Five Trends that are Dramatically Changing Work and the Workplace
Written well before the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic roiled conventional working arrangements, the article, Five Trends that are Dramatically Changing Work and the Workplace by Ouye (2011) makes it clear that innovations in communication technologies are effecting fundamental changes in where, when and how people work. For instance, Ouye (2011) presciently predicted that, More and more of us areor will beworking in both non-traditional ways and places, ranging from relying on adaptable furniture and hoteling desks at the central office, to satellite offices, offshore offices, and telework from home (p. 1).
While the Covid-19 pandemic may have accelerated these trends, it is reasonable to suggest that they would have been realized in varying degrees sooner or later. In fact, Ouye (2011) points out that two of the trends he cites have been taking place since the 1990s. These two trends are: 1) the continuing distribution of organizations; and, 2) the availability of enabling technologies and social collaboration tools (Ouye, 2011, p. 1). These two trends have become sufficiently ubiquitous that they are considered self-sustaining and both are projected to continue to intensify for the foreseeable future.
Beyond the foregoing two trends, three other trends are expected to reinforce the effects of the first two as follows: 3) the coming shortage of knowledge workers; 4) the demand for more work flexibility; and, 5) pressure for more sustainable organizations and workstyles (Ouye, 2011, p. 1). While these three trends are especially pronounced in the
…even if these solutions cost more because the alternative is untenable.
Based on the cumulative effects of these five foregoing trends, Ouye (2011) also provides his view about their implications. Among the five key implications identified by the author, two stand out as being most salient in view of the events that have transpired since the articles publication. The first noteworthy implication is, The challenge of keeping workers engaged and connected. While most companies do not enjoy the deep pockets of Google in providing their employees with a plush workplace with all the amenities, it is still vitally important to ensure that open lines of communication are maintained and employees are empowered to reach out when they need help or answers. The second significant implication is, Adopting new work practices. Companies that have invested years or even decades in crafting a business model that has work well for them in the past are reluctant to make the changes that are needed to develop…
