- shortages of trained workers in growth areas (comp technology, biotech, robotics, green tech, sciences)
- an increasing number skilled and unskilled workers from declining industries (steel, auto)-- underemployed workers are those who have more skills or knowledge than their current jobs require or those with part time jobs who want to work full time
- a growing percentage of new workers who are under-educated and unprepared for jobs in the contemporary business environment
- a shortage of workers in skilled trades due to retirement of again baby boomers
- an increasing number of baby boomers
- an increasing number of both single parent and two income families resulting in a demand for job sharing , maternity leave, and special career advancement programs for women
- a shift in employee attitudes toward work. leisure time has become a much higher priority, as have flextime and a shorter workweek
- a recession that took a toll on employee morale and increased the demand the temporary and part time workers
- a challenge from overseas labor pools whose members work for lower wages and are subject to fewer laws and regulations that US workers. this results in many jobs being outsourced overseas
- an increased demand for benefits tailored to the individual yet cost effective to the company
- growing concerns over health care, elder care, child care, drug testing, workplace violence, and opportunities for ppl w/ disabilities
- a decreased sense of employee loyalty, which raises employee turnover and the the cost of replacing lost workers