According to ManpowerGroup, a provider of work force solutions, employers should focus on building long-term flexible work models, especially as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the overall August jobless rate fell to 8.1 percent.
In fact, the U.S. private sector brought in 96,000 new jobs last month, and summer jobs figures were revised down from 64,000 to 45,000 in June to 163,000 to 141,000 in July.
"Flexible work models – which include temporary, part-time, full-time and virtual workers – remain the best option for an economy beset by wildly fluctuating demand," says Jeffrey Joerres, ManpowerGroup chairman and CEO.
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"U.S. employers face extreme uncertainty from what's happening in the Euro Area and with the U.S. general election two months away, yet demand exists and employers continue to need the right workers at the right time to meet that demand," he says. "A flexible work model that enables companies to react quickly to demand and that aligns with companies' business strategies is essential for winning in today's volatile economy. In turn, individuals benefit from flexible work options as they gain on-the-job training and experience – while earning income."
In the food services and drinking places, employment grew by 28,000 in August and by 298,000 over the last year while finance and insurance added 11,000 jobs, and health care added 17,000 jobs. Manpower Group also reports that professional and technical services brought in another 27,000 jobs, including 11,000 jobs in computer systems design and related services as well as 9,000 jobs in management and technical consulting services.
A recent Manpower Group survey finds that 49 percent of U.S. employers are having difficulties filling mission-critical positions, including skilled trades, engineering and IT positions. About half (56 percent) of global employers say they do not expect unfilled positions to have little or no impact on key constituents, such as customers and investors. This represents a jump from 36 percent in 2011.
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