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12/26/04
EMPLOYMENT Buoyed by an improved job market, a lot of US workers will be looking for new work in 2005. A Monster.com survey of 8,044 reveals that 93 percent of the respondents plan to job hop, starting in January. Just 7 percent said they would remain at the same workplace. ''The US job market has shown steady expansion throughout the year, and these poll results show that Americans are ready to take advantage of this improvement,'' said Jeff Taylor, founder of Monster.com. ''The start of the new year typically marks the time when hiring managers, fresh with new budgets, look to expand hiring in key focus areas. These listings are often for jobs that are a priority for companies.'' When asked to describe their most important New Year's resolution, 59 percent of the respondents said, ''Get a new job.'' Nineteen percent said ''losing weight,'' 14 percent said they would like to improve work-life balance, and 8 percent said they planned to get more organized in the coming year. Fifty-four percent were not too optimistic about the job market, but that won't stop them from looking. When asked whether they would like to make one New Year's resolution about work, 46 percent said they would like to find a new job, 33 percent said they would like to switch careers, 14 percent said they would like to work fewer hours, and 7 percent said they would like to work harder next year. CareerJournal, an online career service sponsored by The Wall Street Journal, says workers whose New Year's resolution is to find another job or launch a new career should work to improve their chances by learning new skills. ''Rather than focusing on the outcome of finding a new job or changing careers, set interim goals that are easier to achieve, such as the number of informational interviews ... you'll accomplish each week,'' says Tony Lee, editor in chief, CareerJournal.com. Lee said workers should take a hard look at themselves and their career direction and goals. Next, determine what skills are needed to help you find that job, and enroll in a course, get certification, or learn another language if it will help you compete. Lee also advises that workers continue to network, even when they are working at the old job, and ''even if you're not actively job hunting,'' he said. CareerJournal also notes that there are ways to make your current job more attractive and satisfying. Looking for a position at work that will allow you to utilize your marketing expertise? Then, explore openings in other departments. Unhappy with what you're making? Then, negotiate a raise, said Lee. ''If you believe that you're a key contributor, use the Internet to research how much you should be earning given your title, location, and years of experience,'' he said. ''Having this data in hand will make it easier to ask for a raise.''
WORKPLACE They just want to have fun. That's the reason US employees attend holiday parties, not because they're hoping to rub shoulders with the boss, reports the Creative Group, a staffing service that places marketing, advertising, and Web professionals. The company, which polled 612 adults, found that 39 percent said their primary reason for attending holiday gatherings sponsored by their employers is to have a good time with co-workers. Only 3 percent attend because they want to impress higher-ups. Other respondents said they wanted to get to know their co-workers better, or they wanted to enjoy the complimentary drinks and food. A few said they attended because it was expected of them. Outlandish behavior at office parties, which can range from loud talk to lewdness, is more likely to occur when there is an open or limitless bar, say specialists. According to the Society for Human Resource Management in Alexandria, Va., more than 70 percent of US firms serve alcohol at year-end parties. Workplace advocates advise that companies with plans to serve alcohol establish guidelines for workers so that they understand how to conduct themselves. ''Year-end parties are meant to be fun, but they're still work events and reflect on an employee's level of professionalism,'' said Tracey Fuller, executive director of the Creative Group. ''Inappropriate behavior can make a lasting negative impression that's hard to overcome.'' Partygoers should limit drinking to one or two glasses. And if the event is a cocktail party, workers should consider eating beforehand to blunt the effect of strong drink and help them focus on socializing rather than snacking. Fuller advises that employees mingle when attending the office party. ''Use the party to build rapport with co-workers outside of your typical circle,'' she said. ''Come with conversation starters in mind such as asking people about their holiday plans or whether they've made New Year's resolutions.'' Finally, know when to leave. ''When others prepare to leave, you should do the same,'' said Fuller.
CAREERS Here's one way to boost your career: Socialize with your boss. A survey of 640 executives who earn $100,000 or more reveals that 55 percent believe that participating in social activities has been good for their careers. Only 8 percent said participating in social activities with the boss ''was not worth the risk.'' Just 10 percent said socializing over dinner, lunch, or after hours was not important. In all, 29 percent of the respondents said fraternizing with higher-ups is a necessity that they would rather live without. The survey was conducted by TheLadders.com, an online career site, between Nov. 8 and Dec. 14. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.87 percent. In another survey of 584 executives, the company found 48 percent have had dinner with their superiors. Twenty-five percent said they've played sports such as golf with the boss, 8 percent have attended sporting events with their superiors, and 3 percent have attended the theater. Seventeen percent have not engaged in any social activities with their bosses. The survey, also conducted between Nov. 8 and Dec. 14, had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.05%. --Diane E. Lewis
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