Workplace 2005
In just five years, you may not even recognize the business you've created. Take a look at the shape of small business to come.
At your next company meeting, really consider who your employees
are. By 2005, it will be a very different crowd. There will be more
older workers and, conversely, more teens. There will be fewer men
and, for the first time, more Latinos than African Americans. You
may have to get by with fewer workers overall because the labor
market will only get tighter. And you might see them only on
occasion, as telecommuting becomes even more common.
While you're at it, check out your office. By 2005, it will
probably be smaller, and you'll spend less time in it. Gone
will be the small, sequestered offices, replaced by low walls and
an open environment to facilitate collaboration. And, of course, it
will be stuffed with technology we can scarcely imagine.
Not surprisingly, you and your workers will have some different
issues on your minds. They will be more concerned with certain
benefits, such as elder care, and less about others, including
company-paid medical insurance. You'll have bigger training
woes, and you may have to hire someone just to track the schedules
of all the temps, part-timers, telecommuters and other flexible
workers on your payroll.
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Are you ready for Workplace 2005?