There are now 8.5 million workers across the United States who are working in part-time positions due to the economic conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines them as involuntary part-time workers, as they are unable to find a full time job, or their employer has cut their hours. Indeed, it’s very likely that you have employees like this in your business.

This growing part-time workforce brings new challenges to management, different dynamics to our business cultures, and changes how employees manage their personal and professional lives. Many economists predict that the workforce paradigm has shifted and this flexible contingent workforce will become a permanent fixture that we must become comfortable with. read more »

Finding a job is the best substitute for an unemployment check, but as more and more Americans exhaust their jobless benefits, employment opportunities remain sparse.

In July, the state unemployment rate was 8.6 percent, down from 9.5 percent a year ago; however, in parts of Washington it is in double-digits. The Portland-Vancouver metro area reports 13.3 percent unemployment, about the same as last year. Economists worry that it may take years for our economy to return to its peak of a couple of years ago.

Ironically, the longer we experience high unemployment, the harder it will be for private employers to begin hiring. read more »

“I’m missing $50 from my purse. I think Susan stole money from me!”

What do you do when an employee comes to you with this complaint? These are certainly words you hope to never hear from an employee, but, unfortunately, sticking your fingers in your ears and singing, “La-la-la-la-la, I can’t hear you!” at the top of your lungs isn’t an acceptable business practice.

We’d all love for our workplaces to run as smoothly as possible, but the unpleasant reality is that sometimes situations arise that demand investigation. Complaints and/or accusations, as well as accidents and other incidents may necessitate workplace investigations. read more »

Commissioner Steve Bauer is seeking applications from Commissioner District #1 residents interested in applying for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The mission of the twelve member advisory committee is to provide timely advice to the Parks and Recreation Director and the County Commissioners regarding the acquisition, development and administration of various park properties. The County Commissioners may also request the group create subcommittees to address specific issues related to park improvements and recreation programs. read more »

If you’re in sales, you know the feeling. It’s the middle of the night about two weeks after starting a new job. You were enthusiastic and could hardly wait to going. Now, your head is full of doubts. You try to shove them aside, but they don’t go away. “Everything is new,” you tell yourself. “I just need to give it a little more time.” But the doubts keep coming back.

The gap between what you were told about the job and what is actually happening gets wider by the day. After about three weeks, you finally ask yourself, “Have I made a mistake?” read more »

When I was a kid I loved the beginning of summer. It meant sunshine, the beach, popsicles, bike riding, slumber parties, and most importantly, no school. As business owners, it means something entirely different to us. Our thoughts turn to balancing vacations with reduced staff, summer flex hours, liability issues with company sponsored sports teams, the complexities of summer internships, and the proverbial summer picnic. It was a whole lot easier when all we had to worry about was getting an even tan! read more »

A new Employment Policies Institute (EPI) analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in Washington was 32.7 percent as of April 2010 - the seventh highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.

BLS data also show that the overall unemployment rate in Washington was 9.1 percent in May, from 9.3 percent in April. read more »

Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) is seeking a year-round technical director (TD) to work flexible hours averaging 30 hours per week, salary DOE. It is looking for a conscientious person who enjoys working collaboratively with a small staff to produce high quality theatre. The TD works closely with the production manager, the master carpenter, the artistic director and other production personnel to oversee all technical aspects of mounting its Mainstage productions, theatre school productions, Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra shows, rentals and special events. read more »

“I don’t like confrontation,” a friend recently told me. He is the founder and CEO of a very prosperous private company. He is also an outgoing person, and an accomplished stage performer; not someone afraid of being “on the spot” with people. We were discussing some of the challenges in dealing with suppliers, partners, and employees.

I agree with him. I can’t honestly say that the idea of confronting difficult situations with people I work with or do business with has ever seemed inviting to me. Like many people, I have had my share of frustrating and unsatisfying experiences “confronting” challenging or unsatisfying situations with other people. read more »