Recently I decided to join the Workforce Institute. This “think tank” is funded by Kronos and wants to focus on research predominately around the hourly workforce and companies larger than 250 employees. A quick survey of the marketplace shows that although there are a lot of research houses, none has a focus on the hourly workforce. I think this is important because there is a growing demographic on the utilization of seniors in this capacity and there’s a lack of research showing the impact of the labour trends for the prime audience filling these careers (16-24 year olds). Kronos has their hands full with new owners, integrating a number of recent acquisitions (Captor, Clarity Matters and Unicru) as well as continuing on in their acquisition path. But I really do believe they want to have a deep understanding of the HCM space and broaden their footprint beyond traditional time and attendance and labour scheduling. They have deep management and passion for the business. I believe they will become the first technology solution provider to hit $1 billon in sales purely focused on the HCM space.

Other esteemed members of the Workforce Institute include:
Ruth Bramson – former SVP HR, National Grid
Jared Bernstein - Director of the Living Standards Program, Economic Policy Institute
Jeff Hunter - Director of Global Talent Technologies, Electronic Arts
Keith Jones – President, Executrack
Tim Lett – Founder and Managing Partner, Axsium Group
Ann Van Slyck – Vice President, Eclipsys

Their mission in creating research for this community is a win win. Their clients win sharing these best practices and they win learning more about their clients’ issues.

While we are on the Workforce Management space, the recent acquisition of Workbrain by Infor has had a record number of talented people leaving. Infor positions themselves as the 3rd largest ERP vendor, when in reality they survive on the maintenance of current and new clients. At first look (based on the job cuts) it does not appear that they will be focusing on marketing in the HCM space or in research and development of their product line. Look for over 100 Alumni on the Facebook group to find out who is available.

While this may not have a happy exit for many Workbrain employees, no one can question David Ossip’s success at building the number two player in the Workforce Management Space in a very short period of time. For his drive and passion he has been handsomely rewarded, with over $50 million in cash for his shares in Workbrain. The industry will miss his vision, his drive and his passion. Expect him to surface in a few years as this industry is in his blood.

As part of the Workforce Institute, I had the honour of spending time with Tim Lett from Axsium Group. Once an employee of Workbrain, he set out two years ago to build a consulting firm specializing in the selection and implementation of workforce management software. With over 50 dedicated staff, he is on to something that is really required.

Many of these firms struggle with implementation and the change management process involved in implementing these systems. Having a very focused System Integrator that is platform independent can add a lot of value for those purchasing or implementing these complex systems. Tim and his team are continuing to grow and with the recent changes in the space, has become the de facto standard for implementing best practices. Tim is looking for a Marketing Director and senior implementation consultants. Please contact Tim directly at tlett@axsiumgroup.com.

Today I am doing something I have never done before. I am taking a day off to pamper my daughter. Hailey, the oldest of five, is graduating from Grade 8. What is interesting is that my daughter would even be remotely interested in getting her hair done, her makeup done, dressing up in a long dress, having a manicure and pedicure, doing lunch just for the sake of doing lunch … All the things her mother has never done in her lifetime, nor do I really have a craving to do. Besides being the designated chauffeur for the day, I will be taking pictures documenting her life for her Facebook account and ensuring that she remains within the budget we have allocated for the event. Thank God for Blackberries … I can still be remotely connected!