2008
Associated Press Newswires
English
(c) 2008. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
WASHINGTON (AP) - New applications for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week to a seven-year high due to a weakening U.S. economy and the impact of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, the Labor Department said Thursday.
The department reported that initial claims for jobless benefits increased by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 497,000. That's significantly above analysts' estimate of 475,000. The total is the highest since just after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The hurricanes, which hit Texas and Louisiana earlier this month, added about 45,000 claims from the two states for the week ending Sept. 27, the department said.
The hurricanes have led to higher claims for several weeks. As a result, the four-week average of claims, which smooths out fluctuations, jumped to 474,000, up 11,500 from the previous week.
In the week ending Sept. 20, Texas reported a 22,235 jump in claims, while Louisiana said claims rose by 9,671.
The number of people continuing to receive benefits increased to 3.59 million, up 48,000 and higher than analysts' estimates. That's the highest total in five years.
Jobless claims are at elevated levels even excluding the hurricanes. Weekly claims have now topped 400,000 for 11 straight weeks, a level economists consider a sign of recession. A year ago, claims stood at 324,000.
The economy is struggling with the financial crisis and slowing consumer spending, leading to increased layoffs by the nation's employers.
Economists expect a separate Labor Department report Friday on payrolls to reflect further weakness in the labor market. They predict the report will show that the nation's employers cut 100,000 jobs last month. That's on top of 605,000 jobs that were eliminated in the first eight months of this year.
The report is expected to show that the jobless rate remains at 6.1 percent. The rate jumped above 6 percent for the first time in five years in August.
The financial crisis will likely cause greater job cuts in the coming months. Several large, troubled banks have been bought by competitors and layoffs are likely.
Citigroup Inc. on Monday purchased Wachovia Corp., which had about 120,000 employees. JPMorgan Chase & Co. last week bought Seattle-based Washington Mutual, which employed roughly 43,000.
Several companies have announced layoffs in the past week, including aluminum company Alcoa Inc., auto retailer CarMax, Inc. and chicken producer Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
APRS000020081002e4a20024z
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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Happy New Year
Sorry about the lack of updates but just wanted to write to say L'Shana Tova, a Happy New Year, to those who are celebrating...
What I’m Hearing…Plastic Surgery to Get the Job
Last night I watched CSI: Miami. During the show, a tease came on for the 11 PM news. One of their lead stories was people getting plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedures to make themselves more viable in this new job market. Of course I had to stay up for this story – I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!
According to the piece, people who go this route most often opt for Botox or other filler type procedures, followed by surgery. The two women profiled in the story said that using Botox would make them a more viable candidate in the job market because they appear younger.
This got me thinking. It’s undeniable that there is a quiet appearance bias in America. However, I find it hard to believe that a small wrinkle near the corner of someone’s mouth would prevent him or her from getting a job. What happened to the strength of one’s résumé and experience? Given the choice between a great looking candidate and one who has the knowledge and experiences I need for the position, I’m opting for the latter.
After all, laugh lines often come along with wisdom and experience.
According to the piece, people who go this route most often opt for Botox or other filler type procedures, followed by surgery. The two women profiled in the story said that using Botox would make them a more viable candidate in the job market because they appear younger.
This got me thinking. It’s undeniable that there is a quiet appearance bias in America. However, I find it hard to believe that a small wrinkle near the corner of someone’s mouth would prevent him or her from getting a job. What happened to the strength of one’s résumé and experience? Given the choice between a great looking candidate and one who has the knowledge and experiences I need for the position, I’m opting for the latter.
After all, laugh lines often come along with wisdom and experience.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
What I’m Hearing…Executive Compensation
I was watching the ABC World News last night, and of course the upcoming Presidential election was one of the main stories. The candidates’ stands on Executive Compensation were a primary focus for the evening. It appears that the American public has had enough of golden parachute and other severance provisions that in many cases reward failure rather than success. The concept of “Say on Pay,” or shareholders’ opportunities to vote on executives’ pay, was also mentioned.
Presidential election notwithstanding, it is time for Americans to look more closely at executive compensation, and to make sure that pay is truly for performance – positive performance. While the average American may think they can’t control what happens at a Fortune 500 company, it’s time to think again. The power of consumers is great. Vote with your spending and dollars, and see how quickly changes and accountability come to organizations that previously seemed untouchable.
