This was an interesting article in that many people still don't buy into the working at home = higher productivity statement. I asked around and a few people said that they would be more likely to "goof off" at home because there are so many distractions. I thought about this. For me, there are many distractions at work too. For example; my cell phone, my work phone, the internet, my co-workers, etc. I have to be honest, when there is not much going on in the office, I am easily distracted, but when things are really busy, I don't even take my phone out of my purse so that I can stay focused on my work.
Maybe CISCO has figured this out. Some positions have more constant work than others. It is possible that they send the employees home who have a lot of work to do, otherwise, the distractions would be too much of a risk. On the other hand, the distractions are there regardless of whether you are home or in the office. The difference is that you can monitor your employees better in the office. When employees are monitored too much, they may feel stressed and as a result feel unhappy. If you are constantly working, and your work can be monitored, you can work in the office or at home and sustain productivity.
For me, the idea of working from home sounds great. As I embark on a new chapter in my life, where the work life balance will be very important, I am hopeful that I will be able to work from home and be productive. I am hesitant to say that I will jump on this opportunity if I am offered it. I would at least like to try it out, and I hope that my employer will appreciate my attempt.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Better Management Through Better HR
Mr. Ulrich makes some interesting points about HR in today's economy. I have to agree with nearly all of them, but I don't think that he shed too much light on anything that he was asked. For example, the interviewer asked if HR is evolving & adapting in this recessionary environment. He stated the obvious answer, which is yes, and touched on the obvious, keeping employees happy, while managing to cut costs. This statement alone deserves a lot more attention. How do you do that without burning out your employees? Also, he didn't even touch on the technological aspects of evolving HR, and how many departments of HR will eventually be outsourced. In my opinion, the answer should have been more directed to HR as a department, not as a function of a company.
As a recruiter, I get to see the evolving HR department for many companies. More and more companies are using staffing agencies to due the recruiting and staffing of their employees. Many companies have outsourced their benefits department as well. As for the employment law issues of a company, most are handled by a lawyer or a company that is paid to do just that. What is left for HR to do, if many of the administrative functions have been outsourced? I feel that future HR managers will have to take on the role of business partners. These HR business partners will have a bigger stake in the actual function of the company. How they will combine the HR and business development is what will be what we have to look forward to as future HR managers.
When Mr. Ulrich was asked about the morale of employees vs. the morale of human resource management professionals, I wanted to ask Mr. Ulrich how HR management professionals are different from all other types of employees. Aren’t they under the same stresses that other employees are? I really liked how he discussed the 5 domains in keeping the morale of employees high. The 5 domains however, can be applied to all employees in all departments, across all industries.
Overall, Mr. Ulrich is right on in his responses to the questions, however, I feel like he could have answered more and gave more of his knowledge and experience.
As a recruiter, I get to see the evolving HR department for many companies. More and more companies are using staffing agencies to due the recruiting and staffing of their employees. Many companies have outsourced their benefits department as well. As for the employment law issues of a company, most are handled by a lawyer or a company that is paid to do just that. What is left for HR to do, if many of the administrative functions have been outsourced? I feel that future HR managers will have to take on the role of business partners. These HR business partners will have a bigger stake in the actual function of the company. How they will combine the HR and business development is what will be what we have to look forward to as future HR managers.
When Mr. Ulrich was asked about the morale of employees vs. the morale of human resource management professionals, I wanted to ask Mr. Ulrich how HR management professionals are different from all other types of employees. Aren’t they under the same stresses that other employees are? I really liked how he discussed the 5 domains in keeping the morale of employees high. The 5 domains however, can be applied to all employees in all departments, across all industries.
Overall, Mr. Ulrich is right on in his responses to the questions, however, I feel like he could have answered more and gave more of his knowledge and experience.
Friday, June 19, 2009
"10 Ways Twitter Will Change American Business"
As with every new idea, technology, invention, or whatever, comes the good and the bad. This article touched on the positive and the negative aspects of Twitter as it relates to changing business in America.
