Are we slogging toward a real recovery or headed for a double-dip recession?   Signals remain mixed.  Home prices in July climbed for the fourth month in a row.  A positive sign, yet the national unemployment rate hasn’t moved appreciably downward for more than a year.

While these macro indicators reveal more questions than answers, we’re getting some good indicators about key issues in the financial services industry.  Intuit’s 2020 Report on the Future of Financial Services identifies increasing regulatory pressures, growing competition, as well as higher consumer demand as big trends for the next decade.  The study also points out the expanding importance of technology as financial services organizations must work harder to improve the customer experience.  We will see banks moving to cloud computing platforms to deliver social and mobile computing.  Read more...

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:  Read more...

• An insightful Bloomberg column about how the contingent workforce is bridging the gap in today’s challenging economic times
• A story that highlights results from the World Economic Forum’s recently-released report on global competitiveness
• A recap (or sneak peek) of the latest trends affecting the contingent workforce from Staffing Industry Analysts

Today’s economy has everyone in a pinch. Companies need to adapt to a tough business climate and fresh regulatory demands, and executives find themselves scrambling for resources to support new initiatives. Hiring is scant, managers are asked to do more with less, and the sputtering recovery remains largely jobless.

In speaking with business executives navigating these choppy waters, the number one imperative I hear is the need to innovate. Healthcare and life sciences companies must innovate in response to changing healthcare laws; financial services firms need to reduce costs and find new sources of revenue; and technology must develop the next new thing.
The concept of growth through innovation is nothing new, but leading companies are finding innovation – and inspiration – in a fresh place: the flexible workforce.  Read more...

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 article and survey that point to an increasing use of the flexible workforce by savvy businesses
• A comprehensive article about the importance of managing your flexible workforce as diligently as your permanent staff
• An official “History of Labor Day” in recognition of hard-working Americans everywhere

   Read more...

M Squared Consulting today announced that Jerry Potts and Holly Pietrofesa have joined its growing Technology Practice, both in the position of Vice President of Business Development.

Performance-driven and focused on client cultivation initiatives, Jerry Potts joins M Squared from Symbio Solutions in Dallas, Texas, where he worked as Regional Sales Director since 2009.  Prior to that, Potts worked in a variety of senior sales positions at On Assignment and The Allegis Group.  Throughout his career, Potts has achieved an impressive level of success as a skilled negotiator and consummate sales professional.  Read more...

With the speed of business today, a wasted moment can represent a missed opportunity to grow sales or mitigate risk.  A portfolio manager hears about a stock freefall on the car radio and responds before getting to the office. A pharmaceutical executive acts on reports of the approval or rejection of a competitor’s new drug.  A bank director immediately adjusts lending rates following an announcement by the Federal Reserve Board.  Read more...

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:

• A positively upbeat article about the high-tech boom happening in San Francisco
• Seven helpful tips for rolling out a flexible workforce effort on a global scale
• An interesting recap of today’s top five “Need-to-Know” trends in the job market

Here’s the latest scoop:  Read more...

M Squared Consulting today released a new white paper titled “Flexible Business Strategies in a Flat World.”  The white paper details why today’s successful businesses must be flat, fast and flexible, especially when it comes to managing talent and developing human resource strategies. 

“Use of the flexible workforce proliferated during the recession as many large organizations eliminated full-time workers to deal with change,” writes author John Kunzweiler, CEO of M Squared Consulting.  “However, what started as an economic reaction has now become a strategic imperative.”  Read more...