Presidential election notwithstanding, it is time for Americans to look more closely at executive compensation, and to make sure that pay is truly for performance – positive performance. While the average American may think they can’t control what happens at a Fortune 500 company, it’s time to think again. The power of consumers is great. Vote with your spending and dollars, and see how quickly changes and accountability come to organizations that previously seemed untouchable.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Could Pre-Employment Tests Have Saved Lehman and Merrill?
This American Chronicle article caught my attention with this sub headline: CORPORATE CULTURES OF CIRCULAR FIRING SQUADS: click here
NY Unemployment
| NY unemployment rises to 5.8 percent but remains below the national average 153 words 04:57 pm, 09/18/2008 Associated Press Newswires English (c) 2008. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 5.8 percent in August from 5.2 percent in July, even as private-sector employers added 3,000 jobs. The state Labor Department says it was the largest month-to-month increase in the unemployment rate since January 1991. New York City's unemployment rate rose even more sharply, coming in at 5.8 percent in August compared with 5 percent in July. That was the largest monthly increase since 1976. At the same time, the national unemployment rate rose to 6.1 percent from 5.7 percent. Over the past year, the Labor Department says the state added a total of 39,700 jobs, with education, health care tourism and government posting the biggest gains, and the manufacturing, finance and construction industries shedding jobs. APRS000020080918e49i0086o | ||
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Thursday, September 18, 2008
What I’m Hearing…What You’re Thinking
On today's Q104.3 morning program, show hosts Jim Kerr and Shelli Sonstein discussed an article in Men’s Health magazine regarding women’s dress and the signals such clothing may send to members of the opposite sex. Reactions in the workplace were of particular interest. According to the author of the magazine, clothing with plunging necklines or a soft hand sends subtle messages of a romantic nature to male co-workers.
Kerr and Sonstein then opened the discussion to members of the listening audience. The listeners' takes on wearing a plunging neckline in the workplace were much rawer, eliciting comments that wearing such clothes tells men that women are thinking “do me in the copy room now” and “do me on my desk.” I’m not making these comments up – the male callers actually said them, and thought they were amusing, too.
The question of the propriety of a plunging neckline in the workplace aside, is this what people are truly thinking? I’m shocked to think that this could be happening! As HR professionals, we must be sure to address such thoughts and attitudes to ensure a non-hostile environment for everyone. While of course everyone is entitled to their private thoughts, work-related thoughts should be the primary focus of 9-5, not extracurricular activities.
Kerr and Sonstein then opened the discussion to members of the listening audience. The listeners' takes on wearing a plunging neckline in the workplace were much rawer, eliciting comments that wearing such clothes tells men that women are thinking “do me in the copy room now” and “do me on my desk.” I’m not making these comments up – the male callers actually said them, and thought they were amusing, too.
The question of the propriety of a plunging neckline in the workplace aside, is this what people are truly thinking? I’m shocked to think that this could be happening! As HR professionals, we must be sure to address such thoughts and attitudes to ensure a non-hostile environment for everyone. While of course everyone is entitled to their private thoughts, work-related thoughts should be the primary focus of 9-5, not extracurricular activities.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Financial World and the Job Market
It'll be interesting to see the fallout in the job market from the current financial crisis, but some effects are already seen...
The first article is from the New Jersey Law Journal and probably won't work for most of you...but the important part is just to read the title and then find a way to get your hands on the article: Pru Appeals in Suit Charging it Paid Off Plaintiffs' Lawyers: click here
Next, an interesting lesson from Yahoo! News via the AP on what can happen with mergers/takeovers and job layoffs as HP surprises Wall Street in this article: click here
(H/T to Wendy for those)
The Wall Street Journal (with a nice, new look) continues with an article sure to cause a little head scratching to most of America...the Executive job market is still healthy: click here and a video here
Next from the Journal is a very interesting article about trying to get Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's employees to stay as the mortgage giants go through some difficult times: click here
Going quickly to the Boston Globe's, Boston.com Monster.com HiringHub HR Center HR Blog, word that this isn't your father's job fairs--something new is in the air: click here
Lastly, in an article form the Journal, we learn that GMAT scores are being canceled...a lesson to employers that sometimes test scores aren't really all that reliable: click here
We've also added a great new feed from the WSJ on our right: click here
Friday, September 12, 2008
What I’m Hearing…Chutes and Ladders
The August 2008 issue of Continental magazine featured an article called “Chutes and Ladders.” The author, Dayton Fandray, asserts that employees no longer only move up and down an organizational hierarchy. Rather, lateral moves, growth experiences, and other “non-traditional” career moves are becoming the norm.
