Take Note
SUGGESTION BOX GOES HIGH-TECH
More companies are finding it beneficial to listen to their employees
using an updated version of the suggestion box. Company Intranet
sites that allow anonymous e-mail mean employees can speak up with
ideas and suggestions or question a company decision or direction
without fear of reprisal.
In most cases, the e-mail suggestions are routed directly to the
company president, senior vice president or head of human resources.
Companies using these sites credit employee suggestions for leading
to policy changes affecting flexible schedules, long- and short-term
benefits and changes in 401(k) plans.
An added benefit is employee retention as workers feel this open
communication gives them an active role in the company
SMALL BUSINESSES: HIRING UP, BENEFITS
DOWN
More than a third of U.S. small companies plan to hire new workers
this summer. A survey of 781 companies with fewer than 100 employees
conducted by the Small Business Network at American Express shows
that 35 percent would be hiring, up from 26 percent last year.
Respondents say they are looking for employees who show up on time,
follow instructions and do not use work time to take care of personal
business.
The downside of this hiring survey is that many of these same companies
are cutting expenses and paring benefits. Only 55 percent report
offering health care, down from 61 percent in 2002.
A MATTER OF DEGREES
College graduates are facing one of the tightest hiring markets
in years, but those who selected the right majors may find—once
they are hired—that starting salaries are a bit higher than
in the past.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports in its
spring 2003 salary survey that business administration grads are
seeing a 3.7 percent increase in starting salaries compared with
2002. Starting salaries for accounting majors were up 2.6 percent.
Salaries for graduates with degrees in technical fields fell from
last year, and 44 percent of employers targeting BA degree students
say they plan to keep salaries the same.
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