What Are New Jersey’s Employers Really Thinking

Apr 2010

(Livingston) On May 19th, the Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) convenes its 94th Annual Meeting. Through world wars, economic depressions, technological change and up to and through September 11, 2001, the employers’ group has strived to provide accurate and objective information and advice to employers.  But the 2-year recession and the year-long rancorous debate over health care reform, culminating in a new national law, may be a game changer, according to the group’s president.

“We spent many months on layoffs, furloughs and pay cuts, it was very challenging,” says John Sarno, EANJ’s president.  “But it became clear that the bigger and more important changes that were occurring in the economy were being missed in the struggle for survival.”

Health care reform was transformational but “the toxic mix of uncertainty and misinformation made matters worse,” he says. Through the noise, however, it became clear that business was becoming permanently altered.  Sarno called it “the New Normal.”

EANJ has since launched the “New Normal Tour,” where Sarno is meeting with employers around the state.  Through these meetings he hopes to better understand what employers are thinking and feeling and to discuss and exchange coping strategies and success stories.

“The meetings have been enlightening and energizing.  Employers who care about the future, about succeeding under changed circumstances want to share and contribute.  They are tired of the political nonsense and all of the gloom and doom talk.  They want a real understanding of what is going on and they want to win,” he says.

Much of the discussion has centered around health care reform.  Sarno, a lawyer, has taught health care law and written a book but he is not lecturing employers about the law. “We are focusing on employee engagement, doing more with less, and wellness and health and disease prevention is a big part of that”, he says.

Employers that join the tour can attend the May 19th meeting free of charge and hear from a blue-ribbon panel of experts on health care reform and related issues.

Employers who are not able to attend the meetings can also follow the proceedings on Twitter.

“There are some great people out there who don’t want to shout and yell about the end of the world.  They want to understand  and adapt and be successful.   They defy the pessimism of the times and want to add value to their work, careers and their company.  I am proud to be with people who care,” Sarno adds.

Attendance has comprised owners of small business, accountants and mid-sized firms and human resource managers. Firms have represented a cross section of New Jersey’s employers, from manufacturers, banks and nonprofit organizations.

For more information on the New Normal Tour, click here.