The Emerging Workplace - Will Everyone Cope

The traditional large workplace was characterised by its structured approach with set and predictable tasks for people to complete. For many employees, although the work is not truly satisfying, the structure provides a level of comfort, stability and 'knowness' in their lives.

The emerging trend of the future workplace is quite different, and is already being experienced across different professions, from tradies to accountants, and different industries, from mining to healthcare. Work may be a set of projects or contracts being completed by a group of people who have the skills, knowledge and competencies needed. People move from project to project, not necessarily for the same company.

It will require people to move beyond choosing one job or career for life. People will need to gain a clear understanding of their talents and interests and how these might be applied to the changing work that is available throughout their working life (see Career). Skills become a commodity.

Many people are enthusiastically embracing this change, expecting their work life to be made up of exciting new projects, meeting new people and learning new skills. It can allow people to indulge in family, travel and hobbies during the 'down time' between projects.

'Down time' between projects will be very stressful for the less established and/or less skilled sections of the workforce and those who are not savy managing their personal finances. Worry and stress about how to pay the bills, how long it will be before the next project and will the next project mean that the family and/or support network live in two different places.

As this workplace becomes the norm, the community will have to examine other systems and frameworks. How can a person get a loan without a 'permanent' job? How to handle social issues and provide support to families? Are the taxation and industrial relations frameworks suitable?

Do you have the skills, confidence and mindset to thrive in the emerging workplace? How can your organisation take advantage of the people resources actively embracing this mode of work already?