Human Resources

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 21 jul 2013

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, explores the correlation between immigration and entrepreneurship, that results in the economic progress and prosperity of the US. He mentions that the passing of the current immigration reform bill in the Senate is a positive step in further strengthening the US national identity of welcoming immigrants that subsequently participate in entrepreneurial ventures for the benefit of the country. The bill intends to secure borders, legalize illegal immigrants, increase visas for high-skilled workers (mostly in science and technology), for low-skilled workers (in construction and hospitality), guest-worker program for immigrant farmworkers etc. According to Partnership for a New American Economy, as of 2011, upto 42% of Fortune 500 companies based in US that account for 10 million jobs worldwide, were started by immigrants or their children and between 1990 and 2005, 25% of the highest-growth companies in US were founded by foreign-born entrepreneurs. The bill would now go to the Congress for consideration. Read on...

The Washington Post: Immigration promotes entrepreneurship and prosperity
Author: Reid Hoffman

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 21 jul 2013

Graduating students having insufficient skills to get employed is a global concern. Most of the time industry and educational institutions are on the opposite side of the spectrum on this issue. According to researcher Alec R. Levenson of University of Southern California, four-year liberal arts education in US doesn't prepare students to be employable. Human resource experts agree and caution that this skill gap is further widening in the present globalized and highly competitive work environment. Current report by The Chronicle of Higher Education says that 50% of 704 participating employers find it difficult to find fresh graduates fit for jobs in their company and the relevant skills they lack are oral and written communication proficiency, adaptability and multitasking, desicion making and problem solving. Most experts suggest a cooperative and collaborative approach between universities and industry to solve the problem. Internships are one way to equip students with job skills. Another way is through promoting industry-student interactions through social media and other web-based strategies. Read on...

The New York Times: What It Takes to Make New College Graduates Employable
Author: Alina Tugend

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 14 jul 2013

In a globalized and connected world, there is need for nations to nurture and develop 'global human resources'. But there are challenges to have a common definition and perspective. Considering the language and cultural barriers, each nation has to evolve its own strategy to educate and provide skills to better equip their students to be successful in the global economy. In Japan various approaches are considered to provide its students with ability to compete and succeed in a global environment, both at governmental and private level. Some strategies were developed by focusing on improving the english language skills of the students since it is the language of global communication. But experts believe that it is not sufficient and there is more to being global then just having proficiency in english. In 2012, Japanese government's Council on Global Human Resources Development defined elements of 'global HR' as - language and communication expertise; spirit of freedem and enterprise; willingness to take on challenges; ability to cooperate and being flexible; sense of responsibility and duty; sensitivity and understanding toward other cultures; and retain Japanese identity. Read on...

The Mainichi: Call for 'global human resources' throws school education into confusion
Author: Ayako Oguni

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 03 jul 2013

Creative professionals are highly individual people that have unique things to motivate them to create new ideas and concepts. It is important to understand and respect their sensibilities to bring the best out of them. To nurture and manage creative talent and get the best output on an efficient and continuous basis, experts suggest - Set the bar and prioritize focus areas; Identify and leverage traits of individuals; Cater to strengths and empower them; Keep your hands dirty and involve yourself in the work at hand; Suggest but don't necessarily impose a process; Create healthy confusion by keeping them busy with multiple projects at a time; Encourage switching off to switch on to overcome burning out of creative talent; Keep them producing and avoid giving long gaps of inactivity and idleness; Make retention a conscious choice and create a culture that encourages it; Know when to, and able to, speak the tough truth to avoid keeping the talent in rut. Its an essential element of mentoring. Read on...

Fast Company: 10 Tips for Managing Creative People
Author: Rae Ann Fera

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 28 jun 2013

Is it possible to sustain a business without the supervision and leadership of the management? There are examples that prove the various models of management-free enterprises, totally run by employees without the presence of bosses, that are able to perform and do successful business. The various models of management-free companies in existence include - running through committees; employees electing managers; employees free to work on any project and in any team; work commitment contracts with responsibility of performance. Technologies and tools for collaboration and communication beyond the walls of the organization are providing employees more freedom to work according to their own convenience. These self-directed employees are becoming a reality even in various traditional companies. John Naisbitt said, "The successful organization of the 21st century will not be a hierarchy, but rather, a 'confederation of entrepreneurs.'" Read on...

