Human Resources

New Study Says Half of Workers Will Be Replaced by Robots

Employco USA

Employment expert weighs in

A recent study has just revealed that technology could replace as many as half of all low-skilled jobs in the United States. The findings confirm earlier findings which say that fast-food workers could be at serious risk of losing their jobs to robots in the next several years.

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert says, “While the technology industry does offer employment, it also will eventually end up taking millions of positions away. And, not only do they take positions away, they also lower wages. A recent study found that each new robot added per 1,000 workers causes wages to drop in the surrounding area by around 0.25 and 0.5 percent.”

Wilson says minimum wage hikes could also make robots the preferred option for employers. “Robots don’t need raises,” he says. “They don’t need healthcare or sick days. For employers who are looking down the barrel of ever-increasing business costs, robots are a cost-saving option in the long-run.”

However, Wilson assures Americans that automation is far from a death knell for the economy. “Yes, automation is going to change the economic landscape, but it’s not going to turn the country into a dystopia run by robots. However, workers do need to make sure that they diversify their skills and become adept in many different functions, as robots (such as the automated burger flippers in fast-food joints) have limited abilities. It’s no longer enough just to show up and do your daily duties. A worker has to be engaged, present and connected to their fellow workers and their customers, as this human connection is something that a robot can never achieve.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

The Fearful Cost of Going Freelance

Employco USA

Employment expert reveals the hidden dangers of the gig economy

RideshareOver 25 percent of Americans are now participating in the new “gig economy,” in which they work part-time or contracted positions, instead of dedicated full-time positions. However, a new study warns that the gig economy could be destructive for Americans’ health and well-being.

Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA, says, “The research shows that a gig economy leaves most part-time workers without health care, retirement funding, dental care, or disability benefits. Meanwhile, many of these ‘giggers’ often have to work more than one job in order to make ends meet, and this is particularly increasing among female workers.”

In fact, Wilson says that holding multiple part-time jobs can actually be destructive to a woman’s earning potential, saying, “One study showed that women who held a number of part-time jobs in their 20s saw absolutely no increase in earnings in their 30s, meaning that even as their experience and their families’ needs grow, they do not earn a dollar more.”

The gig economy can also be destructive to a worker’s physical health. “An Italian study found that contract workers are more likely to suffer from depression and require prescription anti-depressants,” says Wilson. “Which is ironic considering these workers often don’t have health insurance which makes this medication extremely cost-prohibitive.”

Furthermore, Wilson says that these workers are offered very little protection under the law, which has led to many gig employees complaining about inhumane work environments and harassment. “Those who work for companies like Uber don’t have much in the way of legal protection, nor do they have any certainty of their earning potential even a few months into the future. It’s clear that the gig economy is not kind to workers on many levels, which is why the focus right now needs to be on creating permanent full-time positions for employees of all ages. While it is possible to make a lucrative living solely off freelance work, the reality is that it comes at a cost, and not many Americans are prepared to pay the price.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Why More People Are Lying on Their Resumes

Employco USA

H.R. expert explains the uptick in falsified resumes…and what to do about it

A recent survey found that over 85 percent of people lie or embellish on their resumes…and deception is on the rise.

Rob Wilson, human resources expert and President of Employco USA, says, “In today’s competitive job market, many people are ‘padding’ their resume to help them get in the door. Many people don’t even consider it to be a dishonest thing to do. They figure it is like taking the shampoo bottles from a hotel room, something that is expected and allowed.”

So what are these applicants lying about, and what should employers do about it? Wilson says:

  1. Education. “Applicants tend to falsify their education histories. While most don’t outright lie about their B.A., they might pretend to have certifications or training that they actually don’t have. If an employer sees certificates on a employees’ resume, it would behoove them to inquire about it during the interview. Whether it’s a proficiency in Excel or knowing a second language, applicants tend to fudge their expertise in order to sound more impressive.”
  2. Length of employment at past jobs. “Many applicants try to hide a period of past unemployment by making it seem as though they worked longer at past jobs than they actually did. It’s one of the most important things to check up on when calling references.”
  3. References. “Speaking about references, many people use past coworkers as references, rather than actual managers. It’s an easy thing to fudge on a resume, which is why H.R. personnel need to actually look up the company’s director and find the actual executive in charge. Otherwise, you could be speaking with someone who knew your applicant as a Happy Hour buddy rather than an employee.”
  4. Job duties. “Applicants may pad their past job duties in order to sound more experienced. For example, an applicant may say that they had direct supervision over other employees or that they spearheaded certain initiatives at their past company. These are all things that need to be addressed both during the interview and when speaking with the applicant’s references.”
  5. Salary history. “People may lie about their salary history in order to help them gain an upper hand during salary negotiations at their next job. In fact, many people are now saying that employers should not even inquire about salary history due to wage inequality issues, and in fact New York City just passed a measure to ban employers from asking job applicants about their salary history.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Study Says $15/Hr Minimum Wage in Seattle Harms Workers

