67% of Workers Confident That Barack Obama Will be Good for the Job Market
KANSAS CITY (PRNewswire-USNewswire), January 20, 2009 - The latest Adecco USA Workplace Insights survey offers insight into the American workers outlook at the end of 2008 on the current economic climate and its effects on the job market.
The survey found that the number one work-life concern for the majority (69%) of American workers is keeping their job, yet few (24%) are saving more money than they used to for potential unemployment and only 11% are delaying their planned retirement. While unemployment may be their top concern, very few workers (13%) are currently looking for another job and only 17% would be willing to take a pay cut to keep their job.
Additionally, more than half of workers (59%) are expecting a raise this year, yet only 27% feel they are working harder now than they were a year ago. Most workers (67%) also feel that Barack Obama's presidency will be good for the job market.
"Workers across America are very concerned about their job stability, yet many are not taking any measures to keep their jobs secure or prepare for the worst," says Bernadette Kenny, Chief Career Officer of Adecco Group North America. "Now more than ever, it is critical for workers to think about ways they can become that key employee that their company cannot afford to lose."
With the majority of workers (70%) believing the current economic downturn will last a year or more, Adecco offers the following tips on how to keep your job in these tough economic times:
- Be a problem solver -- Problem solvers are seen as self-starters who are both dependable and creative. They think strategically and help alleviate trouble situations within an organization. Your boss and co-workers will immediately recognize the solution-seeking qualities you bring to the table and your ability to take challenges head-on.
- Invest more time at work now -- Putting in extra time and energy will demonstrate your commitment to your job. Now is the time to really 'wow' your boss through hard work and dedication -- which may mean going beyond your typical work schedule.
- Network in and outside of your company -- Creating and maintaining positive relationships both in and outside of your company is essential to building a good reputation within your network. A new contact at work may be the person who stands up for you in a critical review and a new contact outside of work may be the person to get you a job when you need one.
- Offer to take on more responsibility -- Expand your horizons by taking on new responsibilities within the office. Offering to do this will show that you are invested in your own development as well as your company's.
- Think ahead to 2009 and how you can add more value -- Make strong goals for the upcoming year and think strategically about how your role can help grow the company as a whole, what new projects you can take on to help the company grow and what new ideas you can bring to the table.
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U.S. Department of Labor Awards Nearly $123 million in Community-Based Job Training Grants
KANSAS CITY (PRNewswire-USNewswire), January 20, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded nearly $123 million to 68 community colleges and community-based institutions that competed successfully under the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants Initiative. Awardees were chosen from among 274 applications received in response to a competition announced Oct. 10, 2008.
"The $123 million awarded today will expand enrollment in education and training programs, and provide more workers with the skills they need to succeed," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
In slightly more than three years, approximately $497 million now has been awarded to 279 community colleges and community-based institutions in 49 states to promote the U.S. workforce's full potential. Through the first three rounds of these grants, more than 34,000 individuals have completed their education and training, and nearly 85,000 people have participated.
The 68 grants awarded today will support projects in 36 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In St. Louis, the Aerospace program at St. Louis Community College, will receive $1,189,797.
For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs and the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants, visit http://www.doleta.gov/business/Community-BasedJobTrainingGrants.cfm.
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US Dept of Labor Grant to Assist Missouri Workers
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