Comments on: The Future of Work — Managing the New Workforce http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/ Medium for entrepreneurial-related conversations Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:56:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: crites http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1788 crites Thu, 06 Sep 2007 04:36:16 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1788 Ok, I'll take the bait... I'm an OLS major - so, here's a little of what I've learned in my years of experience and recently in the classroom. The race is not won at the end when the runner crosses the finish line or when the checkered flag drops. The race is won somewhere between the excitement at the beginning, the drops of sweat in-between, the second wind, the small advantages down the stretch, and perhaps even at that time when no one else persevered - and you did... The same is true in the corporate world. The point at which you win the race is not when you get your paycheck, sell you stock, or get that big bonus. The real winning point is in the middle somewhere - the point at which you (or your team) make(s) that winning difference. That winning difference comes from what W. Edwards Deming would call the management and application of (1) the system and (2) profound knowledge. Companies that take these into consideration know the following are bad for business: (1) short-term thinking (2) ranking people (3) merit systems (4) result tampering by management (5) incentive pay & pay for performance The system is, "a network of interdependent components that work together to try to accomplish the aim of the system" (Deming, 1994, p.50). Management of this type of system requires knowledge of interrelationships between the various components and people within the system. A system of profound knowledge takes into account the fact that management must be transformed via individuals in a discontinuous manner. The company must work like an orchestra that is ultimately judged by the listeners. Companies that make accommodations for these types of things (i.e. knowledge = continuing eduction or tuition reimbursement; work from home; none mandatory work hours; etc.) get it and will have the advantage in the workplace of the future. We will see more of these "different" ideas to lure and keep employees in the work place of the future. We are only limited by our imaginations, the effectiveness of our ideas, and the ultimate costs. But, in the end, we will all hopefully benefit in one way or another. For those of you who would like to know more - The W. Edwards Deming Institute Fall Conference will be held at Purdue University 13-14 Oct. 2007. Students and participants may download a registration form at www.conf.purdue.edu/deming --- There are limited scholarships for students that could bring the cost down to $25 for everything (meals, workshops, etc.). For other participants the cost is $250. For more information about the conference content, contact: The Deming Institute at staff@deming.org or call: 301-294-8405. Ok, I’ll take the bait… I’m an OLS major - so, here’s a little of what I’ve learned in my years of experience and recently in the classroom.

The race is not won at the end when the runner crosses the finish line or when the checkered flag drops. The race is won somewhere between the excitement at the beginning, the drops of sweat in-between, the second wind, the small advantages down the stretch, and perhaps even at that time when no one else persevered - and you did…

The same is true in the corporate world. The point at which you win the race is not when you get your paycheck, sell you stock, or get that big bonus. The real winning point is in the middle somewhere - the point at which you (or your team) make(s) that winning difference.

That winning difference comes from what W. Edwards Deming would call the management and application of (1) the system and (2) profound knowledge. Companies that take these into consideration know the following are bad for business:
(1) short-term thinking
(2) ranking people
(3) merit systems
(4) result tampering by management
(5) incentive pay & pay for performance

The system is, “a network of interdependent components that work together to try to accomplish the aim of the system” (Deming, 1994, p.50). Management of this type of system requires knowledge of interrelationships between the various components and people within the system.

A system of profound knowledge takes into account the fact that management must be transformed via individuals in a discontinuous manner. The company must work like an orchestra that is ultimately judged by the listeners.

Companies that make accommodations for these types of things (i.e. knowledge = continuing eduction or tuition reimbursement; work from home; none mandatory work hours; etc.) get it and will have the advantage in the workplace of the future.

We will see more of these “different” ideas to lure and keep employees in the work place of the future. We are only limited by our imaginations, the effectiveness of our ideas, and the ultimate costs. But, in the end, we will all hopefully benefit in one way or another.

