Communication in the 21st century can be confusing. Between text abbreviations, e-mail misunderstandings, and a multigenerational workforce, it’s easy to get tangled up linguistically. Recruiting professionals who manage to avoid the following communication goofs will be appreciated by colleagues, peers, and clients. 1. Use jargon and rhetoric. People prefer to communicate with trustworthy…(Read More)
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) says spending on non-residential construction is less than anticipated. The result: Economic forecasting is off. State and local governments have scaled back investments on schools and health care properties, according to the AIA’s chief economist, Kermit Baker. Bloomberg.com reports that a slowdown in funding for institutional…(Read More)
This story comes from our file marked, “Oh no, not the Cubicle Farms!” Open space floor plans within offices are getting mixed reviews from workers, including some pushback from introverts. Employees who are more reserved than outgoing prefer the cloth-covered walls of cubicles, which were invented in 1968. As employers address productivity and privacy…(Read More)
Germany has been struggling with failing infrastructure and World War Two-era construction materials that are compromising older buildings and homes. Now, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute are pioneering the development of small flying robots for the purpose of inspecting buildings for damage, explains Mark Howe, who writes about construction and energy issues on Sourceable…(Read More)
It’s not the winning lottery ticket, but folks working in construction will likely be earning a bit more money in the coming months. Buck Consultants, a pay adviser, predicts that there will be raises for all construction workers, including those involved in commercial and industrial buildings, averaging more than 3 percent for a second…(Read More)
In Washington, DC, members of Congress approved a temporary budget fix to cover the shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund. Faced with an August deadline, House lawmakers voted 367-55 to pass the multi-billion dollar measure. “The action cobbles together $10.8 billion by using pension tax changes, customs fees and money from a…(Read More)
The talent pool in construction and related fields could dry up as Generation Z enters the workforce. Sparks & Honey, a marketing firm based in New York, has produced a slide deck with insights about people born between 1995 and 2010. This Gen Z demographic could create significant talent pool shortages for employers. As the…(Read More)
A new approach to student housing and shopping is underway at The College of New Jersey. The $86 million public-private partnership dubbed ‘Campus Town’ has The PRC Group developing a nine building complex. The first level will feature retail shops and restaurants with top floor apartments for student housing. An article on NJ.com…(Read More)
A solar powered, wireless surveillance camera designed for construction sites can help project managers improve marketing, documentation, and safety. A press release from Sensera Systems outlines the company’s MultiSense MC30 Camera for Construction and Site Security. The web-based technology offers a rich set of functions for time-lapse, on-demand images, alerting, data…(Read More)
I once called a prospect and asked for an appointment. He replied, “My CFO is a CPA, so we’re fine.” Another prospect responded, “we outsource our HR to our payroll company.” Both of those responses instantly told me that these mid-sized companies have half of an HR department, but don’t know it…(Read More)
