Company reputation is key in talent acquisition and retention. A recent survey reported that most Americans would decline a job from a company that had a bad reputation. Eighty-four percent of the respondents would even consider leaving a current job in order to work for a company with an excellent reputation. Corporate ethics and reputation still mean a lot, despite the economic downturns.
Think you’re not an information security professional? Think again. Resumes unlock significant personal information, and employers and job seekers alike have an obligation to keep data secure. Failure to keep personal data secure won’t just affect your industry reputation. The aftermath of cybercrime is pricey and avoidable. Costs for cybercrime are going up.
Forget retention strategies if the hiring strategy is to over-sell. A recent ere.net article highlights the danger of overselling and under delivering, especially when a candidate has to relocate. Reality always has a hard time meeting high expectations.
Who’s Firing
Lockheed Martin and United Technologies are reducing their furlough plans with the DOD back to work this week. Before the weekend, the two employers announced plans to furlough a total 5,000 employees. United has canceled its layoff plans, and Lockheed has reduced its furlough number from 3,000 to 2,400. The Aerospace Industry Association, which includes companies such as Northrop Grumman in its membership, has indicated that if the shutdown continues, thousands of employees will be furloughed.
BAE Systems, along with National Defense Industry Association leaders warns Congress and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel of the shutdown impact on the defense industry. BAE estimated a 10 to 15 percent reduction in its 35K workers. BAE System also mentioned that its technology firm, Microtechnologies LLC, has had to furlough 25% of its 400 employees.
State agencies are taking a hit with the government shutdown too. Forty-four Maine employees received temporary layoff notices Thursday afternoon. The layoffs were mandated in keeping with the Antideficiency Act. Some of the employees in the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management (DVEM) were “excepted” under the DOD guidance.
Who’s Acquiring
Curtiss-Wright Controls Inc. acquired Parvus Corporation. Parvus will be part of the Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions division that is based in Ashburn, VA. Curtiss-Wright leaders explain that Parvus has the right defense/commercial balance and will provide expertise in the rugged computing market.
As cyberthreats are evolving, cybersecurity firms have to evolve, as well. Acquisitions are one way to do so. Cisco’s acquisition of Sourcefire increases Cisco’s advanced threat portfolio. Sourcefire’s founder and chief technology officer is set to be Cisco’s vice president and chief architect for the security department.
