Was Mother's Day not all you hoped it would be? Is your favorite sports team not doing so well lately? Still looking for work? Cheer up! It's Monday and you've got a clean slate. Here's some good news to get your week off to a bright start.
Mass layoffs could be nearing an end. The pace of private-sector U.S. job losses slowed dramatically in April, while future planned layoffs also declined — two indications the economy may be nearing a rebound. The total number of private-sector job losses hit its lowest level since November, according to a report by ADP Employer Services. Meanwhile, planned layoffs at U.S. firms fell for a third consecutive month, global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas said.
Government: Job losses ease. If the above item isn't enough to give you a warm feeling, then maybe this one will. The Labor Department reported Friday that the monthly job loss for April fell to its lowest level in six months. The government reported 539,000 job cuts last month. While that may not sound like a victory, it amounts to 23% fewer job losses than what was reported in March.
Employers calm down on cost cutting. Global consulting firm Watson Wyatt reports that employers' cost-cutting actions appear to have peaked. Among 141 companies surveyed, 67% plan no further hiring freezes and 53% intend no more layoffs in the next 12 months. Further, 89% aren't planning salary reductions and 76% are saying "no" to salary freezes.
Hotel rehires 50 laid-off workers. On a more personal level, The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa has found work for most of a group of 58 workers it laid off earlier this year when it closed two restaurants. But with the openings of two new restaurants this spring, 50 of the laid-off employees have returned to work. As for the other eight? Seven retired and the other could not come back because of a scheduling conflict.
One man's story: Back in the game after 14 months. "The job was mine. Victory!" Matthew Vuturo proclaimed upon landing a job following 14 months of being among the unemployed. Read his story on The Wall Street Journal blog and pick up a hefty helping of inspiration.
Inspired yet? With words like "turnaround" and "rebound," how can you not be? Keep these in mind as you work on your resume or peruse job postings this week!
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Rick, Those stats, as stated within your posting, are definite cause for celebration. Enthusiasm is contagious (kinda like swine flu, but in a good way). Moreover, 'Accentuating the Positive' elevates one's endorphin (hormone) levels. It combats the natural depression that accompanies job loss and search. "A rising tide lifts all ships." Personally, I refer again and again, to the writings and teaching of (the late) Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's, "The Power of Positive Thinking." Best wishes to all for Job Success!