HR experts predict changes in six workforce categories, emphasizing greater collaboration via technology. Two American CEOs filled with high hopes pledge to find the best talent, walk the tightrope between work and family and think like Wane Gretzky. Recently-polled Canadians exhibit a characteristic NIMBY-ism: They expect the economy to worsen but few think their incomes will suffer.

When do you think the North American economy will turn around?
To answer, click here.

Our economy may be dwindling, but absurdity in the corporate world is skyrocketing. Citi Bank's staffers were encouraged to download the bank's jingle as their mobile phone's ringtone. While schools battle grade inflation, well-meaning managers seem to be openly encouraging title-inflation. Yet their over-burdened, under-paid employees would rather see a rash of salary-inflation. Workplace cynics will delight in the 2008 Twaddle Awards.

Britain's published unemployment figures don't include the working poor who make 20 per cent of the population. According to an influential think tank, 5.3 million employees suffer from "in-work poverty," earning paltry salaries that keep them below the poverty line. The government is addressing this issue as a long term challenge. So, in effect, the current situation's much, much worse.

Guerrilla tactics among job seekers are on the rise. Stories of unemployed professionals wearing sandwich boards advertising their qualifications are increasingly commonplace. One enterprising individual has even offered to pay for a job interview opportunity. However, there's a fine line between clever and unprofessional. A good rule of thumb is not to provoke a would-be employer to call security, or worse, to release the hounds.