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The Workforce of the Future: Implications for Industrial Relations, Education and Training

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2023

Russell D. Lansbury
Russell D. Lansbury*
Affiliation:
University of Sydney
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Abstract

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This paper examines new forms of work organisation which may emerge in the coming decade, as the distinction between white and blue collar work fades and occupational status is defined more in terms of skills and knowledge. Demarcation barriers between skilled and unskilled work, trades and professions will become less relevant as multiskilling and inter-changeability of personnel becomes a requirement in most organisations. The proportion of self employed in the workforce will also increase and most people will work on contracts rather than be guaranteed long-term employment with one organisation. Few people will pursue the same occupation throughout their working lives. Retraining will become a constant requirement to ensure that skills remain relevant. While the latest technologies will continue to be used in order to maintain a high standard of living, there will be pressures on industry and governments to retain some labour intensive forms of work in order to contain levels of unemployment. Three possible scenarios are presented for the future of work in the twenty-first century.

Type
Contemporary Issues
Information
The Economic and Labour Relations Review , Volume 5 , Issue 1 , June 1994 , pp. 104 - 116
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1994

Footnotes

*

This is a revised version of a paper commissioned by the House of Representatives Standing Committee for Long Term Strategies inquiry into the Workforce of the Future (Chaired by the Hon Barry O Jones MHR).

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