This Week's Herman Trend Alert Telecommuting to a Better Bottom Line

The Herman Trend Alert November 30, 2005 Attrition is an International Problem Employers who have difficulty retaining their valued employees often dismiss the problem as being unavoidable or an anomaly in their industry. In a futile attempt to find excuses, many companies cite whatever comparative numbers they can discover to justify their losses. They point the fingers at other employers instead of addressing their own shortcomings. Time is running out. Employee turnover is creating problems across industries and across international boundaries. Developed countries have sent a significant number of jobs to India, assuming that an abundance of workers were dedicated, productive, hard-working, and stable. India’s information technology industry is experiencing a high attrition rate. The loss of experienced people and the cost of replacing them with fresh graduates---and training them---are driving up personnel costs. Higher costs mean a reduced competitive advantage against countries exporting jobs. An Indian employer with routine work is taking some unusual steps, reports “The Financial Express.” Since the job itself is tiresome, to keep up the spirits of the employees, the company has allowed employees the opportunity to pursue interests such as music which has led employees to set up their own band. At a convocation-like graduation ceremony and party, employees who complete the training and induction program get certificates. When the organization found that a major cause for attrition was the influence of parents, parents of existing and prospective employees have been positively engaged. Parents are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony. Securing the consent of parents before newcomers to join the organization has helped reduce their role in attrition. China has a similar problem. Even with population in the millions, the country is challenged with high turnover among educated and skilled workers. As the introduction of technology outpaces availability of an appropriately trained labor force, this situation will become worse. In South Africa, employee retention causes operations difficulties and higher costs in industries as diverse as information technology and gold mining. Employers in Australia face a tightening employment market and workers who want better bosses. Northern Ireland fights a brain drain. Competition for workers even causes problems for companies competing for business in Nepal. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." NEED HELP THINKING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE? Our futurists offer thought-provoking and penetrating insights, along with creative ideas to implement right away. Whether you're looking for a speaker or a consultant or a facilitator for your strategic planning retreat, The Herman Group can help you find a person for your needs, no matter what your topic. Call Joyce at 336-210-3548 to discuss your event. REDUCE COSTS BY LOWERING EMPLOYEE TURNOVER If you knew just how much money turnover is costing your company, you would have handled it ages ago! Turnover costs A LOT and it comes right off the bottom line. Let The Herman Group and its team of very experienced consultants help you address your turnover issues right away. We have an impressive track record and stand ready to help you. Call Carol at 800-227-3566; international, call 336-210-3547 for a no-obligation conference call. GOOD SELECTION = BETTER RETENTION If you are not using pre-employment assessments, you are flying without radar---not very smart in today's highly competitive environment. Let us help you better understand your candidates and your employees. In less than 30 minutes, you will know if they can do the job (abilities); their work behaviors, even their personality and attitudes (like integrity & ethics), and those can't be trained. It's very cost effective, too! For more information, contact Joyce at 336-210-3548 or e-mail assessments@hermangroup.com. Validated for many countries and cultures. We offer in-depth help with job descriptions, too! http://www.hermangroup.com/assessments.html. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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