6.1: The Workplace
The work world is always changing. Please click on the link below to see a YouTube video entitled “How the World of Work is Changing“ for an introduction to workplace changes in the last 20 years. Some of these changes are explained in this chapter including many changes that occurred only in the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing about these workplace changes and trends will help you make informed decisions when preparing for your future career (Martinez & Shaker, 2021).
Video How the World of Work is Changing [youtu.be]
Trends are general directions in which elements are changing or moving. In the United States’ labor market and workplaces, some trends include certain types of jobs being in demand or decline and potential job growth or slow-downs and changes due to technology and corporate business structures. Knowing about these trends will help you prepare for your future career by being more informed about the current status of careers and potential changes expected in those careers. For example, you probably would not want to pursue a career in a field that is declining due to technological changes.
Several current workplace trends are listed later in this chapter, but these trends always are changing. To research the most current labor market information and trends in Pennsylvania, please visit the State of Pennsylvania’s Center for Workforce Information & Analysis. The State of Pennsylvania’s Center for Workforce Information & Analysis is the primary source of labor market information for the Commonwealth. Their mission is “to produce and provide timely, objective, and credible workforce and economic statistics and analysis to help our customers make informed policy, business and career decisions that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic security” (Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, 2020).