Australian employers are taking a more cautious approach to permanent hiring in the lead up to Christmas as they evaluate what impact the instability within global economies will have on their business, according to a survey conducted by Hudson
Australian employers are taking a more cautious approach to permanent hiring in the lead-up to Christmas as they evaluate what impact the instability within global economies will have on their business, according to a survey conducted by Hudson. The national survey of 7200 hiring managers revealed that 33 per cent of employers intend to grow their permanent headcount in the fourth quarter of 2008, down 7.8 per cent on the previous quarter. “This result is the lowest level of confidence recorded in five years. The main reason for this is that businesses appear to be moving into a holding pattern until they have clear vision of what’s ahead,” said Gary Lazzarotto, managing director Hudson Australia/New Zealand.
Knowledge transfer critical to competitive edge
Most companies do not have a plan to manage and transfer knowledge and even fewer factor cross-generational challenges into business strategy, according to a recent report from global research and business firm The Conference Board. Because so much knowledge transfer is cross-generational, from long-tenured to younger employees, the report found that an understanding of different learning styles based on age facilitates the process. “While the process may seem long and complex, it can sometimes be accomplished quickly in practise,” said Kent Greenes, program director at The Conference Board. “But several iterations through the process may be necessary when the knowledge is deep, complex, or large in scope.”
Green wash has biggest impact on 25 to 34 year olds
Age has the biggest impact on employees’ expectations of their employer’s environmental performance; with those aged 25 to 34 holding organisations to a higher standard than younger and older employees, according to research from Insync Surveys. “Promoting environmental efforts is important to attract and retain employees and customers,” said James Garriock, CEO of Insync Surveys. “The imminent retirement of the Baby Boomers – which is the group with the lowest expectations of their employer with regard to the environment – means the issue will become more important to the majority of employees.”