Mr. Fandray’s assertions are right on the money. In today’s work environment, we have to recognize that not all employees are looking for that traditional climb up the corporate ladder. Sure, some people are, but that’s not everyone. To attract, retain, and motivate the talent necessary for success, we have to customize career opportunities to meet the needs of our organization and our employees. This means adopting a flexible total rewards mentality. Thinking differently about career moves will be beneficial for all parties involved. So if that means we’re playing Twister instead of Chutes and Ladders, all the better.
Mr. Fandray’s assertions are right on the money. In today’s work environment, we have to recognize that not all employees are looking for that traditional climb up the corporate ladder. Sure, some people are, but that’s not everyone. To attract, retain, and motivate the talent necessary for success, we have to customize career opportunities to meet the needs of our organization and our employees. This means adopting a flexible total rewards mentality. Thinking differently about career moves will be beneficial for all parties involved. So if that means we’re playing Twister instead of Chutes and Ladders, all the better.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Small Packages Doesn't Always Equal Good Things
Some say that good things come in small packages...but not all small packages are good things...
Take for example this beer from Heartland Brewery from last night where Jennifer--author of the very popular "What I'm Hearing" series on this blog--and I had dinner (with the salt and pepper shakers in the background as perspective)
Wow...
If you're looking for the HR tie-in, keep looking; this was off of the regular HR path...well...why not?
"Small business feel" is one way people often describe companies, especially in job descriptions, but while good things can come from small business (like Astron!), sometimes small business doesn't equate into good things (trust me, I've been there).
What I’m Hearing…Twittering
Yesterday I Twittered for the first time. Actually, five times.
No, it’s not as risqué as it sounds.
For those unfamiliar with the process, Twitter.com is a site that takes blogging a step further. You post instant microburst updates on your latest happenings and thoughts on your own Twitter site.
Since it’s relatively new, people primarily use Twitter for social networking purposes. However, the site holds many possibilities for management in general and HR in particular. Looking to keep a project team up to date on the latest happenings? Want to inform your employees of exciting new things coming? Twitter can help you achieve them, in an easy to use manner. The Gen Y employees in your organization most likely either use Twitter already, or follow someone on the site. Why not communicate with these employees using a method they’re comfortable with?
(Warning – shameless promotion ahead) Astron needs followers on Twitter! If you like our blog, you will enjoy this peek into our daily activities at Astron HQ. Visit our site at https://twitter.com/astronsolutions, sign up, and become one of our followers! We’d love to have you as part of our Twitter family.
No, it’s not as risqué as it sounds.
For those unfamiliar with the process, Twitter.com is a site that takes blogging a step further. You post instant microburst updates on your latest happenings and thoughts on your own Twitter site.
Since it’s relatively new, people primarily use Twitter for social networking purposes. However, the site holds many possibilities for management in general and HR in particular. Looking to keep a project team up to date on the latest happenings? Want to inform your employees of exciting new things coming? Twitter can help you achieve them, in an easy to use manner. The Gen Y employees in your organization most likely either use Twitter already, or follow someone on the site. Why not communicate with these employees using a method they’re comfortable with?
(Warning – shameless promotion ahead) Astron needs followers on Twitter! If you like our blog, you will enjoy this peek into our daily activities at Astron HQ. Visit our site at https://twitter.com/astronsolutions, sign up, and become one of our followers! We’d love to have you as part of our Twitter family.
Finance Getting Hit, Too
Many lament that financial industry salaries continue to grow at abnormal rates through bad economic cycles, but loyal reader Wendy sends in this article from Institutional Investor Magazine which says that fixed-income buy-side analysts are beginning to see the effects of this downturn...at least a little bit: click here
Update 11:50 AM: Missed it, but thanks for pointing out...sell-side also has information: click here
Update 11:50 AM: Missed it, but thanks for pointing out...sell-side also has information: click here
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Millenials and Word from the Journal
We start off on this Tuesday (an Astronology Tuesday) with a blog entry from the Boston Globe Monster.com HR Center HR Blog about Millenials: click here
Next, from the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal, advice on how to get better pay after years of a lower salary: click here
Also from the Journal, word that the same old technologies that worked in the past are proving successful today for productivity (see chart on right): click here
Lastly, as a special to the Journal a Q&A that addresses the ways to get out of negative thinking at work: click here
What I’m Hearing…Office Space
Before I dive into today’s blog post, I apologize to the readers of my column. August was quite the month – I was on the road for most of it due to vacation (aah!) and business travels (yea!). When I wasn’t on the road, I was working here in the office training our newest team members (also yea!), and mourning the loss of a few other favorite restaurants of mine. Now that I’m back in the swing of things, let the posts continue!
