Management Blog

Businesses understaffed says workers' study

The majority of Australian workers believe their companies are seriously understaffed, according to a new study.

In addition, the Talent2 study indicates over 82 per cent of employees believe they are being asked to do more work today than they were five years ago, Inside Retailing reports.

On a state-by-state basis, WA workers are said to be feeling the pressure the most; Queensland is not far behind with 58 per cent of survey respondents saying their workplace was understaffed.

Could this situation get even worse in the wake of the current economic crisis?

Talent2 advises that cutting staff as a reaction to tough financial times is knee-jerk reaction that damages productivity and reduces output.

Google ads target online game users

Not content to dominate online advertising, Google has moved into the emerging world of online computer game advertising, The Australian reports.

The company is currently testing AdSense for Games, software that allows developers to include ads in online game environments.

Statistics indicate there is considerable potential for the new application.

It's estimated more than 200 million people play online games with this number growing at a rate of 17 per cent every year.

According to the article, AdSense for Games revenue will be divided between Google and game developers.

Women move into male dominated jobs

New Australian census figures reveal some surprising facts about female workers and some not so surprising details about males, The Daily Telegraph reports.

According to the article, statistics reveal more women are moving into male dominated roles with, for example, 16,000 women now working in the mining industry.

While women appear keen to break down gender stereotypes, it seems men are eluctant to enter traditional female jobs such as primary schools teaching and aged care.

The article claims males aren't avoiding these roles because they threaten their masculinity but due to a lack of financial incentives.

When you're friends with the boss

Thinking about accepting a job offer from a friend? It can work, Career Journal argues, provided you establish solid ground rules for the new arrangement.

The article offers the following tips to help ensure the relationship endures:

Stay objective - if a touchy subject arises, focus on the end result and maintain perspective during performance evaluations

Keep work and play separate - don't talk about work when you're not in the office

Don't slack off - don't expect special treatment because of your friendship

Be supportive - you might see a different side of your friend when they're the boss, learn to accept and support their work persona

Jet lag relieving hotel room unveiled

A Chicago hotel has developed a concept room that aims to help guests overcome sleep troubles and jet lag, Springwise reports.

The Westin sleep room's facilities include blue-light lamps, the phototherapy giving properties of which are said to help people feel more awake and energetic.

Rooms also feature a eucalyptus aromatherapy shower, guided-meditation TV programming and room service delivered calming snacks such as banana smoothies.

The hotel chain says it decided to develop and trial the sleep room concept after research indicated 55 per cent of guests suffer from sleep deprivation.

'Indoor GPS' on the horizon

Consumer electronics giant Nokia is planning to take GPS to the next level by allowing phone users to peer inside buildings, APC reports.

While GPS uses satellites to map the landscape, Nokia has designed a wifi application that helps people find their location within buildings, such as shopping centres and airports.

The Indoor Positioning technology, which works in conjunction with GPS, also allows users to browse building directories and find points of interest.

The technology also allows users to share their position within a building with other Indoor Positioning users.

Green spending up and rising

A new study suggests almost 90 per cent of Australians are sceptical about the environmental claims made by companies, Marketing reports.

The Mobium Group study also reveals the number of consumers who want to 'do the right thing' for the environment has increased from 62 per cent in 2007 to 82 per cent this year.

Mobium says more than four million Australians are now making consumption choices that take the environment into consideration.

It's claimed the nation now spends more than $15 billion annually on sustainable and healthier products and services; this figure is tipped to rise by up to $10 billion over the next two years.

The keys to remote work success

As the remote work trend continues to gain momentum, management-issues advises managers to plan carefully before implementing any off-site work initiatives.

In a recent article, the publication offered the following list of common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake No. 1: No firm policies in place - don't just download another company's remote work policy and hope it works

Mistake No. 2: Over-investing in technology - use existing IT infrastructure where you can

Mistake No. 3: Not training your managers - overseeing staff remotely requires a different set of skills, especially regarding communication practices

Mistake No. 4: Assuming remote work is the right option for your workplace - map out the goals you want to achieve first to ensure it's the right fit

Mistake No. 5: No trial period - conduct a pilot program with small group of remote workers to identify any issues

Are we headed for a 'Shirley Temple effect'?

Wallets might be slamming shut across the globe but the consumer electronics industry could emerge from the economic downturn stronger than ever, The Times reports.

According the article, the consumer electronics sector is set to prosper as a result of the 'Shirley Temple effect'.

During the Great Depression America's cash-strapped populace turned out in force to enjoy the inexpensive escapism of Shirley Temple movies.

It's claimed cheap, home-based entertainment products will experience a similar effect during the current downturn with, for example, families lashing out on a $90 video game instead of going on an overseas holiday.

Outsourcing is out of fashion in the US

The US is experiencing an anti-outsourcing backlash that's seeing many mid-sized companies profit from homegrown manufacturing, Inc magazine reports.

It's claimed the backlash has occurred after a growing number of companies found the cost of shipping products from China outweighed the benefits of cheap labour.

In addition, the article claims China's dominance in the production of mass use products opens up a range of opportunities for local manufacturers capable of customising their output.

This 'mass customisation' strategy is allowing many US manufacturers to profit from the creation of specialist products capable of meeting stringent quality benchmarks.