The findings, published recently in the Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, states "using instant messaging led to more conversations on the computer, but the conversations were briefer than telephone conversations". Moreover, "employees are quite strategic in their use of instant messaging. They [use] it to check in with their colleagues to find out if they’re busy, before interrupting them in a more intrusive way".
]]> Some workers use the IM technology to find out when their coworkers will be available, instead of unexpectedly visiting in person. Others use the technology to get quick answers to general questions or to inquire about current work tasks, rather than engaging in longer face-to-face conversations. Resolution of complex problems or situations is not a good use for IM.The technology allows users to control how and when they communicate with coworkers and gives people the ability to flag their availability or postpone responses to a more convenient time. Because it is more socially acceptable to ignore or dismiss a text message, than a telephone call, many use this technology to put off more disruptive conversations.
People who used instant messaging reported that they felt they were "interrupted less frequently". "The key take away is that instant messaging has some benefits, where many people had feared that it might be harmful,” said Garrett. Bottom line: "the effect of instant messaging is actually positive". We expect to see more employers testing this technology to help their employees do more with less.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>Case in point: its new A321. The supposedly first class experience is anything but. The seats are not leather; they even removed the padding in the armrests. They have removed video screens to save weight―OK for an overnight flight, but during the day on a five-hour flight, passengers will want to be distracted. Or, if you're in first class, you will expect to be able to work on your computer. Not on this aircraft. Along with the lack of video screens, there are no computer hook-ups.
It is obvious they see Southwest as their competition. We, as frequent travelers, don't. There's a reason why I have not flown Southwest in five years.
Last month, the airline eliminated the bonus miles for elite status. What were they thinking? I have been at the highest level of elite status with US Airways for almost 10 years now―it might even be more. I am seriously thinking about switching allegiances.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>My most recent return from Southeast Asia was not so pleasant. Singapore Air's 747-400 has 232 coach seats and really packs 'em in. The seats are narrow and do not recline very much. It was a very difficult flight, during which I didn't sleep much.
Lesson learned: upgrade with points to Business Class or make sure I'm on an A380!
The thing about the lap of luxury is that being there is addictive; once you experience higher levels of service, you don't want to go back.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>By the year 2030, 86 percent of US adults could be overweight with an obesity rate of 51 percent. "Obesity" is defined as weighing 20 percent above the recommended weight for height and age, while "overweight" is defined as weighing "more than is healthy for your age and size". If the trends continue, by 2048, all US adults could be at least mildly overweight.
The study projects weight problems will be most severe among selected groups, notably African-Americans and Mexican-Americans. All African-American women and more than 90 percent of Mexican-American men could be overweight by 2034.
"Genetically and physiologically, it should be impossible" for all US adults to become overweight", said Dr. Lan Liang, a researcher on the study. However, the data suggest, "that is the direction we’re going. This is really intended as a wake-up call to show what could happen if nothing changes", she said.
]]> If nothing does change, healthcare costs directly related to being overweight and obese will double each decade, reaching $957 billion in 2030—accounting for one-sixth of the healthcare dollars spent in the US.Just telling people to eat less and exercise more is not enough; widespread efforts are needed to improve Americans’ lifestyles and keep their weight healthy. Other suggestions include: "making communities more pedestrian-friendly so that people can walk regularly [and] getting the food industry to offer healthier, calorie-conscious choices". Liang continues: "It really needs to be more than an individual effort; it needs to be a societal effort".
Our belief is wise employers will continue to provide or upgrade their incentive programs for workers who maintain healthy bodyweight and refrain from engaging in unhealthy activities, e.g., smoking. As other recent studies have proven, wellness programs work.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>I interrupted her and said, "You are looking at this situation from the wrong perspective." We should be talking about how to increase attendance by marketing more effectively, rather than shrinking your conference. She further shared that they have a lot of new competition now from copy-cat conferences. I put on my marketing hat and went into consulting mode.
"What we need to do", I said, "is to add value". "Add value for each of your 'customer' segments: delegates, of course, but also speakers, exhibitors, and high-level delegate attendees. (Having high-level attendees has a high perceived value to the speakers and adds to the delegate count and therefore, to bottom line profit.
]]> Then I proceeded to give the client lots of low- and no-cost ideas for adding value to each of the "customer" segments . . .ideas that make sense that no conference (certainly not one in Southeast Asia) has ever implemented before ― except where I was involved.The bottom line of the conversation: to borrow a line from Marshall Goldsmith: "what got you here, won't get you there". This client must innovate or suffer the consequences.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>This morning I am in the second smallest living/sleeping space I have ever attempted to inhabit. It is a standard room at the 1929 Hotel in Singapore, a boutique, hip hotel in a convenient area of the city. It is not possible for a person and a suitcase to get through the door at the same time; the best is too close.