Growing up, my father owned a Liquor Store. The 80's were a great time for him as far as his business was concerned. People bought alcohol, soft drinks, ice and many other things. When "Super Markets" made shopping a one stop shop for busy people, Consumers stopped visiting my father's store all together. Business took a hit. He had to invent new strategies if he wanted to stay in business. Fortunately, my father did have some business sense and began the following, in order to survive; cashing checks for a fee, renting an ATM machine, renting video games, selling money orders. He was able to stay in business for another 20 years before he decided to retire. My father did not even graduate High School, but he figured out a way to survive.
Personally, I enjoy the "one stop shop" of a super market, but I do feel bad for not supporting small businesses like my fathers. But I am a consumer like everyone else, and I am trying to make my life as easy as possible.
Twitter has many possibilities for its many types of users. I personally liked the idea of real time stock information for traders, but I do agree with the author of the article when he said that there is a potential for fraud by users posting inaccurate data. On the flip side to that, a user can post whatever he/she wishes; it is up to the reader of that post to make an informed decision about buying or selling. Furthermore, there are specific SEC laws that can be enforced if things get out of hand.
When the author talked about "Expanding the Power of Micropayments", he touched on something that is surely going to get the attention of the IRS: "Twitter may become a remarkably good way to keep money from the IRS." When I read this portion of the article, my mind did not even go there, but when the author mentioned it, I said "I could see that". In order to avoid that, the IRS will have to come up with new ways of monitoring money. Times are changing, so everyone (including Uncle Sam) must keep up with the changes.
Keeping up with the changes of society can present problems, but it is better to view them as opportunities. New business ideas may grow out of Twitter and new start-ups may form, who need qualified HR professionals with strong technical aptitude to help with their staffing issues. Just a thought.
Growing up, my father owned a Liquor Store. The 80's were a great time for him as far as his business was concerned. People bought alcohol, soft drinks, ice and many other things. When "Super Markets" made shopping a one stop shop for busy people, Consumers stopped visiting my father's store all together. Business took a hit. He had to invent new strategies if he wanted to stay in business. Fortunately, my father did have some business sense and began the following, in order to survive; cashing checks for a fee, renting an ATM machine, renting video games, selling money orders. He was able to stay in business for another 20 years before he decided to retire. My father did not even graduate High School, but he figured out a way to survive.
Personally, I enjoy the "one stop shop" of a super market, but I do feel bad for not supporting small businesses like my fathers. But I am a consumer like everyone else, and I am trying to make my life as easy as possible.
Twitter has many possibilities for its many types of users. I personally liked the idea of real time stock information for traders, but I do agree with the author of the article when he said that there is a potential for fraud by users posting inaccurate data. On the flip side to that, a user can post whatever he/she wishes; it is up to the reader of that post to make an informed decision about buying or selling. Furthermore, there are specific SEC laws that can be enforced if things get out of hand.
When the author talked about "Expanding the Power of Micropayments", he touched on something that is surely going to get the attention of the IRS: "Twitter may become a remarkably good way to keep money from the IRS." When I read this portion of the article, my mind did not even go there, but when the author mentioned it, I said "I could see that". In order to avoid that, the IRS will have to come up with new ways of monitoring money. Times are changing, so everyone (including Uncle Sam) must keep up with the changes.
Keeping up with the changes of society can present problems, but it is better to view them as opportunities. New business ideas may grow out of Twitter and new start-ups may form, who need qualified HR professionals with strong technical aptitude to help with their staffing issues. Just a thought.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
"What is Web 2.0"
The term Web 2.0 is confusing for most people (myself included) because people throw the term around as if it is a new Web. I believed that I was not a Web 2.0 user because of my own resistance to the new features that the Web had to offer. Little did I know that Web 2.0 is being used be by accident. I'm sure many users have made this assumption too.
