The countdown to 2009 was fraught with a barrage of forecasts, especially those related to future employment.  Unfortunately, much of what we are hearing is bleak.  Whether you work in Canada, the United States, Dubai or China, layoffs are the top news stories. Challenger, Gray & Christmas published their Work Place Trends Outlook for 2009 and predict an increase in unemployment throughout 2009 and believe we will not see employment growth associated with a healthy and expanding economy before 2013.

Although unsettling, to say the least, we are fortunate to have been part of a stable or booming economy for many years.  It is now time to initiate the changes that are necessary in an extremely competitive global marketplace and get through the expected lengthy economic recovery.  The best resources available today are online.  Online resources not only allow you to keep abreast of current affairs, personal and professional networking websites are soon to be the number one tool used by both employees and employers.  You need to stand out, ONLINE!  Research and find information on those industries that are not affected by this global economic downturn.  Search employment sites around the world and consider relocating. Review opportunities available to further your education, improve skills, increase your marketability or begin a second career. Keep on top of new government initiatives that provide funding for further education or job creation projects.  Web sites offer world wide information and it’s free.  If you don’t find what you are looking for, ask us ONLINE!

Randstad, a job placement agency, surveyed 6,600 employers and found 53% of managers feel that the search for employees is more difficult than it was in 2007.  According to Statistics Canada,  this trend will reach a turning point in 2016 when the number of people leaving the job market will be greater than the number of people entering it.  In response, companies will have to devise ways to attract new graduates.  Generation Y is showing expectations of good salaries, benefits and a respectful environment that  considers employees as partners rather than mere employees.

Randstad also reports close to 80% of jobs are not advertised and 94% of those asked, found their jobs through networking.  Sebastien Girard, regional manager for Randstad says, “We advise our clients to spread the word about their job search to as many people as possible” and he comments on the importance of Facebook as well as other social networks, newspapers, professional association websites, job search sites and job placement agencies.

For valuable tips on effective networking online and off check out Networking and Your Job Search.

It’s no surprise that most people agree the major cause of stress in Canada is financial pressure and it is unlikely that these results would be any different in the United States. What is surprising, even shocking, is the financial cost of stress on the Canadian industry. According to Dr. Kenford Nedd, it is approximately $51 billion annually – more than the profits of all Fortune 500 companies put together, adding, “If you really look after stress, you’re looking after your business”.

Be well – Money and Stress, is a special information series on wellness at home and in the workplace, sponsored by Desjardins Financial Security. Ms Nowski, director of disability claims and management for Desjardins Financial Security, says “Unmanageable stress and unmanaged worry can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health, quality of life and productivity in the workplace, so it is in the best interests of both individuals and organizations to take a proactive approach to managing financial stressors.”

Ongoing stress in the workplace and at home can severely impair our immune systems with the potential to result in long term illness or even death. Although this is a critical issue, there are some simple steps that anyone can take to prevent serious negative effects and help in maintaining a healthy immune system. Make a point of reaching out to others. Decide if you are in need of reaching out for help. Eat healthy and nourishing food. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Get a full night’s sleep and maintain a regular exercise program. If you can’t make it to the gym, go for a walk. Think positive. Take the time to smile and laugh with coworkers. Dr. Kenford Nedd, says, “Happiness in the workplace triggers the release of chemicals that strengthen the immune system…”.

In Japan, 34,000 otherwise healthy men, die every year of stress-related heart attacks. Nutritious meals, regular exercise, sleep, happiness and reaching out can increase your ability to manage stress. You have the choice to take control of your personal life and stay healthy! Your physical and emotional health impacts your family, friends, business and our country. It starts with you! Do you really have a choice?

In today’s economic crisis, the number one job available is in SALES!  These positions are currently the most sought after as an increase in sales could potentially be the key factor in the survival of many companies caught up in today’s economic turmoil.

Increasing sales is one of the few definitive options available to the decision makers of many companies and organizations at a time when so much is beyond their control.  The fluctuating dollar, volatile stock markets and wavering economies of neighbouring countries have resulted in widespread, growing concerns over the viability of many businesses.  An economic crisis, forecasted by some, as the worst since the Great Depression of the 30’s.

Many people are currently in career transition and those who are not could potentially be in the near future.  Statistics show a continuing decline in the length of tenure in all executive positions.  Although it may not seem to be at the time, this transition can be a positive opportunity for your career development.  By acquiring knowledge and a clear understanding of current trends in our market place, recognizing the significance of fulfilling your own needs, focussing on your strengths and following your passion you can set the goals needed to create a path to success.

If you require the professional advice of a career transition coach, professional branding strategist or master resume writer please do not hesitate to contact us.

Plumbers, carpenters, masons, electricians, machinists, mechanics and crane operators have provided work for about one million people in 2007, as reported by Statistics Canada.  Other than a brief decline in the mid-1990’s, skilled trades have seen a steady employment growth to date.

The proportion of trades employment varied by province, with an increase from 9% in 1987 to 15% in 2007 in Alberta, due to the oil and gas boom.  Whereas Ontario experienced a significant decrease in trades workers from 41% in 1987 to 36% in 2007 coinciding with the decline in the manufacturing industry.  In 1946 Canada’s total employment in manufacturing was 26% and in 2007 it has declined to just 12%!

Studies have shown that 51% of immigrants from 2001 to 2006 arrived with a university degree, far higher than the 20% for the Canadian-born population.  Since educational requirements for the trades are below university level it is not surprising that fewer immigrants are employed in the trades, 17% in 2007 compared to non-trades at 21%.

