The Changing Workplace

Term Paper # 1902

Business > Companies
Business > Human Resources
Business > Management

A discussion of the ways companies must adapt to the changing attitudes and values towards work.

2,760 words () | 10 sources | 2000

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses ways in which the workplace is changing. According to the paper, old values of long service and loyalty are being replaced by high productivity, effectiveness and adaptability to changing conditions. The paper discusses how companies have adapted to consumer expectations. Advantages of new technology and flexible work schedules are looked at, as well as the problems. Alternative work schedules such as job share are discussed. The paper concludes that in the light of increasing customer demands, changing expectations, global competition and markets, combined with employee interest in achieving a better and more complete work/life balance, the initial inconvenience of implementation, will be more than offset by gains in productivity and strategic competitiveness.

From the Paper:

"In recent years, a combination of factors has led to a paradigm shift related to very basic issues of the nature of work, the workplace, management and employees. The impact of information and communications technology; globalization of markets leading to bigger, more diverse markets and increased competition; and the constant pressure to increase efficiency while reducing costs. To compete effectively, companies are challenged to create new products, maximize efficiencies at the factory and corporate level and increase penetration within existing markets, all the while keeping customers satisfied with high levels of service which may span several time zones. Old values of long service and loyalty are being replaced by high productivity, effectiveness and adaptability to changing conditions."