There’s no question that the workplace is changing quickly. As it does, the issues affecting business owners are changing, as well.
Adaptability has never been more important in business, and the decision-makers that recognize and address changes before it’s too late can help write the rules for the next chapter in workplace trends.
The American Society for Training and Development identified eight key issues in three distinct areas of business that owners say are at the top of their lists, and compiled them in a report, “The ASTD Trends Watch.” The report highlights critical forces shaping today’s workplace and prognosticates how those forces will affect tomorrow’s workplace.
For more information on the report visit the ASTD’s Web site at www.astd.org.
Changing competitive landscape
Demography. Population shifts will transform the workplace as baby boomers age and racial and ethnic diversity increases.
The race for talent. There’s a war afoot for the very best and brightest. It’s not about money, and only the creative will succeed.
Technical skills. Continuous employee education programs are necessary to keep pace with rapidly changing skill set needs.
Thriving and achieving growth issues
Cultural due diligence. The cultural make-up of the work force is changing as merger and acquisition mania sweeps across all levels of business and industry. Globalization is here and will grow.
Leadership. Do you know who will lead your company tomorrow? Start grooming employees now to assume key leadership roles.
Emerging requirements for governance
Intellectual capital. How can you measure or report on this all-too-important intangible? Do you even recognize it within your company?
Income inequality. The gap between high-income and low-income workers is growing. Are salaries competitive within your company? If not, what are the implications as the gap widens?
Public policy. How can changes in government regulations affect your work force development?
Dustin Klein ([email protected]) is editor of SBN.
