This Week's Herman Trend Alert The Consequences of Virtual Meetings

The Herman Trend Alert May 7, 2008 Social Responsibility is Good Strategy Many indicators point to the fact Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a wise business strategy. In our book, "How to Become an Employer of Choice", we discussed why people want to work for companies that are good corporate citizens. Moreover, one of the elements of being an Employer of Choice® is "Making a Difference". We know, when employers give their people opportunities to make a difference that the workers feel more "bonded" to the organization. In these times of a tight (and getting tighter) labor market, it is particularly important to press whichever buttons are effective in keeping people and keeping them engaged and productive. From the scrolling list of CSR goals in the lobby of Marks and Spencer's headquarters to a handful of enlightened employers in Singapore reaching out to older workers to corporate entities like Coca-Cola working with Greenpeace to eliminate carbon emissions from its vending machines and coolers, employers around the world are expressing their support for social causes and the environment. On a related note, a recent study of managers in Fortune 500 companies conducted by Deloitte Service LLP in the United States found that 91 percent are looking at their pro bono community outreach to non-profits and small businesses as a way to develop their employees' skills. According to Evan Hochberg, National Director of Community involvement for Deloitte, USD100 billion is spent nationally on training and development every year, thus making volunteerism an attractive and less costly alternative. An earlier Deloitte study suggests Generation Y, those we call "The Millennials", believe US employers are doing "too little, too late". They are looking for employers that will provide them opportunities for CSR involvement---for both personal and professional growth. One another note, when asked by "The Economist" Magazine for the "main benefits" to having a "defined corporate benefit policy", almost 40 percent said "Being more attractive to potential and existing employees", while over 50 percent reported that an important benefit was "Having a better brand reputation". We expect CSR to increase in importance, helping wise employers to recruit, engage, develop, and retain employees. © 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." BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: RETENTION SPECIALIST PROGRAM A growing number of people have expressed an interest in attending our Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program. We'd like to schedule on that's convenient for those who want to attend, but need your feedback to do so. Please place RETENTION SPECIALIST in the subject line and Joyce will personally call you back to schedule the workshop. Or you can call Joyce directly at 336-210-3548 (PDT this and next week). BUSINESS IS PICKING UP Most employers are unprepared. The recovery will bring a new set of challenges for employers that have been in prolonged contracted mode. They will need more skilled workers or will need now to begin to upskill their current staffs. But organizations can not engage in Strategic Workforce Planning, when they don't know how. That's where The Herman Group can help. We can help you with your "People Review"----large or small---so that you will know who you will need and when you will need them. . . and we can also guide you to the best sources for the people you will need. For more information, call Joyce at 336-210-3548 or e-mail joyce@hermangroup.com. FIND OUT WHAT YOUR EMPLOYEES REALLY THINK AND FEEL Discover what’s really going on in the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-416-7066, or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.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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