Employees may get lot more demanding

By Anita Bruzzese
Gannett News Service

Ever wonder what the future holds?

In a special report from the World Future Society, which has tracked trends for some 40 years, both employers and employees can gain valuable insight into the workplace.

For example, the Bethesda, Md.-based group believes the work ethic in America is fading, and more employees in the future will want jobs that don't just hand them a paycheck — but ones that they find fulfilling. Already, 55 percent of top executives polled by Louis Harris say such an attitude "will have a major negative effect on corporate performance in the future."

The society says the implications are clear: "The new generation of workers cannot simply be hired and ignored. They must be nurtured, paid well, and made to feel appreciated. Training is crucial. Without the opportunity to learn new skills, young people will quickly find a (new) job that will help them to prepare for the rest of their career."

As for those in the 30-plus age range — Generation X — the society notes that their continuing entrepreneurial spirit will affect large companies.

"Lifelong learning is nothing new (to Generation X). It's just the way that life is. Companies that can provide diverse, cutting-edge training will have a strong recruiting advantage over competitors that offer fewer opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge base. (They) have little interest in their employers' needs. They also have a powerful urge to do things their way."

Other findings from the trend report:

• It will be increasingly tough to find managers who have broad enough experience to run a top company because there is such a demand for "specialized" managers.

• Executives, leery that the traditional career path can't work anymore in the long run, may feel more compelled to start their own companies.

• Companies in developed nations often face a huge number of government regulations. As a result, those businesses in nations where regulations are being stripped away — such as in China or India — may surge ahead in economic growth.

• Because of tough international competition, it will be critical that businesses place new emphasis "on rewarding speed, creativity and innovation within the workforce."

• Nearly every job, even entry-level, requires some kind of computer knowledge.

• The growing minority population means companies will hire more minorities than ever before, and will be "expected to adapt to their values and needs. Much of the burden of accommodating foreign-born residents will continue to fall on employers, who must make room for their languages and cultures in the workplace."

For more information on the World Future Society, check out www.wfs.org.