Tomorrow??s evolving workplace: Continuous employment
Source: Tracey Wilen-Daugenti
Just as the U.S. workforce has begun to accept the economy’s impact on employment, it’s about to change again. Among the trends to watch for: Small businesses will continue to drive job creation, and multiple gigs will replace lifelong, single-employer careers as workers compete in the global market for skilled labor.
“Society 3.0: How Technology Is Reshaping Education, Work and Society” offers several predictions for workers and employers to survive this turbulent employment climate. This series of posts will spotlight some of these predictions, offer tips for how workers can obtain the skills that will keep them employed today and in the future, and advise businesses on how to recruit and retain a talented, adaptable workforce.
Multiple jobs and employers
Gone are the days when people spent 40 years at the same job and walked away with a solid handshake and commemorative watch. Today’s workers can expect to leap between jobs and employers at least 10 times throughout their lives. The proliferation of virtual organizations (in which full-time employees and freelancers team up to tackle short-term projects) will further accelerate this trend, as more people work remotely or become contractors. Workers must plan diligently for employment over longer life spans, and must continuously match their experience and education with job trends in their field.
The constant advance of technology will further force workers’ skills under the microscope. To succeed, according to Society 3.0, they must acquire technology-oriented job skills to master mobile devices, cloud computing, social media, and networking software and hardware. Employers will expect workers to perform more complicated data analysis to improve customer relationships, speed product development, and cut overhead costs. Technically proficient small business owners can reduce their computing and startup expenses by acquiring these skills themselves, and can even launch a side career by offering these services to other firms.
What does this mean for…
Workers?―Telecommuting is up 400%, and by 2015 there will be an estimated 14 million freelancers, according to Society 3.0. Whether you’re currently employed, entering college, pursuing grad school, or job hunting, consider learning the skills and discipline to work remotely, either for a full-time employer or for yourself. This may require additional education, including technical courses, certification updates, or a related degree. Also, consider telecommuting opportunities when applying for jobs rather than only targeting positions within a specific geographical area.
Businesses?―You may not intend to become a solely virtual company, but expect some traditions, such as face-to-face meetings, to fade due to cost savings and convenience. And don’t let your talent pool―or business opportunities―fall behind. Look for workers with skill sets and education backgrounds that include virtual conferencing, mobile business applications, social network collaboration, and cloud technologies. They will help position your firm to lead while seizing the tech-driven opportunities the next decade is sure to bring.
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