The desk is a shelf, already filled with stuff. The commode is in the shower! That is a first for me. I chose this hotel to keep expenses reasonable for my sponsor who has scheduled appointments for me here tomorrow. I keep dosing off, slumping over and awakening with a start. I can not do this to my body any longer.
The next morning: it is not surprising that Singapore is so expensive (at least for Westerners); it is a thriving city. My day will be filled with meetings with business executives and media. I hope I can be brilliant like last week, but why not? I lead an exciting and blessed life. I leave for San Francisco at 5:50pm. The adventure continues.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>From Brazil’s drug gangs in and out of prisons to the corruption and violence in Paraguay, from the outright terrorist attacks in Argentina, to the kidnappings in numerous countries including Columbia, criminal activity with ties to Islamic terrorism is a growing threat.
Alexander points out numerous ties between illicit activities and terrorist groups, citing specifics, e.g., A US State Department report affirms “The United States remains concerned that [Hezbollah] and HAMAS were raising funds in the TBA [infamous Tri-Border Area of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil] by participating in illicit activities and soliciting donations from extremists with in the sizable Muslim communities in the region. . ."
]]> According to Alexander, "Aggressive application of American foreign policies has alienated large segments of the world’s population... [and] in reality, there are no simple solutions". One solution he proposes is to stop "the biopiracy". (Biopiracy is the theft by Big Pharma of indigenous plants for their curative values from the native peoples and forests.) By eliminating the theft of this intellectual property and rewarding the countries of origin appropriately, the resources for development would be available.Second, Alexander suggests "Land Reform versus Agribusiness", choosing to distribute wealth more equitably, by giving landless peasants a fighting chance at subsistence and moving away from the growth of products used to make biofuels. Though opponents argue that this redistribution of land might result in increased deforestation for agriculture, the problem is not hunger, but poverty. Presuming the current trend toward populist control continues, greater restrictions on extensive corporate land development are likely.
Expect more segments of the population to influence social and economic developments. Another continuing concern for the region will be competition of low-cost labor between Latin American and Asian countries. The developed world can not afford to ignore these connections.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>My first trip to KL, it lead to my having been taken to the wrong hotel at 1am. . . several kilometers away from my correct lodging with no local currency in hand. (Some lessons are more difficult to learn than others.)
The radio is blaring Top-40 tunes―from the US―back in the 60s. I am sitting silently in the backseat, consciously commanding my eyelids to stay open. Finally, as I succumb and close my eyes, even the plastic ballpoint pen feels heavy in my hand. Over 20 hours in the air is taking its toll.
My dollars are worth about one-half what they were worth a short year ago. I will have to buy my gifts wisely.
]]> Finally, the rain has abated somewhat. The droplets falling on the roof sound like an unidentifiable percussion instrument. The song Memory comes on the radio, drowned out by the beating rain. The whole scene is simply surreal.On the airplane, I met a young executive from AIG who shared his relief that the economic crisis has made the financial services people he recruits easier to find. An interesting and not unexpected development. What those employers who let their good people go do not realize is that they will soon regret their reductions in force, for hiring their talented people back will be very expensive and, in some cases, impossible. Particularly for financial services firms, employee retention needs to be an important and ongoing focus. Otherwise, their customers will simply not stay.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>In North America, fewer than one in three (only 29 percent) of employees are fully engaged and 19 percent are actually disengaged. The company also found a strong correlation between employee engagement and retention. An impressive 85 percent of engaged employees expect to stay with their organizations throughout 2008. Moreover, the study found that engaged employees stay for what they can contribute (they like their work), while disengaged employees stay for what they can get (job security, favorable job conditions, and growth opportunities).
The picture in the UK and Ireland is slightly worse; there less than one in four (23 percent) employees is fully engaged and nearly as many are actually disengaged. Also, fewer of the engaged employees than the North America statistics (only 76 percent) expect to stay in 2008. In this region, the most common factor influencing job satisfaction is "more opportunities to do what I do best".
]]> In the Asia Pacific region, results vary widely with Indian workers registering as the most engaged (34 percent) and Chinese workers the least engaged (only 10 percent). Workforces in Southeast Asia are about the same as their European and Australia/New Zealand counterparts with only about one-quarter of employees fully engaged. (http://www.blessingwhite.com/EEE__report.asp) Unfortunately no data is available for South America.On the converse of the data, most regions report over 70 percent of today's employees are not fully engaged. This condition puts them at risk for employee turnover and their employers at risk for not being as profitable. The new generations take much more license to change jobs.
Other data from the study has revealed that the most vulnerable sectors are Technology, Communications/media, Retail/hospitality/travel, and Healthcare. Unless employers take immediate steps to engage those workers (once the world economies improve) they will be the victims of significant turnover, particularly among the younger workers.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>One of the 55 trends revealed relates to the growth of tourism, vacationing, and travel (especially international). Though this study overlooked the 41 million trips avoided by domestic travelers we recently reported (http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_6-18-2008.html), we agree, in principal that the future of travel and tourism (especially international) is rosy.