Employco USA

Employment trends expert discusses troubling new findings

Rob Wilson, president of Employco USA and employment trends expert is unsurprised by these latest findings. He says, “Past numbers show that increasing the minimum wage has a direct and negative impact not only on businesses, but on workers themselves. Research by economists Jeffrey Clemens and Michael Wither of the University of California-San Diego showed that minimum wage increases were responsible for 14 percent of the job losses suffered between 2006 and 2012.”

Furthermore, Wilson says, only 1.8 percent of Americans earn minimum wage.

Wilson explains, “The reality is that most companies endeavor to pay a competitive wage to lure talent and ensure employee loyalty. However, certain positions (such as retail and hospitality) have a very thin margin of profit. These employers can only afford to pay workers minimum wage if they want to stay profitable and remain in business. An increase hits their businesses hard, which is why so many people have actually lost their jobs due to the minimum wage increases across the country.”

There is another downside as well.

“Traditionally, minimum wage jobs have been employment opportunities for young adults and those first entering the workforce. When these jobs are reduced, teens and other inexperienced workers suffer as a result.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Why 74% of People Want to Leave Their Current Job

Employco USA

Employment expert reveals the reasons behind why people leave their jobs

A recent survey found that 74 percent of people say that they are looking for a new job. Although that number might sound high, employment expert Rob Wilson says that the number is accurate. And here’s something else: Hating your job now can equal poorer health even years in the future.

“Many people are dissatisfied at their current place of employment, so even if they aren’t actively searching for new employment each day, they are passively keeping an eye out and networking when possible,” he says. “And now a new study shows that poor job satisfaction in your late 20s and 30s can have a huge negative impact on your physical and emotional health even decades in the future.”

So what is the reason why so many Americans aren’t happy with their jobs?

“The number one reason that people say they leave their jobs is because they aren’t happy with the possibilities for advancement,” says Wilson, CEO of Employco USA. “No one likes to feel like they are spinning their wheels. And the corporate culture itself is changing. Staying at a job for decades used to be a mark of accomplishment and loyalty. Now, today’s generation view that as stagnation—they are always looking for the next best thing.”

What are the other reasons people give for why they want out of their current jobs?

“The other two reasons are that people are unsatisfied with their management and/or their office climate,” he says, “Overly restrictive bosses or unfair management practices can make people feel like their work isn’t appreciated or as though they are being treated like children, rather than as valued employees.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

Are Summer Dress Codes Unfair to the Trans Community?

Employco USA

Employment expert explains how companies can ensure their dress codes are equitable for all

With summer temperatures climbing, employees are looking for ways to keep cool while in the office. But what happens when office dress codes are biased towards the cis community?

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert, says, “Summer dress codes present a big issue for many companies. This is a particularly important to discuss as June is Pride Month, and many dress codes are seen as transphobic.”

So how companies create a comprehensive and equitable dress code for men and women, including those in the LGBTQIA community?

Here, employment expert Wilson outlines the important steps that companies of every size should take:

  1. Don’t use gender-specific language in your company policies. “For example, instead of saying ‘Women should not wear miniskirts’ or ‘Men must wear a tie’ simply state ‘No miniskirts’ or ‘Business professional attire required.’ Don’t assume that all of your employees identify as cissexual or that they all dress according to specific gender stereotypes.”
  2. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. “If you allow your female staff to wear dark nail polish and edgy hair styles like pastel dye, then realize that is setting a precedent for the entire office. This means that all of your employees, including transwomen or men or those who identify as non-binary, will expect to have equal rights when it comes to expressing their fashion tastes. If you want to limit such expressions of individuality, then make a policy that only light nail polish is allowed and that no extreme hair colors or styles are permitted.”
  3. Send out a reminder at the start of each season. “As the weather gets warmer, more people are going to start reaching for open-toed shoes and sundresses,” says Wilson. “Now is the best time to send out a mass email to your staff with clear and concise instructions about summer dress.” Continue reading →

Is the Debt Worth the Degree?

