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Business Briefs
Star-Bulletin staff
and wire services
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FAST FACTS HAWAII
NATION
Honda Civic popular first car for teens
Even though many parents and children are divided over the teen's first car, the
Honda Civic is the happy compromise, according to a recent survey from Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.
While the top choice for drivers ages 16 to 25 is a Ford Mustang, 34 percent would roll onto campus with a Honda Civic, the top selection among parents at 43 percent.
But that's where the similarities end.
While the favorites for parents were mostly small sedans from Asian automakers, their children preferred either sportier models or Jeeps. Only one SUV made it on the parents' list -- the medium-sized Ford Escape.
"As you would expect, parents' primary concerns revolve around safety and reliability," said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Young people look for vehicles that define their personality."
Nerad offers these tips for parents looking to buy a car for their teen:
» Do your homework: Check the safety, crash test and rollover ratings. Read reviews in consumer resources.
» You be the judge: Make sure to drive the car yourself to test it and buy a car that you are ultimately comfortable with.
» Hands-on check: Take the vehicle to a local and trusted service shop for a thorough checkup.
Over-50 workers like hospitals
Health care systems and hospitals took most of the top honors in AARP's 2006 Best Employers for Workers Over 50, the list's sixth year. But also among the winners is
Volkswagen of America Inc.
Mercy Health System came out on top. The not-for-profit offers various flexible work options including weekend-only work, work-at-home opportunities and seasonal work programs that allow employees to go on leave for extended periods of time while maintaining their benefits.
Volkswagen, which came in at No. 6, gives both full-time and part-time workers job sharing and telecommuting options and compressed work schedules. The automaker also offers retirees work opportunities such as temporary assignments and consulting work.
"These dynamic employers recognize the importance of creating a mutually beneficial work environment," said AARP CEO Bill Novelli.
Rounding out the top five were Lee Memorial Health System at No. 2 followed by Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Leesburg Regional Medical Center, and Yale-New Haven Center.
Work vs. fulfillment is top concern
Finding a balance between work and personal fulfillment is a top concern, according to a recent survey by Men's Journal, and many workers would take less money if their jobs satisfied them more.
Fifty-five percent of readers surveyed would take a pay cut and 6 percent would take as much as 20 percent less for job fulfillment. However, 57 percent said that making $100,000 a year would make their job worth the frustration. But only 6 percent said no amount of money could compensate for their job woes.
Nearly two out of five readers would dedicate their lives to more adventure if they had a chance to do it all over. Nineteen percent said they would work toward an advanced degree, whereas 2 percent would party more.
The majority of readers lead typical work lives with 83 percent arriving at work by nine o'clock in the morning. Eight out of 10 work weekends, with 12 percent of them working every weekend.
The magazine recently polled 1,000 readers.
BUSINESS PULSE
