The DAISHOconomy – why working in the 21st century is different

October 17th, 2007 by Carmen Schubert

Demographical changes are next to globalization one of the greatest challenges for economy, politics, and society. More frequently decision-makers advise of the problems and challenges that will result from population development. Both, employees and companies have to make arrangements for changing basic conditions. Looking around, the work environment of the 21st century has dramatically changed – speed, volume, and complexity of work has increased. People do not longer work for only one company throughout their lives – it is rather common today to change the employer every three to five years.

Furthermore, the classical “9-to-5” job does not exist anymore. Life is moving faster – and hence, growing more complex. Flexible work hours and different workplaces have therefore become common. Setting work hours according to the individual’s requirements and giving them the “freedom” to work from home presents how the work environemt has changed. Flexibility is hereby the “magic” word. To be flexible (and successful) in such a dynamic work environment, basic tools and methods are needed to coordinate your daily business activities.

Another fact proofing that the work environment has changed is the diversification of the corporate structure. International competition, globalization, and modern technology have prompted organizations to consider downsizing, restructuring, and outsourcing as business strategies. Those “strategies” cause the personal work environment to become increasingly dynamic. As a consequence, employees have to prevail among their colleagues and position themselves. Knowledge, soft skills, and experiences are hereby important key factors that enables them to stay competitive in the market.

To face the challenges of this dynamic work environemt and hence, be successful in the market, three things are essential:

your goals, your contacts and (your) time.

If you know what your goals are, if you have a strong (business) network, and if you are able to manage and plan your time, you are “prepared” to face these challenges.

With our new series, we want to highlight the “changes in the work environment” and provide solutions how to face it. In the next article, we will discuss what consequences these changes have for the individual.

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