The web changed as the users gained confidence in their usage. The evolution of the Web is inevitable, and the companies that are recognizing this are ahead of the game. The "Netscapes" of the Web will be a thing of the past, and new and improved ideas will emerge. Let's think back 10-15 years ago when companies like Netscape and Napster were at the top. We could not even imagine what was next. Then Napster dissolved, and Google & ITunes emerged and their new ideas came to be a reality of the Web. The action of downloading has almost faded away. I have a feeling that my children will not even know what that is. The concept of data storage is even evolving. I was fascinated when I first started my Gmail account because the website claimed that I never needed to delete an email again. I was an AOL user, where my emails would just disappear after awhile when I wasn’t paying attention.
Things change so fast. I cannot wait until the next new idea that the next "Google" emerges, and what new technology will develop as a result. I never thought that I would be so excited to learn about the Web, but the more you get into it, the more you want to learn. 10 years ago I thought we were so ahead of the game, and I never imagined the magnitude and the capabilities of the Web. I thought we were at the top. Now, I think I know better, there will never be a top, we will continue to reinvent things to improve ourselves and become more efficient as a result.
The web changed as the users gained confidence in their usage. The evolution of the Web is inevitable, and the companies that are recognizing this are ahead of the game. The "Netscapes" of the Web will be a thing of the past, and new and improved ideas will emerge. Let's think back 10-15 years ago when companies like Netscape and Napster were at the top. We could not even imagine what was next. Then Napster dissolved, and Google & ITunes emerged and their new ideas came to be a reality of the Web. The action of downloading has almost faded away. I have a feeling that my children will not even know what that is. The concept of data storage is even evolving. I was fascinated when I first started my Gmail account because the website claimed that I never needed to delete an email again. I was an AOL user, where my emails would just disappear after awhile when I wasn’t paying attention.
Things change so fast. I cannot wait until the next new idea that the next "Google" emerges, and what new technology will develop as a result. I never thought that I would be so excited to learn about the Web, but the more you get into it, the more you want to learn. 10 years ago I thought we were so ahead of the game, and I never imagined the magnitude and the capabilities of the Web. I thought we were at the top. Now, I think I know better, there will never be a top, we will continue to reinvent things to improve ourselves and become more efficient as a result.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Baby Boomers: New Consumers of Work
Although I am very pro-retirement, I feel that the by baby boomers not leaving the work force, this presents an opportunity for both Generation Y and Baby Boomers to learn from each other in the workplace. For example; when younger workers often come in for an interview, they often come in wearing some pretty unprofessional attire, or they often forget their manners all together. They are usually pretty confident, but I'm not sure why being as though they often have little or no work experience. When older workers come in for an interview, they will come in wearing suits & stockings (on women) and almost have a nervousness that often makes me nervous. The ideal interviewee is someone who has confidence, and knows why. Professionalism is very important, especially during an interview, where first impressions are usually lasting. I feel that suits and stockings are unnecessary, but jeans and t-shirts are just unprofessional. Something in the middle would probably suffice.
Baby boomers tend to work a lot because it is a socially expected. Today, workers are encouraged to take their vacation days or they will be lost. My parents think that it is strange to take vacations in an economic recession because they feel that by taking vacations, it shows a lack of interest in the company. They don't understand that pretty much everyone takes vacations, even bosses. Sometimes I feel guilty for taking vacation days, because my Dad never did. He thinks that it is strange when workers go into work at 10:00 AM, instead of 8:00 AM. He thinks that everyone should start early and end late, not start late and end late. How else do you show dedication?
I'm on the cusp of Generation X and Generation Y, but I feel like I work like a Baby Boomer sometimes. I know that by working long hours, you show dedication, but efficient work is more meaningful & relevant. I know this, but sometimes I get stuck in the old ways. I do not work with any Generation Y workers, but I am looking forward to working with them, as I feel I will learn from them.
