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What’s Hot & What’s Not

Recent reports and happenings that could affect your world. Rocket-Hire keeps an ear to the ground to learn what’s changing.

HOT: 55th Annual Survey Projects Increase in Managerial Hiring 2005

Well, first, 55 years is a long time to be tracking anything – so there ought to be some confidence in the projection. According to Management Recruiters International, who conducted the International Hiring Survey, nearly 60% of participants plan to hire managers and professional staff in the next six months. And close to 37% will maintain current staff sizes. Optimistic news for some. Reported in Plan Sponsor (registration required to access full articles)

(HEART)WARMING: Manpower Inc. to Build $1 Million Vocational Training Center in Tamil Nadu, India to Help Rebuild Lives of Those Affected by Asian Tsunami Disaster

Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise, since staffing and recruitment firms deal with real PEOPLE problems every day, but among some of the most generous and immediate relief pledges in areas afflicted by the tsunami have been made by global HR companies. (Note: Manpower lost senior executive Mats Savstam, Country Manager of Manpower Sweden, who passed away on December 30 from injuries sustained when the tsunami struck in Phuket, Thailand.)

REHEATED: Talent Attraction and Employee Morale Big Worries in 05

In yet another survey – this one by Accenture - gives findings from 900 global executives who were asked to identify the top threats to their companies in the coming year. Listed No. 4 & 5 were “Inability to attract and retain the best talent” and “Low employee morale.” Of course, these concerns lagged behind:

• Health of the global economy
• The competition
• My company’s reputation

Is this really something we didn’t know?

NOT HOT: Ford Settles Discrimination Suit

Shame, shame, shame. The Associate Press (AP) reports that Ford Motor Co. has agreed to a settlement over allegations of discrimination against black employees regarding an apprenticeship training program. While Ford has not admitted guilt, it has agreed to pay restitution to 3,400 black employees at its manufacturing plants nationwide. They must also create a new selection program that will treat minority applicants fairly and that is monitored by an industrial psychologist. The settlement could cost the company $10 million. (reader information required to access full articles)