The Evolution of Job Searching

In the 1900s Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company once said, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black". If Henry Ford were alive today he’d invite us to customize the color of our next automobile on the
Ford automotive website.

In the past, knowledge and access to information was in the hands business owners. Consumers accepted the choices, or lack of choices, that were given to them by businesses. Business owners were truly in the driver’s seat.

Fast forward to today, where consumers use the internet to compare prices, customize their products and speak with current owners of products. This shift in knowledge and information from businesses to consumers has made it mandatory for businesses to adjust their strategy and satisfy the needs of their customers.

The same shift in knowledge and information has also taken place in the employment world. Today’s job seekers find themselves in a better position than job seekers in the past. Online job boards have allowed job seekers the ability to compare available jobs across the entire country. Job seekers are no longer limited to local help wanted ads. In the mind of the job seeker this increased awareness of available jobs and the ability to compare jobs has put them in the driver’s seat.

The shift in power from employers to job seekers does not automatically translate into higher employee costs and declining profits. There is a solution that won’t erode your bottom line. The solution is to improve the work-life balance (benefits) of your employees.

Work-life balance is described as the balance between an individual's work and personal life. Successful companies realize how work-life benefits can increase productivity, creativity, and the demand for their jobs. Today’s job seekers want to be happy. Money is not the number one motivation. Employees want to work in a positive environment with respect and responsibility. They also want to spend more time with their family and friends. In other words they don’t want to be treated like a cog in the wheel of the business.

Responsive companies are hearing these needs and are responding with quality of life benefits such as casual clothing, telecommuting, job-sharing, cross training, teamwork and participating in decisions. Most, if not all quality of life benefits cost little or no money but they can have a huge impact on decreasing the cost turnover and increasing your bargaining power in your efforts to recruit the best job seekers.

No matter what size, location or industry you can benefit by understanding your employees desire for a healthy work-life balance. With little or no additional cost you’ll find yourself back in the driver’s seat.

jobCogs.com - Quality of Life Job Search
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