editor's letter

The Shrinking pool

by Stephanie K. De Long

This is our annual bottom-line issue, and it's one of our favorites to put together. Don't miss our exclusive survey of opticianry salaries, conducted in cooperation with the National Academy of Opticianry.

Speaking of numbers, do you have employee retention and recruiting plans?

If not, now is the time to begin. Here's why.

Beginning in 2010, while the over-65 crowd continues to boom ahead, the number of Americans aged 20-64 will decline.

What does that mean to you? It means that the employment pool will stop outpacing the general population. In addition, the number of women entering the workforce will decrease in years ahead.

"These changes will result in labor shortages in all areas of employers," says Barbara Bartlein, president of Great Lakes Consulting, in an article that appeared in Wisconsin's Dunn County News.

Despite the fact that 40 percent of U.S. workers will be eligible for retirement in just over 10 years, 80 percent of employers don't have a recruiting strategy; and, seven out of 10 don't have an employee retention plan either. Bratlein (www.thepeoplepro.com) offers four planning strategies.

■ "Don't let critical knowledge and experience walk out the door. Have [retiring boomers] mentor employees and participate in training."

■ "Research by Sales Power demonstrates that younger employees gravitate to firms who define a career path, not just a job."

■ "Utilize the Internet and technology to reach the Gen X and Gen Y."

■ "Build employee loyalty by investing in training and development."

Every company needs a Leadership Development Program. Do you have one?

Sincerely,

Stephanie K. De Long
Editor-in-Chief

P.S. This month's CE course, "Healthy Sight Counseling and Diabetes," is for both optometrists and opticians. Sponsored by Transitions, a second course on this subject will appear in January.