Although US domestic tourism has been growing about 2.3 percent each year, we expect to see a bump this year, as rising fuel prices and other economic challenges have taken their tolls on family vacations. "Staycations", featuring traveling within about 200 miles of home, have increased significantly.
Moreover, with the devalued dollar, Europeans and Asians alike will be attracted to the scenic diversity and grandeur of the United States in record numbers. There had been a decline as a result of the tighter restrictions "enacted in the name of security and from international hostility inspired by the Iraq War", but the lure of value is already having a positive effect. Bed and breakfast owners have already seen an increase in the number of Europeans inquiring about their accommodations.
]]> In the first half of 2007, international tourism grew by more than six percent partially due to global prosperity. "By 2020, international tourist arrivals [to the US] are expected to reach 1.6 billion annually, up from 842 million in 2006."Retiring Baby Boomers have contributed to the growing numbers of passengers choosing cruise vacations. Some wise cruise operators have offered full-time residency, an interesting alternative to other assisted living arrangements. Expect more theme cruises like Dance Camp at Sea (http://www.dancecampatsea.com/) to tempt travelers to join like-minded tourists in learning more about a chosen interest. Expect hotels and resorts to market more to affinity groups to take advantage of this trend as well.
By 2008, Chinese spending for international travel will reach $100 billion and about 50 million Indian tourists are expected to join them. At the same time, as a result of the spotlight of the Olympics, China will become the most popular tourist destination.
The hospitality industry will continue to be challenged to find and keep the good people it needs to serve its growing market.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>Fortunately, succession planning is increasing in importance. Too many companies are in a continuous cycle of recruiting and attrition. Turnover is expensive, not only in terms of dollars, but also in terms of engagement and productivity as well.
In the words of Executive Consultant Michelle Knox, organizations need to move beyond "succession planning" to "succession management". “Companies think because they have a plan they’re all set, but the challenge is broader and needs to fit into a process that supports ongoing talent development, not only the need to quickly fill an empty slot."
]]> Knox believes organizations that do succession management well, have the entire process owned by the executive team which is then executed by Human Resources. Succession management should also be aligned with corporate strategy and all human capital systems. Instead of slotting a single individual to fill a particular position, wise employers will create talent pools where participants are given access to the tools and resources needed for their own continuing development.Another best practice suggested by Novations is to have individuals nominate themselves. Their individual development needs are then evaluated, a development plan created, and the employees both give and get feedback on progress made. Senior leaders also check the individual's progress throughout the year.
Without qualified, experienced people, we have seen entrepreneurs sell their businesses prematurely or simply go out of business. Expect this increased attention to succession management to escalate, as companies realize just how seriously the skilled labor shortages can affect them. Because of these skilled labor shortages, we will see smaller and smaller organizations engage in similar behavior, realizing that succession planning without succession management is virtually a waste of time.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>First, the sales of fuel efficient, mostly small, cars are booming. Toyota has only 15-days inventory on its Corollas and in May, Honda's modest Civic became the number one selling car in the United States.
Logistics alternatives to diesel-consuming trucks that are more efficient at moving goods, like railroads, are also doing well. Plus, fed up with increasing delays and cancellations of flights, passengers are choosing rail travel over air. Expect this trend to increase; the US rail lines will borrow experts from Canadian Pacific and Virgin to learn how to deliver extraordinary passenger experiences.
Domestic food producers, especially domestic cheese producers are reaping the benefits of the falling dollar. Rapidly rising prices for imported products are prompting customers to look for domestic substitutes. Farmers now find their products in increasingly higher demand.
]]> Local amusement parks will also do well in these challenging economic times. They are enjoying the benefits of people taking what are called "staycations", vacation time off taken close-to or at home. Until the economy improves, expect to see increasing numbers of people choosing staycations.The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) reported that sales of bicycles, related parts, and accessories was about USD $6 billion in 2007, up from USD $5.8 billion in 2006. In 2008 and beyond, more people around the world will choose this earth-friendly mode of transportation in lieu of automobiles.
Another thriving industry category is the entire service industry around prosperity coaching, debt reduction, and financial counseling. "Everyone is looking for a way to eliminate their accumulated debt", said Belinda Fuchs, founder of Ownyourmoney.com. Fuchs is one of a growing group of professionals providing seminars and coaching to help clients "live debt-free and realize their dreams". Our forecast: a growing demand for these services by cash-strapped consumers looking for answers.
