Workplace changes to expect this year
2010 will be marked by several changes in the evolving relationship between those who work and those who pay to have work done, says Tamara Erickson, author of Retire Retirement: Career Strategies for the Boomer Generation.
The approaches companies use to respond to difficult business conditions don't only affect the company, they leave a lasting impression on the workers and their teen-age children, who draw conclusions for their career strategy based on their parents' experience.
In her view, prominent workplace trends throughout 2010 include:
Second jobs. More people will maintain two sources of income than ever before. Instead of relying on the onetime holy grail of employment — a salaried job with full benefits — smart workers will create a series of backup options.
A second job or even a small entrepreneurial venture provides a safety net, giving workers a small measure of control over their fate in an increasingly unstable environment.
Less "off hours" work. Making full-time employees take a day a week "off" planted some new questions in the minds of employees who are already going full tilt.
Just what is a "day?" Eight hours? Twenty percent of the time you normally work each week? Expect to see more push back this year, she says, in part because many individuals will be spending time advancing that second work option.
Heading further off site. Work arrangements will become more varied, reflecting the needs and preferences of people in different generations and stages of life.
This means many individuals will be able to bargain for whatever unique work arrangements they prefer — and companies will need to offer greater choice.
The characteristics of knowledge work are such that having workers physically present in one place and time becomes far less important than it was for production jobs.
Technology enables new ways of working — asynchronous and virtual, Erickson maintains, warning that those who fail to embrace these changes may be in trouble.
Does any of this describe where you work? Are you ready for the changes ahead?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Greg | Mar 9, 2022 3:22:30 PM
I would love a day a week off, and only have to go in Monday to Thursday. Even if that meant lower pay. I need an extra day to clean the house, shop and do yardwork, as the kids are too demanding to get this done on the weekends.
Posted by: Mat | Mar 9, 2022 4:45:29 PM
I completely agree with the two job scenario you describe. Im only JUST starting out in my career (hopefully, if all goes according to plan in the next three to six months) but have worked steady now in at least two jobs for the past three years. Once I finished University it was necessary to have a relatively high year round income base to start paying bigger bills and live beyond the basic comforts of a student. Since then it has not been un-common for me to hold 3 sometimes 4 jobs simultaneously; it is the sad but necessary reality young people face today.
Posted by: Sd | Mar 11, 2022 2:28:38 PM
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