For those of you who would like to know more - The W. Edwards Deming Institute Fall Conference will be held at Purdue University 13-14 Oct. 2007. Students and participants may download a registration form at http://www.conf.purdue.edu/deming — There are limited scholarships for students that could bring the cost down to $25 for everything (meals, workshops, etc.). For other participants the cost is $250. For more information about the conference content, contact: The Deming Institute at staff@deming.org or call: 301-294-8405.

]]> By: Deardra Y. http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1780 Deardra Y. Thu, 06 Sep 2007 02:26:45 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1780 One of the major problems in people's lives today is stress, which I'm sure some of comes from work. So why not make things better and more enjoyable for people why they are at work? This will reduce some stress which may help in other aspects of their lives. One reason I chose the major I did here at Purdue was that I want to enjoy waking up and going to work when I start my career. For those who may not have the job of their chose, or even those who do making the workplace that much more relaxed or stressless will in turn make the work they produce that much more effective. One of the major problems in people’s lives today is stress, which I’m sure some of comes from work. So why not make things better and more enjoyable for people why they are at work? This will reduce some stress which may help in other aspects of their lives. One reason I chose the major I did here at Purdue was that I want to enjoy waking up and going to work when I start my career. For those who may not have the job of their chose, or even those who do making the workplace that much more relaxed or stressless will in turn make the work they produce that much more effective.

]]> By: Lauren F http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1779 Lauren F Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:49:28 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1779 I don’t believe that work is always uncomfortable and never ending. I think it is only that way for the people who aren’t doing something they enjoy doing (look at Hank, he‘s getting paid to do this, and he seems to be really enjoying himself J). In that case, they need to get a new job, they’ll live longer without the stress of doing something they hate. I don’t really see people not wanting to leave work as being a problem, either. At least not for the employees who have happy home lives. Aditya made a comment about wanting to abolish uniforms. My comment for him is: What happens when a big client comes in and sees everyone in jeans? Or if they walk by that nice corner office and hear foul language coming from the people sitting inside? I believe that would make the entire business seem very unprofessional, and would discourage clients from returning, or recommending others to that firm. I can see having casual Fridays or something like that, but not allowing your employees to come to work every day in jeans and a t-shirt. Having lounges in businesses where people can play games or take naps is an excellent idea, as long as they are out of the customers’ sight. It keeps the employees happy and refreshed, without ruining the professional image of the company. Day cares in the businesses are also a good idea, that way parents can run down the hall and check on their children if they want to while they are on a break. They also don’t have to worry about the quality of care their child is getting, the can go see for themselves what goes on. I don’t believe that work is always uncomfortable and never ending. I think it is only that way for the people who aren’t doing something they enjoy doing (look at Hank, he‘s getting paid to do this, and he seems to be really enjoying himself J). In that case, they need to get a new job, they’ll live longer without the stress of doing something they hate. I don’t really see people not wanting to leave work as being a problem, either. At least not for the employees who have happy home lives.

Aditya made a comment about wanting to abolish uniforms. My comment for him is: What happens when a big client comes in and sees everyone in jeans? Or if they walk by that nice corner office and hear foul language coming from the people sitting inside? I believe that would make the entire business seem very unprofessional, and would discourage clients from returning, or recommending others to that firm. I can see having casual Fridays or something like that, but not allowing your employees to come to work every day in jeans and a t-shirt.

Having lounges in businesses where people can play games or take naps is an excellent idea, as long as they are out of the customers’ sight. It keeps the employees happy and refreshed, without ruining the professional image of the company. Day cares in the businesses are also a good idea, that way parents can run down the hall and check on their children if they want to while they are on a break. They also don’t have to worry about the quality of care their child is getting, the can go see for themselves what goes on.