And of course, no discussion of industries bucking the trend would be complete without mentioning the oil companies and their record profits. However, the country of Brazil is in the best of all positions---its surveyors recently discovered an area off-shore that may be the largest find in 30 years.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>Authored by clinical director Todd Prewitt, M.D., the document discusses the challenges that arise during after-hours medical emergencies and reviews issues confronting both patients and employers. Moreover, it validates the role of these telephonic services in providing effective and reliable solutions.
The absence of this after-hours clinical expertise and advice can be devastating for both patients and their employers, causing unnecessary emergency room visits, costly medical interventions, or even serious physical harm. The additional effect on employers is intense, stimulating many organizations to establish nurse line services.
]]> Not only do these services improve access to appropriate healthcare, but they also result in reduced employee absenteeism, improved productivity, and decreased healthcare costs. Research shows that employers that combine 24-hour nurse line systems with effective internal communications campaigns can anticipate redirecting 60 percent of callers to lower levels of care. That creates substantial savings!There are other reasons for adopting nurse lines as well. Effective nurse line services support healthcare provider communities by educating patients and helping manage calls to physicians. These services have the effect of limiting doctor contacts to those situations that truly necessitate physician expertise. Furthermore, they provide a level of information that equips patients to engage their physicians in a collaborative approach to improved health. For a full copy of the white paper, visit www.CareWiseHealth.com Special thanks to Ernie Clevenger (http://www.myhealthguide.com).
Our forecast is that more employers worldwide will adopt this nurse line system and other cost-saving strategies in their ongoing efforts to drive healthcare costs down and add profit to the bottom line. Expect to see groups of medium-size employers embracing this cost-saving measure, too. In these times of skill shortages and retiring Baby Boomers, enlightened employers will continue to look for strategies to maintain the health and well-being of their valuable workforce.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>At its annual meeting last January, the Convention Industry Council (CIC) Task Force on Sustainability and Accountability for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) held its first meeting to determine how CIC organizations can serve as resources on environmental and social responsibility issues. A short time thereafter, MPI, the Meeting Professionals International association, convened its own group of CSR experts to develop resources for its members. Meeting Planners worldwide recognize that there is a strong trend toward the importance of CSR and green everything (www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_6-27-2007.html).
Not only are there more programs presented that focus on this vital topic, but hotel chains have developed attractive programs and meeting planners are buying. Throughout North America, Kimpton Hotels has responded with a program called "Great Meetings Great Causes" which offers options from a menu that might include donations to favorite charities and/or help organizing volunteer efforts scheduled during meeting times.
]]> The Ritz Carlton Hotel chain offers "Give Back Getaways". Individual guests are offered opportunities to participate in various local causes, including working with marine biologists to return nesting sea turtles to the ocean or helping at a local center for "psychologically challenged children". Ritz believes many of their guests are philanthropic and often volunteer in their local communities.Another concept is to set aside a block time for all attendees at a conference to give back by adopting a community project, e.g., assembling bicycles for needy children or other tasks that may take place en masse in a hotel ballroom. Can you imagine what a sense of accomplishment attendees will experience at the end of a day devoted to helping others in such a unique way?
Our forecast: more hotels across the planet will jump on the CSR bandwagon, coming up with innovative ways to support their local communities, giving their meeting planner clients what they are looking for, and giving attendees the opportunity to feel good about themselves.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
]]>The secretary general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Giovanni Bisignani recently said, "The industry is in crisis, perhaps the biggest crisis we have ever faced." (IATA members account for over 90 percent of air travel worldwide.) According to a survey commissioned by the Travel Industry Association (TIA), US citizens are looking for ways to stay away from air travel because of higher fares, security hassles, and chronic schedule and service disruptions. Ask frequent flyers and they will tell you that not only is air travel not "fun" anymore, but it is a downright chore.
]]> The member airlines of the IATA face losses of USD$2.3 billion in 2008, due to sky high fuel costs. Moreover, it was only a few weeks ago that the organization forecast profits of USD$4.5 billion (2.9 billion euros) for the industry. However, oil prices topping USD$135 a barrel turned their profit projections into huge losses.After recovering from the enormous losses resulting from the 2001 September 11 attacks (about USD$40 billion), the industry finally posted profits of USD$5.6 billion dollars last year.
The TIA study found that travelers avoided 41 million trips over the past few months. These trips cost the US economy USD$26.5 billion over the past year, including lost ticket sales and travel-related business expenses, and lost tax revenue.
These reductions in trips, the increasing fuel costs, and the slowing US economy are the basis for virtually all of the US airlines decreasing their numbers of flights, even to popular vacation destinations like Honolulu, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
Expect more cuts and service disruptions, as airlines get rid of experienced employees to hire lower cost contractors in a misguided effort to reduce expenses. These reductions in service will also affect the attractiveness of US destinations to foreign tourists.
Looking Forward. . .
Joyce Gioia-Herman
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