This Week's Herman Trend Alert Purpose Emerging as Important Driver of Engagement

The Herman Trend Alert April 21, 1999 Behind the Unemployment Rate 255 days until January 1, 2000 There's been a lot of noise about the historically low unemployment rate. The rate continues to hover around 4.3, 4.5, or somewhere in that range . . . .a 28-year low. The legions of observers, commenting on the sidelines, proclaim that this low rate is sustainable and healthy for our economy. Looking behind the numbers used to measure this rate in the US, we see some interesting statistics. At the end of January, the unemployment rate for whites was 3.8 percent. But the rate for blacks was 7.8 percent, and for Hispanics it was 6.6 percent. Our forecast is that these differential rates will gradually equalize, but it will take some time. Deficiencies in education, work experience, and often negative attitudes of employers have depressed the employability of African American and Hispanic minorities. As employers discover that the prime prospective employees are simply not available, the recruiters will seek different labor pools. They will hire blacks, Hispanics, and other minorities, because they need to hire somebody to get the job done. African Americans and Hispanics brought into the mainline workforce will eagerly take advantage of any available education and training. This growth and development opportunity will facilitate the upward movement of a significant segment of the minority population groups. All many of these workers need is a chance. Our low unemployment will give them the opportunities they need—to show what they can do and how they can move upwards on the ladder of success. Employers can—and will—make a positive difference by helping their workers achieve at higher levels. Many of these upgraded employees will remain with their current companies. Even though there are people out there with more education, these fast-growing workers will be loyal and grateful for the opportunities. As they remain employed for a longer period, these minority workers will develop greater life skills. Gradually—and for some it won't take that long, these workers will earn greater incomes, enabling them to move up the socioeconomic ladder much more quickly. . . and of course, fueling the economy as well. © 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." WHO SENDS OUT YOUR NEWSLETTERS? We are convinced there is no better choice than ours! We have happily used DataBack Systems to deliver The Herman Trend Alert for over 10 years and. Visit their website (http://www.databack.com) or call Byron directly at 503.941.0427. You'll be glad you did. IS YOUR EMPLOYER AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE®? Our effective, onsite seminars, workshops, and consulting can help you get there. We offer 1-, 2-, 3-hour, and full-day programs to help you communicate what it takes to become an Employer of Choice® and inspire your folks to get it done. In the future, being an Employer of Choice® will not be optional. Call Carol at 336-210-3547 to arrange a no-obligation conference call. Or order the electronic version of the Employer of Choice book on your desktop for only $17.80 @ http://hermangroup.com/store/books_all.html#2. STRUGGLING TO FIND THE PEOPLE YOU NEED? VETJOBS CAN HELP! Recently, hundreds of thousands of jobs remain unfilled due to a lack of capable people. If you are looking for qualified candidates, you need to hire a veteran using VFW-sponsored VetJobs, the largest military employment site on the Internet. Thousands of returning veterans are looking for good jobs now. Mention this ad in The Herman Trend Alert and receive a 10% discount on job postings. Call Ted Daywalt at 877-838-5627 or inquire at info@VetJobs.com. 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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