I was pleased to read an online article today that took a more optimistic approach to the current employment statistics and economic situation.
Nikki Mandow of the Independent is quoted on Stuff.co.nz as saying “Statistics New Zealand figures show the number of people in work rose 0.9 per cent in the December 2008 quarter to 2.19 million people - the highest since the Household Labour Force Survey began.”
Obviously we cannot ignore the fact that unemployment and the rate of redundancies is on the rise but the reasons for that go beyond just the state of the economy. Its times like this we are forced to consider the state of our businesses.
Ms Mandow goes on to say “emphasising the positive in the employment stats is good because it makes employers realise they still need to be thinking strategically about their workforce, because workers are crucial to success. “
“A downturn is a chance for employers to move from a mentality of ''fill those vacancies at all costs'' to ''who are the important people in my business and who aren't, and what am I going to do about that?''
In my personal experience staff is the most significant factor to your business success. Bad staff, you know the ones, the moaners, the gossips, the hypochondriacs, the liars and the addicts sabotage work (and cost you money), they affect team morale, dragging performance of other staff down causing good staff to get fed up and leave.
The article also references the shift from the employment of “tiresome and high maintenance” Gen Y back to the Baby Boomers “because workers aged 55 or older have to become the productivity drivers for New Zealand businesses in the immediate and longer-term future” according to a recent study.
So if you were feeling a little like to were becoming surplus to requirement just because you are older than the silicon chip, think again. There a lot to be said for experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment