Studies Show that Open Offices Negatively Impact Employees and Productivity

Many studies, including ones conducted by the manufacturers that sell office furniture used for open offices, have shown that open floor plans hurt productivity and dampen employee morale. And, contrary to what was first thought, they are not the panacea…

What Does 80% of the U.S. Workforce Want?

A pay raise? A compliment from the boss? The answer may surprise you - 80 to 90% of the workforce wants to be telecommuters.[i] And why not? As telecommuters, workers are typically more productive, have higher morale, save commuting costs,…

Four Proven Recruiting Strategies for High Flying Labor Markets!

Various industries, including: high tech, trucking, accounting, and STEM, are reporting difficult times with recruiting. There just isn’t enough good talent available! The good news is the U.S. labor force has historical low participation rates. The U.S. Department of Labor…

Will Perks and Wellness Benefits Alone Enable You to Compete in a Tight Labor Market?

A recent survey from Robert Half shows that while Chief Financial Officers want to expand health and wellness benefits, employees prefer additional vacation days, telecommuting options, and non-traditional work hours[i]. CFOs and employees do agree, however, on the popularity of…

The drama over the next Speaker of the House gives an unexpected boost to work-life integration

Work-life integration, and the work place flexibility necessary to enable it, received an unexpected boost from Republican Congressman Paul Ryan last week. He announced that if he agreed to be Speaker of the House, it would not be at the…

Six exciting seminars for H R leaders this summer

I am leading six exciting Seminars this summer with the Northern California Human Resources Association (NCHRA). Learn more about SHRM Professional Development credits and HCRI Recertification credits--and sign up!--at http://www.nchra.org/events/event_list.asp. Strategic Thinking--Conquering the Traditional H R Paradigms. NCHRA H R Business Leader Series. July 7.…

Flexible work arrangements will help you win the “war for talent”!

Whether called telecommuting, teleworking or mobile work, flexible work arrangements are highly valued by today’s workforce. They are equally beneficial for companies because they create engaged employees and individuals who are more productive and loyal. Flexible work arrangements are here…

Form Follows Function: flexible work arrangements and tailored office design!

Whether called telecommuting, teleworking or mobile work, flexible work arrangements are highly valued by today’s workforce because they allow employees more control over their busy lives. They are equally beneficial for companies because they create engaged employees and individuals who…