By Bill Lewis, Principal - Lewis Partners LLC

Despite the high unemployment rate and choppy economic conditions, most companies today are facing several talent-related challenges, including where to find the best people, how to afford them, and how to avoid having to lay off employees when a project ends or business declines.

How have many businesses historically addressed these issues?

• Great talent: Does a company need "A" players in every job? 
• Compensation: Is it all about the money? 
• Layoffs: Are layoffs avoidable?

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By Diane Hill, Sr. Technical Recruiter

After having spent nearly four years at Yahoo! and other large branded companies like Google, I decided to try recruiting in the startup world. Why would anyone leave a full time recruiting role for a contract position at a startup?

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“We’ve all been in the cloud for years,” stated Raghu Ramakrishnan of Yahoo! “If you’ve used email, photo sharing, or even online banking, you’ve been in the cloud. Without knowing it, you’re already an expert.”

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By Russell Williams, Director of HR, Auxogyn

Effective leaders, managers and staff do three things exceptionally well. First, they develop and provide vision in every aspect of their work. Second, they exhibit a strong will, drive and need for inspiration. Third, they are skilled in the art of delegation to self and others as a way to achieve consistency in performance. When any of these are absent within a business, an effective leader will work to bring them to the forefront within the context of the organization’s initiatives. This is why it is essential for HR to adopt a leadership approach in order to provide value to the organization.

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Engagement is critical to retention.

By Paul Whitney, VP HR, Infinera

Layoffs rarely diminish the amount of work required, placing extra burdens on those who remain, with potential burn-out as a consequence. Additionally, a reduction in force, or RIF, strains the relationship of trust that must exist between employer and employee, particularly if those not affected feel that their less-fortunate colleagues were unfairly treated on the way out. Compensation is also likely to have been affected, with many companies having imposed some form of wage freeze over the last few years.The net result is that the workforce is asked to do more work for less pay in an environment of fear or, at the very least, mistrust. Little wonder that when new opportunities present themselves, as they will, your best and brightest people will take a closer look.

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