As the global economy begins to recover from years of recession, the employment world continues to suffer challenges as it tries to move forward and keep up with the changing economy. Dealing with the changing demographic of workers and the corresponding changes in work habits and work ethics means that employers have to find new ways of attracting workers to jobs and encouraging them to stay.

For many employers, the difficulties and legalities faced with this new kind of employee field can be overwhelming. Seeking advice and guidance from experienced sources is the key to succeeding. Many law firms, such as DLA Piper, tackle these issues every day, handling everything from acquisitions and employee relations to risk management. A visit to DLA Piper COO Bob Bratt’s blog is a great way to learn more about the methods they use to assist employers in this new economy.

Challenges of the modern employer

The effects of the economy recovering from the recession have been far-reaching. As the dynamics of the workplace have changed, with many companies failing to survive because they could not adapt to the needs of the new global economy, some companies have risen to the challenge, embracing the new climate in a variety of ways.

As “boomers” begin to leave the workplace behind, a new generation of workers is approaching the job trough with specific demands regarding their work schedules and work environments. “Gen X” and “Gen Y” employees, encompassing workers from their early twenties through to mid-forties, want a good deal more control over the conditions of their employment, where and when they work, and are far more likely to hold more than one part-time job rather than a full-time position. Moreover, while Gen Xers are more comfortable with traditional ways of working, Gen Yers are more resistant to it and can therefore be difficult to recruit.

One way that employers are handling this need for flexibility and control in employees is to expand their remote access or work-from-home positions. In fact, so many employers have embraced virtual work that it is rare to find a company that does not offer this as an option. This not only helps to attract and retain employees but also helps save the company money, all but eliminating the need for large workspaces.

Adapting to a recovering and ever-changing economy is not easy. As employees seek out flexible jobs and more control over their careers, employers are making the changes necessary to attract these workers and, more importantly, keep them.