Yesterday evening I overheard a conversation between three healthcare professionals. They were discussing how they have to fight for office space in order to conduct their work. It appears that the space they were fighting for wasn’t particularly glamorous either. Tiny, dark, and without doors would best describe it.
One of the women mentioned her techniques for making her small space the envy of her colleagues. She added plants, a fountain, and a curtain against a wall that makes it look like the wall opens up onto a beach. Pretty clever!
Those of us who work in offices may often take for granted the importance of space and privacy for being effective members of an organization. While we can’t always guarantee a private office for each employee – buildings do have space constraints – we should do our best to make each person’s space feel as warm and inviting as possible. A small investment in some décor – living or faux – will help to make employees feel welcomed and appreciated. With those feelings should come greater organizational loyalty. With the cost of turnover as high as it is, purchasing a few plants or pictures seems relatively inexpensive in comparison.
Yesterday evening I overheard a conversation between three healthcare professionals. They were discussing how they have to fight for office space in order to conduct their work. It appears that the space they were fighting for wasn’t particularly glamorous either. Tiny, dark, and without doors would best describe it.
One of the women mentioned her techniques for making her small space the envy of her colleagues. She added plants, a fountain, and a curtain against a wall that makes it look like the wall opens up onto a beach. Pretty clever!
Those of us who work in offices may often take for granted the importance of space and privacy for being effective members of an organization. While we can’t always guarantee a private office for each employee – buildings do have space constraints – we should do our best to make each person’s space feel as warm and inviting as possible. A small investment in some décor – living or faux – will help to make employees feel welcomed and appreciated. With those feelings should come greater organizational loyalty. With the cost of turnover as high as it is, purchasing a few plants or pictures seems relatively inexpensive in comparison.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Equal Pay and Palin
Ryan Johnson's WorldAtWork blog says that equal pay will get even more play now with the Sarah Palin nomination as VP: click here
And indeed, Barack Obama's first shot at Palin came about because of this: click here
This is not the only issue for Human Resources that's at stake here...
Questions are floating around about whether she was picked because she was a woman and where she should be at this point in her life considering her special needs toddler and her pregnant teenage daughter. Whether you fall on one side of the issue or the other, these are legitimate questions to ponder...and to relate to as a Human Resource professional.
Are there double standards here? Would a male in the same position be examined in the same spotlight? Do you/others do this at your company? And how far do you think the Democrats can go in pursuing this line of thinking? Sexism has been a hot topic of the presidential race from Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin and the issue is far from going away. This may be a good time to think about if it exists in your own company and how to combat that. And while politics don't always reflect real life, it'll be interesting to hear all the stories that come out in support or against Palin based on personal experiences people have had with this in the workplace.
UPDATE 10:45 AM EST: Politico has caught on and is saying the Senate Democrats are going to force McCain to vote on the issue of equal pay: click here
And indeed, Barack Obama's first shot at Palin came about because of this: click here
This is not the only issue for Human Resources that's at stake here...
Questions are floating around about whether she was picked because she was a woman and where she should be at this point in her life considering her special needs toddler and her pregnant teenage daughter. Whether you fall on one side of the issue or the other, these are legitimate questions to ponder...and to relate to as a Human Resource professional.
Are there double standards here? Would a male in the same position be examined in the same spotlight? Do you/others do this at your company? And how far do you think the Democrats can go in pursuing this line of thinking? Sexism has been a hot topic of the presidential race from Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin and the issue is far from going away. This may be a good time to think about if it exists in your own company and how to combat that. And while politics don't always reflect real life, it'll be interesting to hear all the stories that come out in support or against Palin based on personal experiences people have had with this in the workplace.
UPDATE 10:45 AM EST: Politico has caught on and is saying the Senate Democrats are going to force McCain to vote on the issue of equal pay: click here
15,000 and counting
Thanks for continuing to make our blog popular! 15,000 visitors and counting...
We start off with the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal with an article about finding a position as a mature job hunter (and conversely, HR professionals should think about how to seek out these candidates): click here
Also from the Journal we have an article on a consultant beefing up his resume (click here ) and a CEO's recipe for fresh ideas: click here
Lastly, GM is offering employees early retirement to cut salaried jobs by 15% as told by the Baltimore Sun: click here
(another post coming up a bit later...)