Baby boomers tend to work a lot because it is a socially expected. Today, workers are encouraged to take their vacation days or they will be lost. My parents think that it is strange to take vacations in an economic recession because they feel that by taking vacations, it shows a lack of interest in the company. They don't understand that pretty much everyone takes vacations, even bosses. Sometimes I feel guilty for taking vacation days, because my Dad never did. He thinks that it is strange when workers go into work at 10:00 AM, instead of 8:00 AM. He thinks that everyone should start early and end late, not start late and end late. How else do you show dedication?
I'm on the cusp of Generation X and Generation Y, but I feel like I work like a Baby Boomer sometimes. I know that by working long hours, you show dedication, but efficient work is more meaningful & relevant. I know this, but sometimes I get stuck in the old ways. I do not work with any Generation Y workers, but I am looking forward to working with them, as I feel I will learn from them.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Way We'll Work
For me, it is frightening to think that the workplace is changing so quickly, being as though it just went through a drastic change so recently. Back then, it was so new & exciting to me. I was so thrilled about email and the internet, that I would get annoyed with people who would refuse to "get with it". Times are changing. Sometimes I feel like I am refusing to "get with it". There so many new technologies to learn about, as I'm still trying to keep up with current technologies. It is frustrating, but once I just accept that things are changing and I have to change with them, I just might benefit from these changes.
"The Future of Work" made many interesting predictions. I really related to 3 portions of the articles. The first one was "Women Will Rule Business". It is strange to think that when I was in high school, we debated why a woman could never lead our country, now we are predicting that women will lead business in America. (That was quick...I haven’t been out of high school for that long!) I remember talking about how women are too emotional to handle difficult situations. I am very embarrassed to say that I even remember agreeing. The article did not even mention the emotions of women. It touched on that women tend to be long term thinkers and that men tend to be risk takers (risky loans = demise of our banking system).
The next portion that I really enjoyed reading was "It Will Pay to Save the Planet". This was of interest to me because I feel that America is on the brink of the Green Industrial Revolution. It feels good to be part of something that is actually good for the earth while creating new jobs. Who knew, that just 4 years after the US refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, we would not only sign it, but hope to become the leaders in Green Energy.
The last portion of the article that I enjoyed reading was "The Last Days of Cubicle Life." This article touched on the changes in the workplace. This is very relevant to me, because I am trying to grow professionally while growing my family at the same time. The idea of working from home to balance work and life is so appealing to many people. I know that this will be the future for many professionals.
This article was a pleasure to read as it related to so many topics that we are going to be facing. As a matter of fact, I forwarded it to my manager to read.
"The Future of Work" made many interesting predictions. I really related to 3 portions of the articles. The first one was "Women Will Rule Business". It is strange to think that when I was in high school, we debated why a woman could never lead our country, now we are predicting that women will lead business in America. (That was quick...I haven’t been out of high school for that long!) I remember talking about how women are too emotional to handle difficult situations. I am very embarrassed to say that I even remember agreeing. The article did not even mention the emotions of women. It touched on that women tend to be long term thinkers and that men tend to be risk takers (risky loans = demise of our banking system).
The next portion that I really enjoyed reading was "It Will Pay to Save the Planet". This was of interest to me because I feel that America is on the brink of the Green Industrial Revolution. It feels good to be part of something that is actually good for the earth while creating new jobs. Who knew, that just 4 years after the US refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, we would not only sign it, but hope to become the leaders in Green Energy.
The last portion of the article that I enjoyed reading was "The Last Days of Cubicle Life." This article touched on the changes in the workplace. This is very relevant to me, because I am trying to grow professionally while growing my family at the same time. The idea of working from home to balance work and life is so appealing to many people. I know that this will be the future for many professionals.
This article was a pleasure to read as it related to so many topics that we are going to be facing. As a matter of fact, I forwarded it to my manager to read.
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