Employco USA

Employment expert weighs in on how Skilled Workers fare Vs. College Grads

College Grad“We have this idea in our society that a college degree is the gateway to financial freedom and success, says Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA. “But the statistics don’t necessarily bear that out. Most college grads end up moving home after graduation to live with their parents, and it takes several months or more for them to find a job. In many cases, that job won’t be in their field of interest, and these young people end up spending a good chunk of their paycheck paying off their hefty student loans.”

In contrast, Wilson says that skilled trade workers make $50,000 a year (similar to a new college graduate’s annual salary), and they have around $2,500 in student loan debt as opposed to $37,000.

Wilson says, “Getting a 2-year degree can be a very smart move for many Americans. Baby boomers are retiring in droves, and as they do so, they will be leaving many of their jobs in skilled trades like carpentry and electrical work. Companies will need trained workers to replace this staff, and those few that can fill these positions will be in high demand. Alternatively, a college graduate with a degree in communications will be competing with millions of other equally qualified and motivated young people with similar degrees.”

So does Wilson think a college degree is not worth the debt?

“It really depends on your goals,” says Wilson. “Some careers certainly will require a 4-year degree. However, the reality is that we need skilled workers in this country, and companies are willing to pay good money to get that. Some will even pay for your training…meaning you can actually get paid to learn invaluable job skills that will look good on your resume no matter what career you end up choosing.”

For more on this topic, please contact Rob Wilson at rwilson@thewilsoncompanies.com.

What Managers Can Learn from the Steve Harvey Memo Fiasco

Employco USA

Human resources expert explains where Harvey went wrong, and how managers should confront problematic open-door policies

Television host and comedian Steve Harvey has been lambasted in the media for his memo to employees, excerpts of which include “Do not approach me in the makeup chair,” “Do not open my dressing room door,” and “I want the ambushing to stop now.”

Rob Wilson, human resources expert and President of Employco USA, says, “Perhaps Harvey could have worded his memo a bit better, but he does raise a valid issue. An open-door policy is not applicable for every office environment, and for many workers, such as those with ADHD or other learning differences, constant, unplanned interruptions can really impede their ability to concentrate and get things done.”

Here, Wilson reveals some ideas for workers and managers who are struggling with this very same issue:

Encourage employees to proceed with caution. “Open door policies can work depending on the company’s culture, size, and if the executive’s time allows for it.  It helps to win employees’ trust, and it makes the office feel more like a team and less like a dictatorship.  However, when possible, it is more efficient to create a policy that encourages employees to bring issues, ideas and complaints to supervisors and lower-level managers before they head straight to the CEO. If a CEO is putting out small fires all day, they can’t tend to the real work of running the firm.”

Schedule regular, ongoing meetings. “If allowing for open door policy is too disruptive, management should schedule ongoing meetings with different types of employees to ask for feedback and suggestions for improvement.”

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Going Back to Work After a Workplace Shooting

Employco USA

Employment expert explains HR procedure after an act of violence at the office

workplaceLast week Cedric Anderson brought a gun to his wife’s school in San Bernardino, killing her and a special-needs student in the crossfire. Classes resume today for the first time since the horrific crime. But as the community tries to put the pieces back together, Americans are once again left wondering if their schools and their workplaces are safe.

“Many people worry about the children in these situations, as well they should, but we tend to forget the overwhelming reality that the teachers and school staff are confronted with. They have to put on a brave face and make everything okay for the kids, even as they might be dealing with anxiety, dread and even PTSD,” says Rob Wilson, CEO of Employco USA, “Workplace violence is a growing concern in this country, from the 2016 shooting at a Kansas lawncare company, to the 2016 San Bernardino mass shooting, to the WDBJ-TV shooting which occurred on-air. These shootings seem to be on the rise, and when acts of senseless violence like this occur, it robs us of a sense of security in our workplaces and beyond.”

Here, Wilson outlines the steps that an employer should take in the event of workplace violence:

1)      Put emergency guidelines in your handbook. “Make sure that your employee handbook offers procedures on how to handle the unthinkable. We have everything from fire drills to tornado drills, we should also have steps in place for how to handle a mass shooting. If possible, you can even discuss these steps with a local law enforcement officer to help to ensure that the best procedures are given to your employees.”

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