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Dec. 22nd Snapshot: The New World of Work

As we wind down 2011 we’re continuing to keep an eye on the ever-evolving workforce, especially as it relates to the flexible workforce and the “new world of work”. 

This week, we feature:

  • A thoughtful trend story posted by Human Resource Executive Online that provides insightful perspectives from thought leaders about what will happen in 2012
  • An interesting online story posted by Examiner.com about the increasing demand for online contingent labor
  • A timely story by Staffing Industry Analysts that highlights the latest labor statistics and the value of employing a temporary workforce

Here’s the latest scoop:

Is the Tech Boom For Real?

New statistics indicate that the job market is looking up in Silicon Valley.  This week the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the pace of job growth in the South Bay was almost double that of California and nearly triple the nationwide rate.  It expanded by 3.2 percent during the 12 months ending in October, the highest metro rate in the nation.

This front-runner status has some wondering if we’re witnessing the advent of another “tech bubble” akin to the dotcom debacle of the past decade.  Stephen Levy, director of the Palo Alto-based Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy, says no, noting that that sector leaders such as Google, Apple and Facebook have real sales and real product plans.

The Municipal Bank – coming to a city near you?

What do Jakarta, Berlin and the State of North Dakota have in common?  They each operate a bank that is devoted exclusively to supporting their municipalities and providing loans to local borrowers.  Now San Francisco is exploring the idea. 

Recently, protesters gathered in front of the Federal Reserve Bank of California in San Francisco and cheered when a city supervisor called for the formation of a municipal bank.  It was quite a change from demonstrations of yesteryear to see a gray-haired elected official in a suit and tie elicit wild enthusiasm about a bank from sign-carrying demonstrators.  The Occupy movement aside, could the establishment of a municipal bank in San Francisco come to fruition? 

2012 Outlook on the New World of Work



Job creation will be the central issue of 2012 and the upcoming presidential election.  But like a lot of political issues, the facts lie far below the headlines and rhetoric.  Overall, unemployment is unacceptably high, but different groups or classes of workers are faring differently.

Solving the Skills Mismatch
In contrast to the highly publicized 9.0 percent U.S. unemployment figure, the unemployment rate for “management, professional, and related occupations” is just 4.4 percent. It’s no wonder many hiring managers can’t fill higher-level, strategic, management and technology positions. The data suggests there aren’t enough applicants eligible, available or willing to fill those jobs.