We start off with the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal with an article about finding a position as a mature job hunter (and conversely, HR professionals should think about how to seek out these candidates): click here
Also from the Journal we have an article on a consultant beefing up his resume (click here ) and a CEO's recipe for fresh ideas: click here
Lastly, GM is offering employees early retirement to cut salaried jobs by 15% as told by the Baltimore Sun: click here
(another post coming up a bit later...)
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
The HR Executive and the Election
We start off on this Wednesday smack in the middle of the convention cycle and with an article from Human Resource Executive Online saying to brace yourselves for whoever is elected president: click here
Human Resource Executive Online also wants to talk about where HR stands today and who Human Resources Executives want as president and why: click here
Next, the Business Ledger tells HR professionals how sloppy Human Resources adds to employers' benefit costs: click here
Human Resource Management Solutions by People Wise then asks when does a small business need an Employee Handbook: click here
The Courier Post Online follows up by saying that you should take time to think if job is lost: click here
The Hartford Courant ends our post with an article that tells us that sometimes, following your heart works: click here
Human Resource Executive Online also wants to talk about where HR stands today and who Human Resources Executives want as president and why: click here
Next, the Business Ledger tells HR professionals how sloppy Human Resources adds to employers' benefit costs: click here
Human Resource Management Solutions by People Wise then asks when does a small business need an Employee Handbook: click here
The Courier Post Online follows up by saying that you should take time to think if job is lost: click here
The Hartford Courant ends our post with an article that tells us that sometimes, following your heart works: click here
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Astronology At Its Best
So many times in this blog I've harped on the merits of subscribing to Astron's bi-weekly newsletter, Astronology. It's really, really simple to sign up (I'll even give you the link again here), it's a great resource, we won't spam you, and sometimes you get to read about really awesome stuff (plus I penned a few back in the day if you check out the archives here)...
And while the latest issue has some great stuff (click here)...nothing compares to this amazing interview with yours truly:
Mini-Interview
The next Astron Solutions team member to let it all hang loose is our Blogmaster, Andrew Katz. Also, this won’t be the last mini-interview of our series! Stay tuned to our website for big news! Now, without further adieu: iShuffle As we continue our trek through getting to know the Astron Solutions team better, we find ourselves with the iShuffle yet again. Again, Blogmaster Andrew Katz has helped us out with this! We thank Andrew for both his blogging skills, and his time for this. Enjoy the list, and the questions!
And while the latest issue has some great stuff (click here)...nothing compares to this amazing interview with yours truly:
Mini-Interview The next Astron Solutions team member to let it all hang loose is our Blogmaster, Andrew Katz. Also, this won’t be the last mini-interview of our series! Stay tuned to our website for big news! Now, without further adieu:
1) What is your position in Astron Solutions, and how long have you had this position?
I guess you could call me the official Blogmaster. I've done this since snagging an internship with Astron back in the Summer of 2006. I wanted to stay active with Astron once I went back to school and this gave me a great opportunity to do so.
2) What convinced you to do HR consulting?
The interview with Jennifer. HR consulting was FAR from anything I had ever thought of doing but one Human Resources lesson to learn is that while the candidate is trying to woo the interviewer, a company can attract good employees through a great interview. Hearing about what Astron did and stood for and seeing how happy the employees were really went a long way into convincing me to join the Astron family.
3) What do you do when you are not consulting?
I work double duties...I also work at Genworth Financial in Stamford, CT. But blogging has become a passion of mine and I love doing it. Having to keep my readers up-to-date on what's going on in the world of HR also keeps me up-to-date and I'm always plugged into the latest news. I'm also an avid sports fan so I'm always watching games and talking sports with my friends.
4) What is your favorite place to travel to and why?
I spent a semester studying abroad in Copenhagen. Although 90% of people I know can't pick it out on a map, it really is an amazing place. When most people think of visiting Europe they think of London and Paris and Italy...but Copenhagen is one of those treasures that I think has to be part of any European travel. The people are amazingly nice, the city is so much fun, and it has been named the "Happiest Place on Earth" the past two years. And bonus: everyone speaks English so you won't need to carry around a dictionary!
5) Where do you see Astron Solutions this day next year?
