Meet the New Boss: Big Data

When looking for workers to staff its call centers, Xerox Corp. XRX +2.50% used to pay lots of attention to applicants who had done the job before. Then, a computer program told the printer and outsourcing company that experience doesn’t matter.

The software said that what does matter in a good call-center worker–one who won’t quit before the company recoups its $5,000 investment in training–is personality. Data show that creative types tend to stick around for the necessary six months. Inquisitive people often don’t.

By JOSEPH WALKER

Full Story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443890304578006252019616768.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird

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Inteneo Systems http://www.inteneosystems.com

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Big Data Upends the Way Workers Are Paid

Take it from the quant geeks-money can’t always buy workers’ love.

Companies armed with an array of analytic tools are changing the way they pay and keep their workers. Some of these data-driven findings seem counterintuitive: Rotely paying workers more may not be enough to prevent defections. The key may be a flexible work schedule, or simply a nicer boss.

Companies have for decades collected pay data about the industry and rival firms. But the analytics movement is going beyond simple comparisons and making much more complex decisions possible.

By RACHEL EMMA SILVERMAN

Full Story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444433504577651741900453730.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird