Small Business Labs

MAY 11, 2012

For the 2nd week in a row , we have story on dogs.  Workforce's Pet Projects (registration required) covers the growing trend of employers letting employees bring pets to work, especially dogs.   The article says pets in the office reduce stress and increase employee loyalty.   As proof, the article cites a study showing that "pets in the workplace reduce stress, absenteeism and turnover and improve morale." In addition to allowing pets in their offices,

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Small Business Labs

MAY 9, 2012

According to the Kauffman Foundation, the VC industry is very broken. Their report "We Have Met the Enemy. And He Is Us" is a damning analysis of Venture Capital as an asset class and the Venture Capital industry in general. The news here isn't that the VC industry is broken.  This has been actively discussed for years.   The news here is who's saying it's broken.   The Kauffman Foundation has long been a close friend of the VC industry.  In addition t

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Small Business Labs

MAY 7, 2012

The Longevity Economy  is the term the AARP uses to describe the huge economic impact - and numerous business opportunities - presented by the 100 million aging U.S. baby boomers and seniors.    One of the groups tracking the Longevity Economy, and other issues related to aging boomers and seniors, is the MetLife Mature Market Institute  (MMI).   We were introduced to the MMI at the Boomer Summit.  Since then we've been able to review a number of their stu

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Small Business Labs

MAY 8, 2012

In 2020 the youngest baby boomers will be 55, the oldest 74.  Not surprisingly, the aging of this large demographic cohort is going to fundamentally change the nature of the workforce.   As the chart below shows, by 2020  one quarter  of the U.S. workforce will be 55 or older.        The aging workforce is being driven by two main factors - the size of the baby boomer cohort and increases in the workforce participation rate for older workers. 

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