The use of external labor is widespread, comprising as much as 30 percent to 50 percent of the total global workforce. Companies of all sizes, and in all industries and geographies, have a large flexible workforce on the ground around the world, including contingent workers, independent contractors, workers engaged through Statements of Work (SOWs), offshore resources and those involved in a variety of other project-based services.

As the pace of business accelerates and competition intensifies, companies in virtually all industries are confronting greater uncertainty and complexity. In the face of such challenges, HR has the potential to be a significant strategic asset by ensuring that companies have the human capital they need to compete and the ability to react fast to changing environments.

The Greek people have said a resounding no to their creditors. So where does the country go now, to avert all-out economic collapse?

Shippers are still steaming over delays caused by West Coast dockworkers during contract negotiations with terminal operators in late 2014 and early 2015. But problems at the region's ports extend well beyond union intransigence.