Smart Planet: Are management-free workplaces too good to be true?
Author: Joe McKendrick

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 26 jun 2013

Companies and organizations are investing in technology to enhance their global human resources management systems. As work environment evolves with concepts like 'anywhere anytime work', 'remote work', 'boundaryless work' etc there is need for technology enabled HR systems to effectively and efficiently manage globally diverse, multicultural and multigenerational workforce. Experts mention that technology will not dilute the need for human side of the recruitment process and there will be continued need for skillful HR professionals. IT in HR enables streamlined recruitment process; saves cost while reaching large number of diverse talent; helps organize, maintain and manage large HR databases; assists in better decision making. HR professionals have to continue to retrain and update their HR technology skills to remain relevant in this competitive environment. Read on...

The Economic Times: Technology paves way for a highly competitive HR cosmos
Author: Apeksha Kaushik

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 06 jun 2013

As companies, even smaller ones, get opportunities to operate and do business globally, the nature of work and communication has changed substantially as a result of workforce diversity. To know and understand these cultural differences can be challenging and at the same time beneficial, says a human resource expert. Benefits of diversity can be obtained by integrating workforces. It brings multiple point of views to solve problems. Moreover integrated workforce is more capable of sharing best practices from across different parts of the world and evolve best solutions. It is also attractive and motivating for employees to work for a global company as they would get a chance to work abroad. Read on...

HR Magazine: Global business has changed how we all communicate
Author: Katy Clough

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 15 may 2013

According to a recent study, 90% of professionals who participated mention 'entrepreneurship' as a mindset or attitude. This signifies an evolution of how entrepreneurship is perceived amongst professionals. Out of 2000 Millennials surveyed, 58% consider themselves as 'entrepreneurs', someone who recognizes and pursues opportunities. Young independent professionals consider freedom as one of the most important aspect of their work. They expect flexible work environment and are more inclined towards freelancing then pursuing a traditional job. Organizations that intend to tap into this sector of the skillful workforce have to reconsider their work policies and hiring strategies to benefit from this valuable professional group. Read on...

Forbes: The Re-Definition Of Entrepreneurship And Rise Of Freedom-Seeking Freelancers
Author: Dan Schawbel

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 13 may 2013

Effective attainment of 'Work-Life Balance' is a necessity for all employees and it is important for organizations to retain and attract talent. According to experts, with increasing number of women in paid employment then before, the challenge of managing the dilemma of work-life balance seems more in case of women then men. Individuals facing this dilemma generally suffer from psychological and physical disorders like dissatisfaction, depression, ill health etc leading to failed family and social relationships. An expert suggests an approach to effectively overcome the dilemma by preparing Life-Maps. The strategies include: Defining Life-Satisfaction (Happiness) Objectives; Building Win-Win Relationships; Self Management; Learning and Growth; Achieving Financial Independence. Read on...

This Day Live: Resolving the Dilemma of Work-life Balance
Author: Emeka Wogu

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 18 apr 2013

What is 'Millennial Generation' and what are their sensibilities, habits and values? What are the things that appeal to them when it comes to searching for their living spaces and environment in big cities? They are the young 20 something, well educated and well travelled, seeking work-life balance, highly independent and environmentally conscious. They look for well designed urban housing and green environment with expanded sidewalks, cafe's and informal interactive spaces. They appreciate art and culture that is not confined within the bounds of museums and institutions. Understanding them and incorporating their aspirations in the planning and design of urban and suburban spaces would be important for better future of the cities. As the 'Millenials' start to earn and spend, their influence would increase. Read on...

The Global and Mail: Why the cities of the future belong to the millennial generation
Author: Lisa Rochon

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