Filed under: Research
At Questar we are very proud to be associated with the American Cancer Society and its Cancer Prevention Studies. We have worked with the ACS for 13 years designing the surveys, collecting data from these surveys and then providing it back to the researchers in Atlanta. The work they do is astounding and to think that Questar even has a small fraction of responsibility in it is an honor.
I have been thinking about this study a lot lately because of a Relay for Life event that is taking place in Shakopee, Minnesota on Friday, July 8. Relay for Life events are done all around the country to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and to fight back to try to put an end to the disease. These Relay for Life events take place in over 5,000 communities with over 3.5 million people participating. (more…)
Filed under: Uncategorized
As Apple is holding its annual Worldwide Developers Conference this week, it seemed fitting to post a blog on how tablets are changing the way we shop- a revolution that Apple helped to start.
A few months back I wrote a blog about how smart phones are changing the way we shop. With the tablet market (iPad, iPad 2, Motorola Xoom, H.P. Slate etc.) exploding, it is poised to do much the same. Many of today’s largest retailers are now making–or have already made–web sites/apps specifically for tablet users. (more…)
Filed under: Employee Engagement, Employee Retention, Executive Leadership, Uncategorized
As the “great recession” begins to ease, many employees are poised to leave – up to 84% according to some research. And as their employees become restless, leaders in many organizations begin to shift their focus once again from cost containment to talent retention. Yet despite reemerging enthusiasm for talent retention, many organizations are basing their retention efforts on faulty assumptions. (more…)
SIOP 2011 in Chicago was a huge success! Anna Erickson, Brad Buchanan, Bob Blackwood and I represented Questar. The 4,500 people in attendance set a record. It was my first time at SIOP so I can’t compare to previous years, but it was VERY crowded all week. We came to SIOP with a new idea to get people engaged with us as they passed through the exhibition hall. It not only worked, but exceeded our expectations! (more…)
Filed under: Employee Development, Employee Engagement, Employee Retention, Executive Leadership
We are excited to be exhibiting at SIOP conference once again this year. If you are heading there as well, be sure to stop by our booth (215) for your chance to win a new iPad 2 or Kindle. The SIOP conference is a three-day conference that includes the country’s top industrial-organizational psychologists for discussion on current issues and emerging trends in the workplace.
To learn more about the SIOP conference please visit http://www.siop.org/conferences/
Filed under: Customer Experience, Employee Development, Employee Engagement, Uncategorized
I had been thinking about switching internet providers for a few months. A few weeks ago, I saw a promising ad for a free modem and a free month of service followed by a low monthly fee. Sounded pretty good to me, but I wanted to see it in person. I went to one of the company’s kiosks at a local mall, tested the connection on one of the laptops, looked at the coverage maps, and asked a few questions. Next came the sales pitch. (more…)
Unless you have your own private plane we all have to deal with the airport experience if we want to travel. And typically you don’t hear people talking about the wonderful time they had. Instead, you hear horror stories about delayed planes, TSA pat downs, canceled and over-booked flights, terrible food, and long security lines. Although these things are common and sometimes out of an individual airline’s control, it doesn’t change the fact that people want to be treated well. On a recent business trip I witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly of airline travel. (more…)
Filed under: Employee Communication, Employee Development, Employee Engagement, Employee Retention, Executive Leadership
No doubt many of your employees are asking themselves this question as the new year approaches. According research by Manpower as reported in an article on CNN.com, up to 84% of all employees will be looking for a new job as they ring in the new year.
Many employers are making New Year’s resolutions of their own – hoping to avert this impending mass exodus of employees. If you’re doing the same, there are some things you can do to help retain your employees in 2011. Based on research that Questar has done on drivers of employee loyalty, here are some steps you can (more…)
Filed under: Employee Communication, Employee Development, Employee Engagement, Uncategorized, Work Life Balance
Will you be buying your employees a gift this holiday season? Do you wonder what they really want?
A couple of weeks ago I blogged about a few of the things that employees are most thankful for. But not all is rosy in the world of employee opinions. While employees are thankful for many aspects of their work, there are some (more…)
Filed under: Employee Engagement, Employee Retention, Research, Uncategorized
As Thanksgiving approaches, Americans pause this week to reflect on their blessings. So what are you thankful for? For most people, the intangibles probably come to mind first – the many things that money can’t buy like family, friends, and experiences. Basic needs that are met may also make the list – shelter, clothing, food. And in an economy where more than 9% are unemployed, this Thanksgiving holiday many are thankful that they have a job.
If you ask people why they work, they will probably mention money as the primary reason. But if you ask people what they like best about their jobs, money usually doesn’t top the list. Work brings so much more to people’s lives. Over the past 25 years, Questar has asked millions of employees what they like (more…)
