The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence, which rebounded in the fourth quarter of 2010, improved more in the first quarter of 2011.The figure now stands at 67, up from 62 last quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses). "CEOs' confidence has improved, yet again, and expectations are that the economy will continue to expand in the coming months,” said Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.
One out of two U.S. small business owners expect increased sales in the next six months, but non-labor costs could squeeze profits and lead to higher selling prices over the same period, according to a new PNC Economic Outlook survey. The survey indicates owners' expectations for sales and profits have rebounded from unexpected setbacks last fall along with a brighter outlook for hiring full-time employees. However, 64 percent foresee higher non-labor costs, which will prompt owners to raise prices in an effort to preserve profit margins.
U.S. small business owners plan to add nearly 3.8 million jobs this year, according to the latest Small Business Success Index, released by the Center for Excellence in Service at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and partner Network Solutions.When asked about their hiring plans for 2011, 28 percent of small business owners said they expect to increase staffing by an average of two full-time employees.
Americans indicate their financial future looks brighter, due to a more optimistic economic outlook, according to a new report from the Principal Financial Group. Despite the economic difficulties of the past two years, more than a quarter (28 percent) of employees and 20 percent of retirees are optimistic regarding their economic outlook for 2011. Nearly half (45 percent) of workers and 57 percent of retirees are cautious. Only 15 percent of workers and 17 percent of retirees indicate they are pessimistic.
The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI) rose in February for the fifth month in a row. The index is now at 101.7, up from January's revised figure of 100.1. The index is up 8 percent from a year ago.
The increase in temporary employment is helping the drive the U.S. economy forward as companies move to meet growing demand for their products and services, according to a new report from Manpower. The unemployment rate fell again last month by 0.1 of a percentage point to 8.9 percent — its lowest level since April 2009 — as nonfarm payroll employment increased by 192,000 in February.
The Conference Board said today its employment trends index increased in January for the fourth straight month. The index now stands at 100.5, up from December's revised figure of 100.3. The index is up 7 percent from a year ago. "Despite anemic job gains in January, the Employment Trends Index suggests that employment growth is poised to accelerate,” said Gad Levanon, Associate Director, Macroeconomic Research at The Conference Board.
We have talked about why to communicate with those internal to your company regarding your social media efforts, so let’s take a few minutes to talk about how to communicate the plan to your staff. You can decide if this communication is going to be one-way, letting them know your plan, or two-way, soliciting feedback and participation.
The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI) increased in November for the second consecutive month. The index now stands at 99.0, up from October's revised figure of 97.6. The index is up 9.3 percent from a year ago. “The disappointing employment numbers released last Friday are at odds with most of the leading indicators included in the Employment Trends Index,” said Gad Levanon, Associate Director, Macroeconomic Research at The Conference Board.
At the end of the year, offices often become near-ghost towns, with a significant percentage of employees taking time off to visit relatives or just enjoy the holidays. The trick is to make sure there's at least a skeleton crew on hand, and it's a good idea to work out the details early.Anybody catch last night's episode of Outsourced? In it, an American company neglected to plan for the Indian holiday Diwali, and as a result, one guy got stuck handling calls that a workforce of perhaps 20 people would usually field.
Submit Your Article
Advertise
Newsletter
