Social Job Seekers

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A recent ERE Media column suggests evidence continues to point towards temp hiring becoming the new normal for the labor force across the country.

The publication, citing director of macroeconomic research for The Conference Board Gad Levanon, notes that the substantial growth in temporary workers in recent months is a positive sign for the economy as a whole.

The 32 percent growth in jobs secured through temp agencies in Phoenix and other cities across the U.S. since June 2009 would typically indicate an imminent recovery for full-time positions. However, ERE notes in this case, the surge likely marks a structural shift in how employers are managing their workforces.

A report released by BMO Capital Markets earlier this year noted that the staffing industry "is seeing some secular growth as corporations use temporary staffing more strategically as part of their overall human resource policies."

Recent numbers from the American Staffing Association indicate staffing employment grew 4 percent between January 2011 and this month, according to Staffing Industry Analysts. 

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With many companies still operating under tight budgets, developing new employees remains a crucial aspect of the recruiting process. Identifying what employees value the most when it comes to job satisfaction can therefore be critical.

In a new survey of a wide range of professionals and managers conducted by staffing services company, employees said that a strong work-life balance and opportunities for growth and learning on the job were two of the most important factors in keeping them happy.

The ability to accomplish specific goals, a camaraderie with one's co-workers and a good working relationship with the boss were also high on the list, the study found.

"Professional priorities change over time," Robert Hosking, executive director of the company, said in a release. "Because there's no one-size-fits-all formula for encouraging job satisfaction, supervisors should get to know their team members individually to better understand what motivates and inspires each of them."

Workers holding jobs in Arizona and across the country can maintain a good work-life balance by managing their boundaries, according to a recent Boston Globe article. This means taking time to schedule activities that are important to you every day, and making sure that you are able to do these things. 

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President Barack Obama recently visited the $5 billion Intel chip manufacturing facility being built in Chandler, Arizona, praising the company's efforts to create new jobs in Arizona and throughout the U.S., rather than overseas.

During a speech on the Intel campus, Obama furthered his message of increasing high-tech and manufacturing jobs in the U.S. in addition to improving the educational system to better train future workers, according to the Tucson Sentinel.

"Let's stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs oversees and reward companies like Intel," Obama said, adding that his basic plan is for America to "build stuff, make stuff and sell stuff all over the world."

The president's stop in Chandler was part of a three-day, five-state trip, during which he will reportedly visit Las Vegas, Denver, Detroit and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the news source said.

Apart from recognizing Intel's contributions to the local economy, Obama also lauded Tempe-based First Solar, which is constructing a $300 million manufacturing plant in Mesa that is expected to create 600 new solar energy positions, reports the East Valley Tribune. 

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