Gauging wages for 2010.

A hot topic as we enter the home stretch of 2009 has been how to anticipate what 2010 will bring in terms of an economic recovery and what that means for budgeting. Addressing wages is at the top of the list: to increase, to decrease or to remain the same is the question.

• Some local companies represented in our FEWnet small groups plan to provide modest increases of up to 3% across the board.
• Others expect to segment their employee base and provide a 2% increase for non-management or non-exempt staff while management level salaries will remain the same.
• Things aren’t looking so bright for some other organizations as they expect wage reductions in 2010 – some companies for the first time, others for the second time.

FEWnet small group members remain optimistic that 2010 should bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of energy to our economy. Here’s to the year ahead!

Elevated concern in the workplace around cold and flu season.

Six months ago, the term H1N1 hadn’t even been coined yet and now it dominates the headlines of nearly every media outlet today. As a result, companies are reinforcing some basic health rules and introducing new ones in an effort to ward off invasive illnesses among their staff.

• Stay home when you feel a bug coming on. It’s during the initial stages of a virus that people are most contagious. Staying home not only prevents the spread of infection, but early treatment could keep an even worse cold at bay. FEWnet small group members credit remote server options as a great way to stay on top of work even when cold season is trying to bring us down.
• Encourage hand washing and the use of anti-bacterial gels. Many companies are keeping anti-bacterial hand gels in common areas or distributing them to employees for use throughout the day. Reminder signs near sinks within the office also promote frequent hand washing.
• Utilize anti-bacterial wipes for hard surfaces and work spaces. One company has implemented a “last one in, last one out” policy at meetings, meaning the last person to arrive has the added responsibility of wiping down the table and other surfaces once the meeting is over. What a great way to promote cleanliness and promptness all in one!
• Cross-training is becoming increasingly important. In an effort to anticipate employees being out due to illness, possibly for extended periods of time, companies are proactively encouraging staff to cross-train on critical processes.

Dressing for success in a time-crunched world.

Between rushing to and from work, scrambling to get food on the table, rushing off to evening commitments, and the ever-elusive weekends that seem to fly by in the blink of an eye, how do we find the time to shop and outfit ourselves for professional and personal success?! Enter a whole new breed of stores, tailor-made for the insanely busy woman in all of us.

• Corset offers personal styling and shopping expertise for women whose time is too valuable to be spent scouring stores at the mall. Focused on shopping, accessorizing, providing a body shape assessment, and outfit personalization, Corset is your one-stop shop!
• NaniNalu is a favorite beachwear boutique among several FEWnet members. This great shop located at 50th and France specializes in making one of the least favored retail experiences a positive and enjoyable one: the quest for the perfect-fitting swimsuit.
• Hot Mama This shop was custom-made for moms (but all women are welcome) with stylish contemporary clothes, shoes, and accessories. Toys and snacks keep the kids happy during your shopping experience and the friendly, helpful staff aims to score the sizes you need while you relax in the comfort of your own oversized dressing room. With retail locations throughout the metro area and an online presence, you’re sure to find some great new outfits for the winter ahead!

Managing mounting workloads with interim support.

Many companies are asking their employees to do more work with fewer resources – an equation that adds up to staff burnout, lackluster output, and the potential for missed business opportunities. To keep their teams on track (and off the crazy train), several of our FEWnet small group members have tapped into the staffing firm resources like Certes Financial Pros to help lighten their workloads. If you’re feeling the burden of hard deadlines, staff transitions, and personal leaves, consider an experienced contractor to fill in on a full or part-time basis. It’s an investment that some FEWnet members consider to be wise and well worth it.

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