Randstad News Release (05/07/12)

A new study from Randstad revealed that U.S. workers are feeling more secure in their jobs and less likely to make sacrifices to keep their jobs as they see a more promising future on the horizon. Approximately 75% of U.S. workers feel secure in their jobs and 54% expect the job market to pick up this year.

“Employees are indicating greater job security, which is a good sign for companies. As employees regain their job confidence, there is a real opportunity for employers to re-engage their work forces to maximize and improve performance, productivity, and output,” says Joanie Ruge, senior vice president and chief employment analyst for Randstad Holding U.S.

Fierce Healthcare (05/07/2012) Karen M. Cheung

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the health care industry is adding jobs faster than other sectors. Of the 19,000 health care jobs added in April, 4,100 were at hospitals, and 15,400 were in home health, physician offices, outpatient care centers, and other ambulatory health care services. Around 500 jobs were lost in nursing and residential care facilities. However, IHS chief economist Nariman Behravesh believes that within a few years, employment and wage growth will take a hit as part of a strategy to curtail health care costs.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer (05/07/12)

A 2011 Apollo Research Institute survey of 831 hiring managers found that 39% viewed the hiring of military personnel less favorably when considering issues related to post traumatic stress disorder. Former Army doctor and psychiatrist Harry Croft says employers should consider hiring veterans if they want dedicated and loyal employees who think quickly and pay attention to detail. He says employers should know the symptoms of PTSD to help them handle veterans who may be struggling with it, and they should understand that PTSD does not involve violent behavior. Employers should understand that veterans work better in pairs or groups, offer them someone with whom they can discuss their PTSD in confidence, and hire veterans not because of tax breaks or patriotism but because they are the best candidates for the job.

San Diego Union Tribune (05/07/12) Jonathan Horn

Chapman University’s California Employment Indicator Index rose to 110.4 in the second quarter from 109.1 in the first quarter, with readings over 100 meaning positive job growth is expected. The number of jobs created statewide should rise to 65,000 in the second quarter from 58,000 during the first quarter, says Esmael Adibi, director of the Anderson Center for Economic Research at Chapman. Just over 18,000 jobs were created in April, with an unemployment rate of 11%, and Adibi says, “I believe a little improvement should show up in the next few quarters.”