Welcome to the second issue of Mercer’s global Human Capital Perspective newsletter for 2008. This online publication is designed to discuss and stimulate thinking around effective human capital management in today’s competitive global marketplace.

Each issue features an array of articles containing insights and advice from Mercer and our consultants and clients around the globe. These articles will reflect three key areas of challenge within human capital:

We hope you find this newsletter to be informative, helpful and, most important, relevant as your organization strives to achieve competitive advantage and business success on the global stage.

Feature articles

Click on the headlines below to read the individual articles in this issue of the newsletter

Steady as you go

Charlie Scott, global leader of Mercer’s human capital business, offers insights for managing human capital in an economic downturn – and what is likely to be different this time around.  

Building the brand through better talent management

Excerpted from Mercer’s new anthology on business transformation, this article describes how Philips Oral Health Care effectively used workforce architecture to enhance its marketing function in order to build and sustain the company’s premium brand. 

Managing the middle: Engaging an overlooked talent segment

Drawing on various Mercer research efforts in the UK, this article examines the vital role played by middle management in motivating and retaining employees, running operations and, most importantly, growing revenue. 

Transforming HR at the New York City Department of Education

As part of a broad reform effort, the largest public school system in the US overhauled its human resources department, successfully enhancing HR operations and improving human capital management. 
 

Total rewards challenges in the emerging markets of the Middle East

The HR landscape in this dynamic region reflects some distinctive economic and cultural realities that are presenting both local companies and new entrants with significant total rewards challenges. 

Also in this issue

• Mercer hosts annual Latin America & Caribbean HR Forum

• Mercer to have strong presence at 2008 WorldatWork conference

• Swiss employees paid best, new Mercer study shows

• Mercer College Asia announces 2008 learning opportunities

• New report helps to navigate HR trends in Europe