97% of all workers in the trades have full-time jobs and 97% are men.  The proportion of men in other occupations has seen a decline in the past, from 54% in 1987 to 50% in 2007.

A CBC article, “Who’s your plumber?”, generated some interesting comments, including one from an individual describing the trades as low prestige, labour intensive, dirty work requiring long hours and travel noting that women don’t want that but they should be encouraged to be equal!  It may be significant to note that in a 2006 Census, women accounted for 60% of university graduates.

Any industry reporting steady employment growth, despite the current economic turmoil is welcome news, even if it is a male dominated industry.

Do you have an enticing resume as a skilled trades worker?  Call now for a free resume critique!

Whether you are in a high profile executive position or career transition, it is likely you are experiencing some amount of stress. You may also be aware that those stressful situations will diminish or disappear entirely in the event of laughter.

Laughing your way to organizational health, by David Granirer for About.com reports that a recent study found managers who facilitated the highest level of employee performance used humour the most often. Thomas Kuhlman, a psychologist a the University of St. Thomas relays specific indicators that tell us we need to incorporate humor into our workplace.  How we react to stressful situations is a choice to despair or laugh. “Being able to laugh about oursleves and our situation helps us release tension, regain our perspective, and accept that which we cannot change. Not ony that, it also gives us the physical energy and resilience needed to survive.”

More and more companies are recognizing the value of creating a fun workplace and organizations such as, Big Fish Interactive and Tree Top Trekking offer professional team building events and outdoor adventures.  The connection of humour, laughter and creativity will contribute to a healthier workplace and a sense of individual and team purpose, passion and play.

Scientific studies are reporting the health benefits of laughter beyond relieving stress to include lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system and burning calories!

Shirley Maclaine said: “I laugh at myself a lot. The person who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused.”

In Good Life In the City magazine, Tracy McLaughlin writes, “There is nothing like a good rolling, rollicking, hearty laugh.  It sucks the stress from every pocket of your body and leaves you feeling refreshed, energized and happy”.

CareerBuilder has a great article by Selena Dehne on the impact your social networking profile could have on getting hired or fired.  She suggests that many people have no idea, or maintain an, “it won’t happen to me” attitude when it comes to posting derogatory statements or lewd photos that may cost them the job of their dreams.  Also listed in this article are key points on how to get hired, by showcasing your skills, and how to get fired by posting a scandalous photo or updating your profile on company time.

Bosses screening applicants’ Web lives, published in the Globe and Mail shows the results of a recent survey by CareerBuilder.com which found that 22% of hiring managers are screening potential employees via social networking profiles, up from 11% in 2006.

The top concerns among hiring managers included posting information about drinking or using drugs, posting provocative or inapporpriate photos and information, poor communication skills, lying about qualifications, descriminatory remarks and an unprofessional screen name.

The survey found 34% of hiring managers that screen candidates on the Internet found content that resulted in dropping them from the short list.  However, 24% said they found content to help them solidify their decision to hire a candidate.

Only 16% of workers with social networking pages said they modified the content on their profile to convey a more professional image to potential employers.

Is your online profile putting you at risk for an opportunity to land your dream job?

According to Manpower’s Global Employment Outlook, hiring across the globe is down significantly, as reported in Forbes magazine article, World’s Worst Places To Get A Job.  Hiring in the U.S. grew at 18% in the fourth quarter last year and is expected to drop to 9% for the same period this year.

Even China will see a drop in hiring expected to grow 12% this year over last years 13%.  The largest decline was in Singapore where hiring grew 53% in the fourth quarter last year and is expected to be 25% this year.  Japan, the U.K. and Spain are all expected to drop.

However, small growth in hiring is expected in the Netherlands, India and Belgium.

A further report in Business Week from Monster Worldwide Inc. said its employment index, which measures online recruitment activity, rose to 159 last month from 157 in July.  Year-over-year the index has remained down 14%.

Online job availability has increased in both the utilities and mining industries and a significant decline was seen in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries.

….Planning vacations while working!  According to a new online survey of visitors to Monster.ca, only 43% of 1439 Canadians said they “do not work at all” during vacation.

“Many Canadians seem to be missing the point when it comes to taking holidays”, said Monster Canada vice-president of sales and general manager Peter Gilfillan, noting that using vacation time wisely is crucial to maintaining a good work-life balance.

While most Canadians stay connected to work while vacationing, a further survey by Monster.ca revealed that 50% planned their vacations while at work!

If you are planning your vacation while at work, you are taking away from your employer and if you are working while on vacation, you are taking away from yourself.  Either way, someone is losing so keep the holidays all about you and the work all about the employer!

Emerging Technology, globalization and demographic changes continue to have a significant impact on our workplace.

In a recent article in the Baltimore Sun, John A. Challenger, chief executive of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a Chicago outplacement firm identifies some workplace trends of the future that could transform office culture.  He begins by saying, “Teleconferencing could end business travel.”  Audio, video and Web conferencing continues to grow significantly as these tools become less expensive and more available.  Soaring energy costs will also have an impact on reducing business travel and the potential for increased productivity with less time spent travelling.

“No health benefits.”  Not a surprise to anyone.  On a positive note, employers are introducing health and fitness programs.

“A four day work week in the office becomes standard.”  It will help in dealing with soaring gas prices and who doesn’t want a three day weekend?

“Globalization will lead to an exodus of specialized workers to job-rich areas.”  Not to mention the effects of skills and talent shortages.

Challenger goes on to forecast further trends including, the evolution of cubicle life to open spaces and common areas, free agents representing 40% of the U.S. work force by 2012 and no more corporate offices.  The emerging workplace flexibility and the need for companies to save costs on real estate are key factors.