These include:
• Recruiting will intensify among smaller employers. While large companies brace themselves for the impact of the European debt crisis, SMEs will add staff. Growth regions such as Southeast Asia, certain parts of South America (eg Brazil and Chile), and the Middle East will pirate talent away from other areas. Employers attempting to recruit experienced people will face increasing challenges.
• In the US, unemployment will stick at around 7.5 percent. China’s unemployment will grow as employers turn away from inconsistent quality and/or find lower-cost source markets for low-skilled labour.
• More employers will embrace technology to manage processes and keep track of talent. Companies providing software to employers will see their businesses grow.
• Companies will take greater advantage of social networks: using them for recruiting, marketing, public relations, training and development, and even succession planning.
• More unemployed people will become consultants and personal coaches. The personal and professional services industries will continue to grow.
• Larger companies, in particular, will continue to try to lift productivity and profits by reducing staff numbers and hiring others.
• Far too many employers worldwide will ignore the roles of engagement and retention in their bottom line profitability.
• In the US, the escalating regulatory environment will cause employers to need employment lawyers more than ever.
For the full Herman Trend Alert report: www.hermangroup.com/alert/.
For archived editions: www.hermangroup.com/archive.
