New ways
Each of the terms on the previous page represents a change in the ways we think about and organise our working lives. Many of them are responses to wider social, economic and technological changes, such as some of those discussed in the section on strategic thinking. Work has been affected by radical changes to:
When we work during the day, week and year: the 9-5 day and the Monday-Friday working week have been overtaken by the 24/7 society.
Where we work: Telecommunications has accelerated a trend for organisations and individuals to consider new locations for carrying out work, including the home.
When, during our lifetimes, we work and study: Learning has become something that happens through the lifetime, not just for the young. Demographic pressures are changing our practices and ideas of retirement.
The relationship is between us and those we work for; A greater number of people work in ways that fall outside permanent full-time employment through agencies, on temporary contracts, through self-employment or consultancy. Even those in permanent full-time employment may feel that there is no longer any expectation of loyalty or commitment from either side.
Here you will be provided with a brief overview of these changes and then asked to consider the implications for you and your future.
