The Employer/Employee Relationship: It’s More Than Just Hiring

For some businesses this year, they may be thinking about hiring one or more new employees. This is a big decision. Initially, they may be thinking, “Can this business support another employee?” That could be the easy question. The harder questions could be, “How do I find a good employee, and then what do I need to do to retain them?” These questions are at the top of the minds of businesses all across the country right now. The workplace environment is subtly changing with current trends impacting both employees and employers. In a recently published article by the Harvard Business School, several trends and their practical implications were highlighted: Employees want greater flexibility Employers want skills People overseeing the workforce must have conflict-resolution skills Entering and exiting the workplace will be more fluid A productive workforce is a key element in keeping the economy of a community moving forward. As societal issues push and pull on us as individuals and families, we need to make way for new situations and opportunities. Knowing these trends ahead of time allows us to plan and prepare for the next stage of our participation in the local workforce.