]]> By: Lauren Haase http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1699 Lauren Haase Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:12:04 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1699 We also have to look at this as a entrepreneur. This would be great if the business you are running is huge and making mega profits. If you are a small business this is not a great way to run a business. You would not be able to afford to make it feel like home, and to be at the business whenever you feel like it. If you start out paying by the hour you will get workers and still have money to run other parts of business. The idea of a more relaxed workplace sounds great but what happens when they become too relaxed and start doing a horrible job. Than that plan goes down the drain We also have to look at this as a entrepreneur. This would be great if the business you are running is huge and making mega profits. If you are a small business this is not a great way to run a business. You would not be able to afford to make it feel like home, and to be at the business whenever you feel like it. If you start out paying by the hour you will get workers and still have money to run other parts of business.
The idea of a more relaxed workplace sounds great but what happens when they become too relaxed and start doing a horrible job. Than that plan goes down the drain

]]> By: Nirmala Emani http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1682 Nirmala Emani Mon, 03 Sep 2007 07:10:21 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1682 This whole change in the workplace is great. I never imagined that such little changes could cause such a huge impact. As a junior in college and nearing the end of my time at school these are definite ways to lure me to a job. Creating a plan for mom's who leave to have children is something I respect greatly in a company. Also offering people to finish their assignments on their own time is a perfect solution to pickin vacation days and all the mess that goes along with it. Personally I'm somone who enjoys working in the evening time and the whole 9-5 day shift sometimes just doesn't work. The customized benefits are a sure way to get people as well. Sometimes people would rather have a choice and giving a choice shows your employees that you care about their needs and their situations. This whole change in the workplace is great. I never imagined that such little changes could cause such a huge impact. As a junior in college and nearing the end of my time at school these are definite ways to lure me to a job.

Creating a plan for mom’s who leave to have children is something I respect greatly in a company. Also offering people to finish their assignments on their own time is a perfect solution to pickin vacation days and all the mess that goes along with it. Personally I’m somone who enjoys working in the evening time and the whole 9-5 day shift sometimes just doesn’t work. The customized benefits are a sure way to get people as well. Sometimes people would rather have a choice and giving a choice shows your employees that you care about their needs and their situations.

]]> By: Aditya Srinivasan http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1652 Aditya Srinivasan Sun, 02 Sep 2007 03:08:33 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1652 Everyone should read Janam's post coz one of the 140,000 Indians and Chinese is me and I'm gonna getcha Yanks! Kidding!...No I'm not! Actually redesigning the workplace is not only good for bringing the employees back to the cubicle, it also motivates them to do a fine job of what they are doing. For example, when I open my firm, I am gonna destroy the uniform and verbal decency code except for business meetings with other companies and other important meetings. I heard of a company(from my dad) that was constantly failing till a new president took over and abolished uniforms. It is now flourishing(Dang, I don't know the name. I'll ask him and get back). One fine example is the education interaction between the students and professors in the U.S. In India and many other countries the professors only talk to study geeks and classroom 'answer machines' and have a very strict environment in class. The result - NONE of the sane guys/gals like them and they despise them and their subject. The only 'nice' teachers are the ones who teach in Indian schools abroad, like Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai(its a city...NOT A COUNTRY!!) especially the English teachers(who are exceptionally nice!).Thus there is a severe demotivation to learn the subject. But the teachers here mix almost completely with the student's culture and it is amazing! Motivation is high for those interested and for those willing to learn the subject. The same thing happens in the workfield. If you can relax the rules and make yourself and the work place welcoming, you will get motivated people to the place who will work for you and improve company performance. Everyone should read Janam’s post coz one of the 140,000 Indians and Chinese is me and I’m gonna getcha Yanks! Kidding!…No I’m not!
Actually redesigning the workplace is not only good for bringing the employees back to the cubicle, it also motivates them to do a fine job of what they are doing. For example, when I open my firm, I am gonna destroy the uniform and verbal decency code except for business meetings with other companies and other important meetings. I heard of a company(from my dad) that was constantly failing till a new president took over and abolished uniforms. It is now flourishing(Dang, I don’t know the name. I’ll ask him and get back). One fine example is the education interaction between the students and professors in the U.S. In India and many other countries the professors only talk to study geeks and classroom ‘answer machines’ and have a very strict environment in class. The result - NONE of the sane guys/gals like them and they despise them and their subject. The only ‘nice’ teachers are the ones who teach in Indian schools abroad, like Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai(its a city…NOT A COUNTRY!!) especially the English teachers(who are exceptionally nice!).Thus there is a severe demotivation to learn the subject. But the teachers here mix almost completely with the student’s culture and it is amazing! Motivation is high for those interested and for those willing to learn the subject.

