This Week's Herman Trend Alert Demand-Driven Workforce Development

The Herman Trend Alert August 8, 2007 Baby Bonuses and Other Solutions In 2006, the United Nations said that by the year 2025, the world's average rate of fertility will fall below the level of replacement. . . an historic occasion. The earth's developed nations have experienced these population declines for years now. Most have responded by paying citizens with "baby bonuses". Italy pays about $5000 annually, though one village reportedly offers US$14,000 for every new toddler. Other countries offering these windfalls include Australia, France, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Cyprus, and Singapore. One Spanish mayor reportedly offers new mothers a pig. And in spite of having the world's highest abortion rate, Russia, too, is paying people to have babies. But by far, the most interesting response to this challenge is in Japan. There, under pressure from the government, employers are offering everything from cell phones to substantial payments to encourage their workers to procreate. The telecom Softbank characterizes itself as "Japan's most family-friendly company". Not only does the company encourage parents to take more time off with their children, but it allows employees to work at home when they need to as well. But the best part for family bank accounts is their policy of "baby bonuses". These range on a sliding scale from $400 for a first child to up to $40,000 for the fifth. Additionally, each baby receives a free cell phone. Many of Japan's young people feel it's just "too expensive" to have kids. Furthermore, young women there don't want to exchange career fulfillment for motherhood. So it's not surprising that Japan's population is aging fast and actually shrinking. That's why these corporate subsidies are even perceived to be "patriotic". Softbank is not alone in its support of their working parents. Panasonic, Canon, and Sharp also offer financial aid for working mothers. Moreover, some Japanese companies will even pay for fertility treatments. What's ahead? As corporations around the globe comprehend that being family- supportive will have a positive effect on their bottom line, you can expect to see more financial and non-financial incentives become the norm. . . another possible competitive advantage in the war for talent. © Copyright 1998-2008 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." DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND! If you've been thinking about attending our valuable Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program, don't delay--only three spaces remain. With the employment market heating up, many positions are literally impossible to fill. Attend this course and you will learn dozens of low-/no-cost valuable strategies to attract and retain the talent you need. Recertification credit from HRCI. Next program: May 22-23, Charleston, SC. Call Carol at 336-282-9370 or visit http://www.employeeretentionspecialist.com. GET INSIDE THE MINDS OF YOUR EMPLOYEES Find out what's really going on inside 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 937-648-1918 or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. NEW BABY BONUS Book Joyce to speak on the West Coast in 2008 and receive 100 of her books of your choosing. There is a new baby in the family, Spencer Jay, and Joyce would appreciate more opportunities to watch him grow. For more about Joyce, visit http://www.hermangroup.com/joyce.html or call Joyce at 336-210-3548. 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

[ Home · About · Products · Telebridge · Resources · Media ]

Web site design by WebEditor Design Services, Inc.