Our world changed in an instant on September 11th 2001. Our world perspective was suddenly viewed through a new expanded lens – courtesy the internet, globalization, international security and economic concerns. We also had a new take on our work life.
The report, The Impact of the Recession on Employers was the substance behind the testimony of the Institute’s co-founder Ellen Galinsky Thursday morning. She spoke before a Congressional Joint Economic Committee which addressed: Balancing Work and Family in the Recession: How Employees and Employers are Coping (Click on the title to watch the testimony).
In an exceptionally healthy workplace in the 90’s, an on-site gym, cleaner organic food in the company cafeteria, and the occasional chair massage might have been the norm. These days, since workers are more concerned with keeping their jobs than putting on a few extra pounds, it’s a different story. One could argue it ’s just as important to feel good – as to look good – mentally and physically.
In our 24/7 high-tech global marketplace, our work life scenario changes exponentially. 2008 is chuck full of illustrations mirroring that fact, the least of which was the election of our first African American president. President-elect Barack Obama ran on a platform of change and a promise to create or save, an estimated 3 million jobs – and he used social media tools to nail the top spot.
October saw another 16,000 jobs in New York City’s securities industry eaten up in the economic meltdown. It pushes the total work force down to numbers we haven’t seen since 2005, according to labor analyst James Brown, who spoke with Reuters Thursday.
In the wake of one of the most anticipated debates of the season, every Washington commentator is eagerly weighing in on both sides. While debating Palin’s credibility was all the rage this week, and her folksy image the target of the tabloids, I shall pass on judging her performance in contrast to a senate icon.
The 2008 CFO Perspectives on WorkLife Flexibility study showed that CFO’s understand that worklife flexibility has the potential to impact companies beyond employee issues. 75% of CFO’s at companies that offer flexibility, said the strategy might be important to the future profitability of their organizations. Here’s some other interesting findings:
The title of “People Operations” replaces “Human Resources” at Google. The innovative leaders in that department appear to have a different take on the human condition at work. Google is known for how they value their human capital, thus setting the stage for innovation and brilliance.
Traditional retirement seems passé these days. Especially to baby boomers still trying to shore up their nest egg. Still, a recent survey suggests a good majority of them might be choosing the work they do – more with their hearts – instead of their financial prowess. There’s a new class of boomers who are rewiring their work life in order to give back while making a buck. The survey was done by Boomer tracker, Civic Ventures and the MetLife Foundation.
I’ve never thought a whole lot about nursery school until yesterday. I was in an audience with about thirty people listening to a Tibetan Lama in New York City who had not been to the city since the events of September 11th, 2001. It was a lesson in sharing peace among people who had lived through chaos, and yet had a burning desire for peace and quiet.
