Stay Focused on Long-Term Workforce Planning, ManpowerGroup Advises U.S. Employers, Even as Demand Picks Up
Hiring Picks Up Across More Sectors, According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
ManpowerGroup, the world leader in innovative workforce solutions, reminds employers that as demand increases, stay focused on planning both short- and long-term workforce models, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics today reported that the overall February jobless rate remained at 8.3 percent, and that the private sector added 233,000 new jobs last month.
Job growth was most evident in professional and business services, health care, and leisure and hospitality industries. Professional and business services added 82,000 jobs - and temporary jobs represented half that figure.
"As the need to hire picks up across industries, employers need to consider the range of variables that will affect their long-term workforce needs," said Jeffrey A. Joerres, ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO. "A flexible workforce model versus a traditional model based mainly on fulltime workers is the way to accommodate fluctuating demand. Last month's boost in temporary jobs shows that the need to build out flexible work models is resonating with employers. To stay competitive in today's economy, employers must be able to tap the right skilled talent in real time, in order to respond to fluctuating demand for their products and services."
Multi-industry job growth also helps boost the morale of job seekers.
"Workers and employers should be encouraged by the breadth of domestic job growth we're seeing, coast to coast as well as across industries," said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup President of the Americas. "Developing and refining skills must continue to be a top priority for all workers as we continue to see hiring trends fluctuate."
ManpowerGroup's 2011 Talent Shortage Survey found that 52 percent of U.S. companies are struggling to fill key jobs, the highest percentage in the six-year history of the survey. ManpowerGroup advises companies to think long-term because the talent mismatch will inevitably worsen as demand for products and services increase.
Look for the Second Quarter 2012 Manpower Employment Outlook Survey results next Tuesday, March 13, 2012. The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012.
SOURCE
ManpowerGroup