It's amazing to see Astron continuing to grow. I think that as Astron continues to attract new and diverse customers through word-of-mouth referrals from happy customers, you'll see Astron out there more and more with the big names in the market. Genworth is a "People Driven" company very involved in the local community and I see Astron continuing to follow those same ideals.
iShuffle Kanye West - Through the Wire
Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static
Fallout Boy (feat. John Mayer) - Beat It
Madonna and Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland) - 4 Minutes
Rick Ross (feat. T-Pain) - The Boss
Lupe Fiasco - Hip-Hop Saved My Life
Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
Counting Crows - Rain King (Live from Soho)
N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing on the Line...)
Dave Matthews (feat. Tim Reynolds) - Lie In Our Graves (Live at Radio City)
Favorite - Everybody Nose. The song gets you pumped, smiling, and is just overall fun. You know a song is good when you get into it in the first 15 seconds you hear the song for the first time.
Least Favorite - 4 Minutes. There's nothing wrong with the song at all. Actually I like it. But it's repetitive and you get sick of it too quickly. When a song comes on and I start reaching for the ipod, it's a BAD sign.
Seen Live - Kanye, Lupe Fiasco, Counting Crows, N.E.R.D., and Dave Matthews I have all seen live this summer (and I saw John Mayer in the past). Dave is my favorite live act. Some people have great songs. Some sing really well. But very few combine both these and put on a great, entertaining SHOW. Dave does this. I went to a Dave Matthews Band concert after my Junior year of high school and I really was not a big fan at the time. He put on such a great show that I'm not only a huge fan, I've been to his concert every summer since (at least once).
Executive Pay Gone Awry
The Charlotte Observer has an interesting article about when executive pay goes awry: click here
Banning Social Networking?
If you're thinking of banning social networking from your company, you may be making a very costly mistake according to employee evolution: click here
If you're thinking of skipping those MBA recruiting sessions, you should read this Wall Street Journal article about more and more people who are doing just that: click here
If you're getting ready to retire, you should read this Journal article about planning your exit strategy: click here
If you're worried about whether you need to have a required lunch break, read this Q&A from the Human Resource blog: click here
If you're wondering the best way to leveraging talent into your company's competitive advantage, read this book review from the HR Practitioner: click here
If you're trying to figure out what the role of Human Resources should be in employer branding, read this PUREcommunications article: click here
And if you're looking for an HR job, who are we to ignore social networking after we talked about it's importance, so here's a LiveJournal entry on a website for HR jobs: click here
If you're thinking of skipping those MBA recruiting sessions, you should read this Wall Street Journal article about more and more people who are doing just that: click here
If you're getting ready to retire, you should read this Journal article about planning your exit strategy: click here
If you're worried about whether you need to have a required lunch break, read this Q&A from the Human Resource blog: click here
If you're wondering the best way to leveraging talent into your company's competitive advantage, read this book review from the HR Practitioner: click here
If you're trying to figure out what the role of Human Resources should be in employer branding, read this PUREcommunications article: click here
And if you're looking for an HR job, who are we to ignore social networking after we talked about it's importance, so here's a LiveJournal entry on a website for HR jobs: click here
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Doing the iPod Shuffle
One of our new segments on our bi-weekly newsletter, Astronology (see sign-up on the right) is the ishuffle. Although I won't give away which are my favorite, I will tell you the 10 songs that came up last on my iPod (actually an iPod Touch) as I was taking the train on Friday:
Kanye West - Through the Wire
Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static
Fallout Boy (feat. John Mayer) - Beat It
Madonna and Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland) - 4 Minutes
Rick Ross (feat. T-Pain) - The Boss
Lupe Fiasco - Hip-Hop Saved My Life
Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
Counting Crows - Rain King (Live from Soho)
N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing on the Line...)
Dave Matthews (feat. Tim Reynolds) - Lie In Our Graves (Live at Radio City)
Stay tuned to Astronology for my reviews on these songs as well as the other picks from Astron employees...but figured it was a good way to "shuffle" things up a bit :)
Kanye West - Through the Wire
Jack Johnson - Sleep Through the Static
Fallout Boy (feat. John Mayer) - Beat It
Madonna and Justin Timberlake (feat. Timbaland) - 4 Minutes
Rick Ross (feat. T-Pain) - The Boss
Lupe Fiasco - Hip-Hop Saved My Life
Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
Counting Crows - Rain King (Live from Soho)
N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing on the Line...)
