Where We’re Finding Bright Spots in Today's Job Market
Welcome back to Modern Hiring Wisdom. In this edition, we examine the nuanced realities of today's employment landscape while diving into essential leadership insights—including our latest installment of The Wheel of Modern Leadership. We'll explore why certain sectors continue to show strength despite overall market moderation, and share practical wisdom for modern leaders. Read on for market insights and expert guidance.
The latest BLS jobs report presents an interesting picture. At surface level, the employment landscape, including new job openings, appears to remain fairly static month-over-month, adding just 12,000 jobs in October. However, in the last month, some major strikes and tragic hurricanes have had significant impact on employment in several industries.
Digging deeper, the professional and business services sector remains in the list of top growing sectors, with a consistent increase in job openings and new hires in the month of October. This is good news for leaders and professionals in the fields of finance, accounting, and human resources, as well as others.
The Federal Reserve appears to agree. Their first move post-election was to once again cut interest rates, referencing the easing conditions of the labor market. This is the second consecutive cut following their prior rate hike to combat inflation.
Last month, we looked to our local markets, where we are often asked, “What does hiring look like?” Our answer hasn’t changed: Our clients and those referred to us to help them hire are hiring. They continue to hire leaders in HR as well as Controllers within companies that had not previously had a senior accounting leader in their organization. This indicates that companies are growing to a point where they want to professionalize their operations, leverage their data points to help them make informed decisions, and keep their companies safe.
The shift in the landscape is small but significant. We expect hiring activity to continue heating up. In the meantime, it’s important to stay connected and active within your networks. If you need help with hiring or a job search, be sure to reach out to FORTIS today.
In today's dynamic market, having accurate compensation data isn't just helpful—it's essential.
We're excited to soon be sharing our 2025 Southern California Compensation Guide, featuring detailed salary data and market insights for Finance, Accounting, and HR roles across the region.
This year's guide reflects the nuanced reality of our evolving workplace, from shifting benefits packages to emerging compensation trends. Whether you're planning your hiring budget, evaluating market rates, or making strategic workforce decisions, this comprehensive resource will help you navigate the year ahead with confidence.
A sampling of wisdom and news from the FORTIS Resource Partners blog.
The Power of Pause: Why Modern Leaders Need to Step Back to Move Forward
In a world where burnout has become the norm, strategic pauses aren't just luxuries—they're essential leadership tools. Whether it's implementing micro-breaks or creating buffers between meetings, these intentional pauses can prevent burnout, enhance decision-making, and boost creativity. The most successful leaders understand that stepping back isn't stepping away—it's stepping into more thoughtful, sustainable leadership.
This is a topic we’re passionate about. Read the article for more, including the science behind a well-timed pause.
This is one of our latest success stories—a testament to how the right HR leadership can transform a family business.
FORTIS partnered with a second-generation company of 100+ employees to place their first-ever HR leader, with immediate results including:
The President, who had been handling HR duties alongside his core role, found that bringing in dedicated HR leadership was transformative. In his words, “One week in, and we already knew we had made the right decision.”
“Talent is never enough. With few exceptions the best players are the hardest workers.”
- Earvin “Magic” Johnson
At FORTIS, we're committed to helping businesses and professionals navigate the ever-changing landscape of work in California. Whether you're seeking top talent, exploring new leadership models, or looking to understand your worth in the market, we're here to support you every step of the way. Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and insights. Until next time, stay strong and stay focused on your goals.