In December 2009, the United States Department of Labor reissued a report called Employment Projections: 2008-2018 Summary. For the full report go to www.bls.gov/emp. Here are some key points:
• Total employment is projected to increase by 10.1 %.
• The labor force will be older (55 years and older) and more racially and ethnically diverse.
• More than 50% of the new jobs will be in professional and related fields as well as service occupations.
• 33.33% of jobs will require postsecondary degrees.
• The industries projected to grow are management, scientific activities, technical consulting, computer systems design, employment services, customer service, health care and social assistance. What will be needed with an aging population are more physicians, nurses, health aides, home health care, services for seniors and persons with disabilities.
• The industries projected to decline are manufacturing, retail trade and information.
• Department stores and manufactures of semi-conductors and vehicle parts are expected to have big losses.
In her book and career management program Survivability, Janis Foord Kirk describes10 areas that require on-going professional development for those who wish to remain active and valued in the workforce:
1. Technical literacy: Do you keep up with the advances in computer technology? Technology is increasingly used to communicate, to educate and stay informed.
2. Positive thinking: Change is demanding and often mistakes increase with change. Having a positive thinking style can help stay the course.
3. Self-Marketing/promotion: Between Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter many people have made themselves very visible. Do you come to top of mind when others see opportunities?
4. Communication: Misunderstandings can create conflict and create problems that minimize productivity and team work. Do you make clear statements of your intentions?
5. Information gathering and management: It is a skill to wade through the glut of information sent our way. What system do you use to sort through the wilderness of internet, media and professional data?
6. Active learning: Do you check that you understand others’ messages? Misunderstandings can cost much.
7. Creativity/Applied Resourcefulness: In changing and challenging times flexibility is key to survivable. Are you open to creative ideas and seeking advice from your best supports?
8. Consultative problem solving: A problem named is half solved. Problems old and new will come your way. Are you willing to seek the best advice and support for coming to resolution?
9. Entrepreneurial initiative: It is said that the best of employees have an entrepreneurial initiative. They identify problems and think of solutions without requiring a “boss” to direct them.
10. Self management: If you can’t manage yourself, you won’t manage your work. Do you mange your daily life style of nourishing food, exercise, rest and other routines in a healthy and self-supportive manner?
Patricia Morgan is a speaker, workshop leader and author of
From Woe to WOW: How Resilient Women Succeed at Work http://www.FromWoeToWOW.org
Contact her to helphelp your people become stress hardy at 403-242-7796,
patricia@SolutionsForResilience.com or http://www.SolutionsForResilience.com