Dave Matthews (feat. Tim Reynolds) - Lie In Our Graves (Live at Radio City)
Stay tuned to Astronology for my reviews on these songs as well as the other picks from Astron employees...but figured it was a good way to "shuffle" things up a bit :)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
When Employers Just Can't Keep Up
You know when an interviewee calls up and asks why they haven't gotten a call back? Well maybe it's tell them that your Human Resource staff just can't keep up...and you wouldn't be alone according to the Kansas City Star: click here
The Ventura County Star talks about a bias bill that is being opposed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): click here
Red Orbit says that wired staffs are a good thing...despite some other opinions: click here
The Wall Street Journal follows up with this article about companies' efforts to extend researchers' productivity: click here
Lastly, the Start4all Human Resources weblog has six "A-HA's" in building a successful Human Resources career: click here
The Ventura County Star talks about a bias bill that is being opposed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): click here
Red Orbit says that wired staffs are a good thing...despite some other opinions: click here
The Wall Street Journal follows up with this article about companies' efforts to extend researchers' productivity: click here
Lastly, the Start4all Human Resources weblog has six "A-HA's" in building a successful Human Resources career: click here
Monday, August 18, 2008
Facebook, Google, and the People
Greetings from Richmond, VA...
Livemint.com (from the Wall Street Journal) tells us what Facebook has to do with Human Resources: click here
HR Marketer Blog has some information on how Google rocks and the rolling of HR professionals and suppliers into one community: click here
Lastly, this Human Resources blog says that no matter what media is out there, Human Resources is about the people: click here
Livemint.com (from the Wall Street Journal) tells us what Facebook has to do with Human Resources: click here
HR Marketer Blog has some information on how Google rocks and the rolling of HR professionals and suppliers into one community: click here
Lastly, this Human Resources blog says that no matter what media is out there, Human Resources is about the people: click here
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Staycation
It's certainly a buzzword according to the New York Times (click here) and, well, the Washington Post has been using it since 2005 (click here)...but what does it mean?
The Washington Times has some answers here (click here), but the Orlando Business Journal just reported that fewer than 1 in 10 Americans actually plan staycations (click here)
It's one way of offsetting the high gas prices, and the Arizona Republic has some other ways that employers can help in that process: click here
And, lastly, Thomson Reuters came out with some job data today which says that the job market is softening like the polar ice caps (they left out the part about the polar ice caps, however): click here
:)
The Washington Times has some answers here (click here), but the Orlando Business Journal just reported that fewer than 1 in 10 Americans actually plan staycations (click here)
It's one way of offsetting the high gas prices, and the Arizona Republic has some other ways that employers can help in that process: click here
And, lastly, Thomson Reuters came out with some job data today which says that the job market is softening like the polar ice caps (they left out the part about the polar ice caps, however): click here
:)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Senior Job/Junior Pay and the Relocation Blue
We got some great articles today from the Wall Street Journal as we again go from Wall Street to Main Street
First, an article about a new type of downsizing occurring, further obscuring the precarious job hunt--either by the combination of junior and senior positions in a job description and giving it a junior pay or by hiring new senior level employees but also giving them the work that was once done by their subordinates: click here
This is a tricky tightrope for Human Resources to walk...you don't want to be seen as "tricking" someone (as the article seems to suggest).
Next, the Relocation Blues from the Journal's "90 Days" column tells you how to cope with forced relocation (or, as HR, a nice way you can provide suggestions and work along your employees when this occurs for them): click here
Also from the Journal's Career Journal column "Pay Grade", tackling sustainability-related projects: click here
Lastly, from the Johns Hopkins University Gazette, rethinking the future of HR: click here
First, an article about a new type of downsizing occurring, further obscuring the precarious job hunt--either by the combination of junior and senior positions in a job description and giving it a junior pay or by hiring new senior level employees but also giving them the work that was once done by their subordinates: click here
This is a tricky tightrope for Human Resources to walk...you don't want to be seen as "tricking" someone (as the article seems to suggest).
Next, the Relocation Blues from the Journal's "90 Days" column tells you how to cope with forced relocation (or, as HR, a nice way you can provide suggestions and work along your employees when this occurs for them): click here
Also from the Journal's Career Journal column "Pay Grade", tackling sustainability-related projects: click here
Lastly, from the Johns Hopkins University Gazette, rethinking the future of HR: click here
Friday, August 08, 2008
"When Facial Hair Was as Rare as a Triple Play"
This New York Times baseball blog title was so good, we decided to use it as our own ;)
If you haven't read the Astronology or our post on facial hair in the workplace, you should: click here
We made a reference to the Yankees, and this article from the Times is a great little history of facial hair in baseball. The Yankees have had a policy under principal owner George Steinbrenner that has prohibited long hair of facial hair (besides a cleanly shaved mustache on the upper lip). Some other teams have also taken variations on it. If you incorporate a facial hair policy and meet resistance, you can tell your employee that you're just being like the Yankees!
