American Workers Adopt Consumer Mentality; Skilled Workers Shop for Jobs With the Most Value.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2000

The balance of power in the employer-employee relationship is shifting in favor of the American worker.

Spurred by low unemployment, increased competition for skilled workers, and a wealth of employment-oriented Web sites, American job-seekers are playing the role of interviewer as they prospect for the right fit with jobs and companies the way they shop for shoes or clothes. Clear signs exist that this trend will become more pronounced in the years ahead, according to American Demographics magazine.

"Who's The Boss," an analysis of the new American worker in the September issue of American Demographics, charts the major trends that are contributing to the changing mindset of the workforce. One major influence is the multi-option nature of the New Economy. "As consumers, we buy where we'll get the most value, whether it's from an online retailer or a physical store location," said Seema Nayyar, editor of American Demographics. "That consumer mentality has now spread into the way we view employment. We want and expect more from the transaction."

As a result, perks like flex time and signing bonuses are becoming fixtures in employment packages. And employees will continue to expect -- and get -- perks in the future. Why? Savvy employers have started to realize that happy employees are the most productive ones.

-- A recent work trends study by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, an HR

consulting firm, shows that companies with highly committed

employees have a 112 percent three-year total return to

shareholders.

-- Companies with low employee commitment show a 76 percent

three-year return.

-- 45 percent of companies offering one or more flexible work

arrangements perceive a positive return on their investments,

according to a Families and Work Institute Study.

-- Another 36 percent perceive them as cost-neutral.

"Not only are companies better able to deliver profitability with a motivated staff," Nayyar said, "but the savings generated by eliminating turnover are tremendous. More companies are beginning to connect the dots between employee benefits and the bottom line."

Another reason for the shift in workforce attitude is the wealth of knowledge provided by the Internet. "The Internet allows employees to research positions, companies and industries like never before. With more than 500 resume clearinghouses and nearly 30,000 job boards, as well as chat areas where potential hires can exchange information with current and former staff, employees know their worth in the market and are better prepared to negotiate," Nayyar noted.

Other factors influencing change in the workforce's mindset: an increased desire to have more control of one's work schedule, via flex time or telecommuting; and the influence of education and those who have it.

-- By 2003, nearly 30 million people will do work outside of the

office, say forecasters at JALA International, a telework 

consultancy.

-- The number of occupations requiring an associate degree or

higher are projected to account for 40 percent of total job

growth from 1998 to 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor

Statistics.

-- Half of adults 18 and older participated in adult learning

courses in 1999, according to the National Center for

Education Statistics.

"The people who have more knowledge will be more in demand and better able to negotiate their employment terms," said Nayyar.

Note to Editors

New Economy, Internet and business publications can use this information by creating content or featuring it in content about: the challenges that businesses face in attracting and retaining employees; economics or dynamics of the New Economy workforce; or the changing employment practices at Internet and New Economy businesses.

American Demographics, a monthly Intertec(R)/PRIMEDIA Publication (NYSE:PRM), is the authoritative source on accurate consumer trend information for business strategists, marketing executives at America's leading companies, and prominent media channels. Intertec Publishing is one of the world's largest technical and trade publishing companies. Its 100 publications, more than 30 trade shows and 450 books and directories serve professionals in Agribusiness; Communications; Electrical & Public Services; Entertainment; Industrial; Marketing; Professional Services & Apparel; and Transportation markets. Intertec magazine products include Telephony, PROMO and Registered Representative; exhibitions include Lighting Dimensions International, the Folio: Shows and Waste Expo.