Ups and downs of corporate citizenship

Business objective alignment 57%

A majority (62 per cent) had formal programs to manage their corporate citizenship and sustainability practice, while the top focuses of such practices were community and stakeholder involvement (64 per cent) and corporate giving to worthy causes (55 per cent).

Source: The Conference Board

Baby boomers want full-time work

EIGHTY-TWO per cent of baby boomers would prefer permanent positions as opposed to more flexible work. A survey of 500 jobseekers showed that, despite a perception baby boomers were ‘downshifting’, only 18 per cent were looking for flexible, part-time or temporary work arrangements. This was in contrast to younger generations, who indicated a preference for part-time or temporary roles, at 29 per cent for Generation X and 28 per cent for Generation Y.

Source: Chandler Macleod

Aussie workers use net for personal purposes

ALMOST 50 per cent of Australians who have internet access at work spend up to three hours a week using it to complete household administration tasks. A survey found 48 per cent of workers claimed that using the internet for household administration purposes at work actually increased their productivity. The most common tasks undertaken on the net at work were:

Holiday planning (38 per cent) was also a popular internet pastime at work, while 53 per cent of survey respondents reported using it for personal purposes during their lunch hour.

Source: BPAY

Ethics at top of accountants list

SEVENTY PER CENT of accounting students and 94 per cent of practising accountants believe acting ethically in the workplace is highly important. Two surveys of 743 accounting and commerce students and 95 accountants found that 60 per cent of students and nearly 80 per cent of practitioners also identified working for an ethical business as a key requirement. The vast majority of students and practitioners agreed that the workplace, professional and legal systems shared the responsibility of addressing unethical behaviour.

Source: Institute of Chartered Accountants

Generation Y women always on the move

THIRTY-EIGHT per cent of Generation Y women do not believe it is important to stay in the same workplace for at least two years. According to a survey of 927 females, the majority of which were Generation Y, 50 per cent of respondents had at least two different jobs over two years, while 23 per cent were dissatisfied with their current jobs. However, Generation Y women were more likely to be very satisfied with their current job (45 per cent), while 27 per cent of Generation Y women have been in their current job for three or more years, compared to 51 per cent of Generation X women.

Source: FAMOUS

Women still subject to sexual discrimination

THIRTY-EIGHT per cent of women have experienced sexual discrimination in the workplace, according to a survey of 1,960 workers. It also found that 10 per cent of males have also been subject to sexual discrimination. The survey found those in the legal sector are the most likely to experience sexual discrimination, while HR practitioners also reported surprisingly high levels of discrimination. Those in engineering and construction were found to be least subject to unwanted sexual advances or comments.

Source: Talent2

Baby boomers more productive

THE AVERAGE 55-year-old employee performs to the best of their ability for 88 per cent of the working day, while employees under 35 are on the ball only 80 per cent of the time. A study on the daily work habits of 4,000 employees found that when it came to not working at full capacity or ability, workers aged over 55 rated at 13 per cent while workers under 35 rated at 19 per cent. Calculated over a year, the under 35s are wasting up to 360 hours at work compared to over 55s, who are wasting 240 hours.

Source: Australian Health Management

Aussie employers ignore job applicants

NINETY-TWO per cent of Australian jobseekers have been snubbed by employers who received their letters of application and resumes. According to a survey of 500 people, 79 per cent said companies have an obligation to respond to all applicants as a common courtesy once the position has been filled. However, respondents also admitted they applied for jobs:

Without meeting criteria 49%

For experience 40%

Out of desperation 19%

Despite not meeting job criteria, 24 per cent of respondents still claimed they were surprised they did not hear back from the employer.

Source: linkme.com.au

Higher wage employees reap all the benefits

ONLY 39 per cent of low wage and low income employees are allowed some amount of paid time off for personal illness, compared with 79 per cent of their mid- and higher wage and income counterparts. The study of 3,504 workers in the US, aged 18 and older, also found 45 per cent of low wage and low income employees had a high level of on the job learning opportunities, compared with 64 per cent of mid-wage and 81 per cent of high wage employees. Further, low wage and low income employees are almost equally likely to be men (48 per cent) as women (52 per cent).

Source: Families and Work Institute

Aussie candidates look for recognition and rewards

SIXTY-SEVEN per cent of Australian jobseekers have said recognition and rewarding accomplishments are the most important things they look for in prospective employers. According to a survey of 140 Australian jobseekers, employers who offered challenging and interesting work came second (61 per cent), while the final three desires of jobseekers were:

Financial company strength 48%

A people oriented culture 43%

Flexible working arrangements 39%

Furthermore, opportunities for fast career growth and advancement were a priority for those seeking work (34 per cent) as well as organisations that offer a variety of work (33 per cent).

Source: Accenture