If you haven't read the Astronology or our post on facial hair in the workplace, you should: click here
We made a reference to the Yankees, and this article from the Times is a great little history of facial hair in baseball. The Yankees have had a policy under principal owner George Steinbrenner that has prohibited long hair of facial hair (besides a cleanly shaved mustache on the upper lip). Some other teams have also taken variations on it. If you incorporate a facial hair policy and meet resistance, you can tell your employee that you're just being like the Yankees!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
More Job Data...
This info from WorldAtWork, when taken in tandem, doesn't look all that great...
Average annual medical premium costs increased 6% this past year: click here
Pay increases on a national level are going to be 3.9% for this year: click here
(Doesn't seem to be a very good combination...)
Here are the results of the survey on a state/province level...
Average annual medical premium costs increased 6% this past year: click here
Pay increases on a national level are going to be 3.9% for this year: click here
(Doesn't seem to be a very good combination...)
Here are the results of the survey on a state/province level...
TABLE 1. Average Salary Budget Increases by Major Metropolitan Area (U.S.)
| Actual 2008 | Projected 2009 | |
|---|---|---|
NATIONAL | ||
Atlanta | ||
Baltimore | ||
Boston | ||
Chicago | ||
Cincinnati | ||
Cleveland | ||
Dallas | ||
Denver | ||
Detroit | ||
Houston | ||
Los Angeles | ||
Miami | ||
Minneapolis | ||
New York | ||
Philadelphia | ||
Phoenix | ||
Pittsburgh | ||
| Portland | ||
San Diego | ||
San Francisco | ||
San Jose | ||
Seattle | ||
St. Louis | ||
Tampa | ||
Washington, D.C. |
TABLE 2. Average Salary Budget Increases by State (U.S.)
| Actual 2008 | Projected 2009 | |
|---|---|---|
NATIONAL | ||
Alabama | ||
Alaska | ||
Arizona | ||
Arkansas | ||
California | ||
Colorado | ||
Connecticut | ||
Delaware | ||
Florida | ||
Georgia | ||
Hawaii | ||
| Idaho | ||
Illinois | ||
| Indiana | ||
Iowa | ||
Kansas | ||
Kentucky | ||
Louisiana | ||
Maine | ||
Maryland | ||
Massachusetts | ||
Michigan | ||
Minnesota | ||
Mississippi | ||
Missouri | ||
Montana | ||
Nebraska | ||
Nevada | ||
New Hampshire | ||
New Jersey | ||
New Mexico | ||
New York | ||
North Carolina | ||
North Dakota | ||
Ohio | ||
Oklahoma | ||
Oregon | ||
Pennsylvania | ||
Rhode Island | ||
South Carolina | ||
South Dakota | ||
Tennessee | ||
Texas | ||
Utah | ||
Vermont | ||
Virginia | ||
Washington | ||
Washington, D.C. | ||
West Virginia | ||
Wisconsin | ||
Wyoming |
TABLE 3. Average Salary Budget Increases by Major Metropolitan Area (Canada)
| Actual 2008 | Projected 2009 | |
|---|---|---|
Calgary | ||
Edmonton | ||
Hamilton | ||
Montreal | ||
Ottawa | ||
Quebec | ||
Toronto | ||
Vancouver | ||
Winnipeg |
HR on the South Pole
Seriously...and you thought the weather was bad in New York...: click here
Courtesy of the Boston Globe's Monster.com Hiring Hub HR Center HR Blog...
Courtesy of the Boston Globe's Monster.com Hiring Hub HR Center HR Blog...
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
But We're Not the Yankees...
If you haven't checked it out yet, there's an interesting debate in the current Astronology about Facial Hair: click here
If you're not subscribed to Astronology, Astron Solutions bi-weekly newsletter, you're missing out...you can sign up by clicking on the link on the right side of the page...
If you're not subscribed to Astronology, Astron Solutions bi-weekly newsletter, you're missing out...you can sign up by clicking on the link on the right side of the page...
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