The same thing happens in the workfield. If you can relax the rules and make yourself and the work place welcoming, you will get motivated people to the place who will work for you and improve company performance.

]]> By: Jacque http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1594 Jacque Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:09:16 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1594 I do like the idea of a workplace that is enjoyable for their employees. After all, If you enjoy the atmosphere of your workplace you will be much more likely to enjoy the work you are doing, thus perform better. But I am not so sure about these nap stations. Sure I would love to take a nap at work but you come to work not sleep. There would be too many employees hiding out in there napping away instead of doing what they are supposed to. I do like the idea of how Best Buy is letting their employees work when they want, however much they want, as long as they get their work done. Why pay one person who gets nothing done in 8 hours the same as another person that uses those 8 hours to get a whole weeks worth done. It teaches the employees to take the initiative to get their work done. If they want a week off to take a vacation it is up to them to make that happen. If more companies did that sorta thing I think they would have more employees willing to preform at their best. I also like the idea of accommodation for women when they have children. It has to be hard to balance work and your kids. Maybe companies could have like a day care type programs or include paid day care into their benefits. It would really make women want to stay working even after they have children. I do like the idea of a workplace that is enjoyable for their employees. After all, If you enjoy the atmosphere of your workplace you will be much more likely to enjoy the work you are doing, thus perform better. But I am not so sure about these nap stations. Sure I would love to take a nap at work but you come to work not sleep. There would be too many employees hiding out in there napping away instead of doing what they are supposed to. I do like the idea of how Best Buy is letting their employees work when they want, however much they want, as long as they get their work done. Why pay one person who gets nothing done in 8 hours the same as another person that uses those 8 hours to get a whole weeks worth done. It teaches the employees to take the initiative to get their work done. If they want a week off to take a vacation it is up to them to make that happen. If more companies did that sorta thing I think they would have more employees willing to preform at their best. I also like the idea of accommodation for women when they have children. It has to be hard to balance work and your kids. Maybe companies could have like a day care type programs or include paid day care into their benefits. It would really make women want to stay working even after they have children.

]]> By: Victoria http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1577 Victoria Thu, 30 Aug 2007 05:49:25 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1577 I love this idea, of having work be a more enjoyable environment. I think it is important to love what you do; otherwise it shows in your work ethic and progression. When I am unhappy, I am less motivated to succeed. It's important to want to strive for something more then you know, because you are always learning and growing and that will reflect in the work you do. But I also agree with Nate, there has to be a median where work and enjoyment can work together for everyone’s benefit. Also, I like the idea that more companies are catering to women’s needs, such as their work life after giving birth. It is an important issue that many women have not had previously to pursue opportunities as a new mother and working women . I love this idea, of having work be a more enjoyable environment. I think it is important to love what you do; otherwise it shows in your work ethic and progression. When I am unhappy, I am less motivated to succeed. It’s important to want to strive for something more then you know, because you are always learning and growing and that will reflect in the work you do. But I also agree with Nate, there has to be a median where work and enjoyment can work together for everyone’s benefit. Also, I like the idea that more companies are catering to women’s needs, such as their work life after giving birth. It is an important issue that many women have not had previously to pursue opportunities as a new mother and working women .

