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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 8.5 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.

CEO John Kunzweiler interviewed on KLIV radio

M Squared Consulting CEO John Kunzweiler was the featured in-studio guest on January 24th on “The CEO Show” on KLIV radio (1590AM), Silicon Valley’s only all-news radio station.  Guest Host and Silicon Valley Leadership Group Senior Vice President Dennis Cima interviewed Kunzweiler on topics such as the emergence of the flexible workforce, the labor market’s skills mismatch, and other vital issues facing Bay Area companies.  To hear a replay of this fascinating interview, visit http://kliv.com/The-CEO-Show/1191414

Jan. 20th Snapshot: The New World of Work

As we gear up for a new year of opportunities, we continue to keep an eye on the ever-evolving workforce – especially as it relates to the flexible workforce and the “new world of work.” We are always on the lookout for current news stories, interesting tidbits and thoughtful commentary to pass along to you.

This week, we feature:

  • A timely story by Staffing Industry Analysts that highlights compelling survey results released earlier by M Squared Consulting
  • A positive article in the San Francisco Business Times that includes feedback from recently surveyed Bay Area CEOs and executives who are optimistic about the economy as we head into 2012

Jan. 6th CEO Corner: Delivering Results with the Flexible Workforce

With the growth of the flexible workers comes the need to manage them. It’s true that the flexible workforce can help reduce costs and keep companies lean. But there is no point in saving money if the work doesn’t get done, or doesn’t get done right.  With this in mind, companies must first provide justification for hiring independent consultants and then use hard success metrics to track progress. Because of the high profile of mission-critical initiatives, hiring managers will have to demonstrate tight oversight of work streams and deliverables.

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:

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.

Creating a Flexible Workforce Strategy

Uncertain times demand flexible strategies throughout an organization.  But human capital management has traditionally been the antithesis of flexibility – with limited, rigid, and generally ineffective choices.  Fortunately, there is a better way.

Today, a significant and growing number of professionals are choosing to work independent of corporate or consulting firm handcuffs.  They see a better professional path – one that provides greater challenge, variety, growth, and indeed flexibility.  And they are in great demand!

Nov. 11th Snapshot: The New World of Work

In a continuing effort to keep an eye on the ever-evolving workforce — especially as it relates to the flexible workforce and the “new world of work” — we are always on the lookout for current news stories, interesting tidbits and thoughtful commentary.

This week, we feature:

  • An interesting Q&A from Forbes.com with the author of a new book that explores today’s changing workforce and the “new world of work”
  • A holiday hiring preview from the International Business Times
  • Info on a free webinar being offered by Staffing Industry Analysts about regulatory changes important for companies using a contingent workforce strategy

July 21st Snapshot: The New World of Work

In a continuing effort to keep an eye on the ever-evolving workforce — especially as it relates to the flexible workforce and the “new world of work” — we are always on the lookout for current news stories, interesting tidbits and thoughtful commentary. 

This week, we feature:

  • Why the Silicon Valley is a hot spot for opportunity and economic recovery
  • Nationally, reports signal slow growth moving forward
  • How the white-collar contingent workforce offers a bright spot in the still-struggling job market  

Here’s the latest scoop:

July 8th Snapshot: The New World of Work

In an effort to keep an eye on the ever-evolving workforce – especially as it relates to the flexible workforce and the “new world of work” – we routinely provide in this space a summary of current news stories and commentary.
This week, we feature:

  • How men today are struggling with work/life balance
  • Wage trends in the contingent workforce
  • Who’s hiring in Silicon Valley

Here’s the latest scoop:

- The workforce continues to evolve, sometimes dramatically, but this concept may surprise you:  American men report having more work/life balance conflict than women.  For more, read NPR’s News Blog “The Two-Way” that delves into this topic based on a study titled “The New Male Mystique” by The Families and Work Institute. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/06/30/137527528/men-now-have-more-work-life-conflict-than-women-study-says?print=1