Employment in the 21st century

Multimillion dollar salaries, business travel across continents, lucrative perks and incentives, organisations with flat hierarchy, winding of big companies and unanticipated lay-offs... The employees of the current century have seen it all. There is a paradigm shift, be it the dynamic work culture, or changing technologies or in meeting the increasing demands of clients. The following sections explain some of the important trends of “Employment in the 21st century”. It also highlights the expectations of the employers and the rapid changes that have revolutionized the workplace.

A) Multitasking and multiple skills The workplace demands employees who multi task, acquire multiple and need-based skills. It is not only a question of cost optimisation, but the employer adopting a leaner, meaner and efficient operational strategy. So generalists are in high demand. Of course, specialists are still preferred for roles that require niche expertise. Employees who multi-task and acquire multiple skills add lot of value to organisations.

B) Social media and adapting to technologies Social media and new technologies play an important role in many businesses. Using social media and the ability to grasp different technologies and use them comfortably have become the basic norm for employees, irrespective of their area of specialization, or the projects they are involved in. Employees who have an edge in these areas will be able to move up the career ladder, quickly.

C) Career transitions and increased aspirations Gone are the days of working for a company for 50 years or working in a particular domain or specializing in only one area of work. Employees have greater aspirations and are not hesitant to change careers, jobs and the huge employment opportunities are an impetus. Employers also prefer employees with diverse experiences. Such employees pass on the benefit of their rich experiences, sheer resourcefulness and understanding of different cultures. They are also to think on their feet in managing and solving problems. Similarly, sabbaticals and volunteering experiences are not frowned upon, even in conventional organisations, as long as they enhance the skills and employability of the employees and translate to tangible values for the organisation.

D) Cross-cultural sensitivity, EQ and IQ Business enterprises are targeting unmapped boundaries and expanding their geographical presence in all areas of the world. Employees working in the technology or client servicing or sales function work and interact with different nationalities. Be it a video conference or a business lunch, the emphasis on understanding cross-cultural sensitivity cannot be overstated. So the typical modern day employee is one who is not just high on EQ and IQ, but adopts a hands-on approach in dealing issues related to cross-cultural sensitivity.

E) Critical thinking and people management Businesses are undergoing major transformations. There are sudden and unanticipated changes, from IT to dot com to social media. So there is a huge demand for people who can think critically, analyse business challenges and scan the market and explore new opportunities. Apart from this approach to business, the employees should also be able to suggest and implement better and smarter methods to execute projects. This also calls for a high degree of people management, networking and also being able to reach to the right people at the right time.

F) Independent Employees who can think and act independently are resourceful and highly prepared, not only in meeting business requirements, but in handling crisis. They also prove to be important assets to organisations. Organisations don’t prefer people who can only carry out orders and instructions.

Conclusion: The modern day employees, many of whom are more popularly referred ‘knowledge workers,’ are an interesting phenomenon. They are a part of an ever-changing and evolving work culture. In the following years, there will be an addition of the different practices that they adapt and are expected to adapt. This will contribute to an in-depth-analysis of the topic ‘Employment in the 21st century’.