T&D EXTRA-AUGUST 19, 1998
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Extra is an information service of Training & Development magazine,
published by the American Society for Training & Development,
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NEWS YOU CAN USE: They're Back!
They were among the first to be downsized: middle managers. Once
trimmed away like fat from steak, middle managers are now serving
lean-and-mean organizations as leaders. As senior execs find that they
don't have the time to direct and as workers take control of their
jobs, middle managers are needed again to bridge the gap.
"Untethered by old hierarchies and structures, middle managers are
individuals with leadership potential who have broad perspective,"
says David A. Hofrichter, managing director of The Hay Group in
Philadelphia, "We see them as am emerging new leadership class."
WORKING LIFE: Employee Perks
Bann, a Dutch software firm, is building a large office and training
complex in Loudoun County, Virginia, that will include areas for
employees to jog, bike, and in-line skate.
In fact, many technology firms are trying to attract candidates with
such perks as ergonomic chairs, restaurants, and recreational parks.
WorldComm plans to build an office complex near Dulles Airport for
30,000 workers that will include stores and health clubs. Says one
spokesperson, "Due to the competitive nature of the technology
employment market, it's critical to provide amenities to employees."
The idea is not only to lure high-tech talent, but also to keep them
close once they're hired. "Then, they don't have to leave and disrupt
their work. That's good for business." For example, employees at
America Online can buy stamps, get a Starbucks Caf? latte, drop off
their dry cleaning, and ride a stationary bike--without leaving the
premises.
SURFIN' CVU
California governor Pete Wilson is into surfing...surfing for an
education, that is. He signed into existence the California Virtual
University--a joint project of the University of California, the
California State University, the California Community Colleges, and
the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.
It's a Net-based catalogue of course offerings from more than 80 of
California's accredited colleges and universities. The courses will
run primarily over the Internet but will also use video, cable, and
satellite deliveries to reach learners around the world. For more
information, catch a wave to
www.california.edu. LEGISLATIVE VICTORY
After several years of debate and legislative proposals to reform
federal job-training programs--in which ASTD played a significant
role--Congress passed and President Clinton signed the "Workforce
Investment Act."
The new law will reform the current federal employment and job
training system by consolidating programs and allowing states and
local governments to develop a universal workforce development system.
The new system will be designed and run by local business-led
Workforce Investment Boards in partnership with local governments (an
issue on which ASTD advocated strongly to ensure that companies and HR
professionals have a seat at the table). Services will be delivered by
one-stop career centers with business playing a significant role in
the centers' design to ensure that training meets industry standards.
Enactment of this legislation completes work on a top legislative
priority for ASTD. Further, the shift in responsibility from the
federal government to the states and local governments creates many
opportunities for ASTD members and chapters to participate in reform
efforts locally and provide needed expertise.
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T&D EXTRA is an information service of Training & Development
magazine, published by the American Society for Training &
Development. Point of contact: Donna Abernathy, technology and
products editor,
dabernathy@astd.org.
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