]]> By: Lorenzo Stout http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1575 Lorenzo Stout Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:38:08 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1575 The fact that we don’t know how the future jobs will be is a mystery within itself. But from the blog, if this if somewhat true or even an idea or thought, I totally agree with the way they are thinking. I like the ideal of women having the opportunity to earn a name for themselves as workers whether than to go to school and get a degree just to answer some bosses phones. Giving the women the ability to work and still be a mother as well as a wife in some cases are great! Not only would this pull women in but it would also create a more diverse group, which could be good for the company. The ideal that we (workers in today’s society) have the option to work out of our homes have to be one of the worse decisions made possible to me. Now don’t get me wrong it has its ups and downs, but in my eyes the cons weigh out the pros. Sure its nice to not have to dress up for work or even get up for work. But the whole purpose of a job is to interact with each other, discuss problems, help each other out. Its kind of hard when your typing everything or your look like your on a bad channel because the webcam is fuzzy. This is where technology has spoiled Americans which makes it easier for the people to just take the easy way out. Considering the fact that I worked at Best Buy for a couple of years, the time sheet issue is gone and it runs pretty smoothly for the most part. You do have problems like anything else in the world. Some things that I say that was a problem was when one rep. go over to another section, the section that they left all of a sudden becomes busy therefore leaving customers with out the service then someone from another dept. has to come over and try to help. But this to causes problems because no everyone knows the product of another dept. leaving a lot of unanswered questions, which leads to unhappy customers. Once again something that has its up and downs. I think what I’m saying is that if you look at the workforce were in now and what’s expected I think one can say… “hey, I don’t think there is nothing wrong with the way things are going.” Once people look at the big picture I think not only the work place but the workers would have a major increase. The fact that we don’t know how the future jobs will be is a mystery within itself. But from the blog, if this if somewhat true or even an idea or thought, I totally agree with the way they are thinking. I like the ideal of women having the opportunity to earn a name for themselves as workers whether than to go to school and get a degree just to answer some bosses phones. Giving the women the ability to work and still be a mother as well as a wife in some cases are great! Not only would this pull women in but it would also create a more diverse group, which could be good for the company.

The ideal that we (workers in today’s society) have the option to work out of our homes have to be one of the worse decisions made possible to me. Now don’t get me wrong it has its ups and downs, but in my eyes the cons weigh out the pros. Sure its nice to not have to dress up for work or even get up for work. But the whole purpose of a job is to interact with each other, discuss problems, help each other out. Its kind of hard when your typing everything or your look like your on a bad channel because the webcam is fuzzy. This is where technology has spoiled Americans which makes it easier for the people to just take the easy way out.

Considering the fact that I worked at Best Buy for a couple of years, the time sheet issue is gone and it runs pretty smoothly for the most part. You do have problems like anything else in the world. Some things that I say that was a problem was when one rep. go over to another section, the section that they left all of a sudden becomes busy therefore leaving customers with out the service then someone from another dept. has to come over and try to help. But this to causes problems because no everyone knows the product of another dept. leaving a lot of unanswered questions, which leads to unhappy customers. Once again something that has its up and downs.

I think what I’m saying is that if you look at the workforce were in now and what’s expected I think one can say… “hey, I don’t think there is nothing wrong with the way things are going.” Once people look at the big picture I think not only the work place but the workers would have a major increase.

]]> By: Barbara http://thinkbeta.com/blog/2007/08/28/the-future-of-work-managing-the-new-workforce/comment-page-1/#comment-1572 Barbara Thu, 30 Aug 2007 01:34:05 +0000 http://thinkbeta.com/blog/?p=246#comment-1572 I think it is great that places such as Google, Proctor and Gamble, and Microsoft are making work more comfortable and less stressful. I also agree with the evaporation of time cards, because people who get paid by the hour tend to slack and take longer to finish tasks. However, with all these incentives people may want to work more, but in the long run if these benefits are not offered at every job there may be employment issues. Also I feel that people should want to work hard all the time not just because they have a kitchen or two clean shirts a week. So I agree with Nate in that work is supposed to be a job not play or relaxation time. I think it is great that places such as Google, Proctor and Gamble, and Microsoft are making work more comfortable and less stressful. I also agree with the evaporation of time cards, because people who get paid by the hour tend to slack and take longer to finish tasks. However, with all these incentives people may want to work more, but in the long run if these benefits are not offered at every job there may be employment issues. Also I feel that people should want to work hard all the time not just because they have a kitchen or two clean shirts a week. So I agree with Nate in that work is supposed to be a job not play or relaxation time.

]]>