Contingent workers Many businesses in Dutchess County, particularly those in retail trade and services industries, employ a significant number of part-time and temporary workers. Businesses with long operating hours, seasonal fluctuations, sporadic surges in business activity, or those in need of workers with specialized skills often employ contingent workers. Also, some workers find part-time or temporary work arrangements desirable. In addition, introducing or expanding several employer practices could attract workers. Some examples of these include flexible hours, higher wages, benefits, and employee-sharing among complementary seasonal industries.
Computer technology permeates virtually every industry and occupation.
Both entry-level and incumbent workers need to harness computer technology to be productive. Communication with the business community Comprehensive, accurate, and timely information is essential for building and maintaining an effective workforce development system. Nearly 60 percent of the employer respondents to this survey volunteered to participate in future e-mail or telephone surveys. Discussion prompted by the survey should serve as the beginning of a systematic dialogue between the business community and the workforce development community. The Dutchess County employer survey served as a catalyst for other initiatives.