Human Resource Management

Globalization is happening all over the world and different things are changing. One thing that is changing and will continue to change over the next decade is the labor force. New demands and the rise of technology are changing the way executives are running their companies. In this paper I will discuss several changes that the workforce has and is experiencing. Then I will explain how these changes will affect the human resource management field.

Changes to the Labor Force

The labor force will experience several changes in the next decade which means employees need to brace themselves for what is to come. Several companies are changing to an always open policy to fit the needs of international customers and even those in the U.S. in different time zones. Also companies are relying on computers more than before. Already many administrative tasks such as processing payroll and handling benefits are automated. Companies are incorporating Web interface programs that allow them to provide self-service applications. One company who uses this system is General Motors whose employee portal lets employees update their emergency contact information and enables managers to approve subordinates' pay raises. "Studies have shown that self-service applications cut HR cost by 44%" (Arabe, K.).

Years ago the Bush administration done away with collective bargaining right for many employees which now labor unions have to deal with tough odds and diminishing membership. In the 1990s union members lost 1.5 million jobs because of U.S. manufacturing slowdown. Over the years more than half a million workers created new unions. More pharmacists and physicians are expected to join unions because of upheavals in the medical market. Now employees are grappling many difficulties including decline in benefits and retirement savings, longer hours and heavier workloads. Employers have to deal with the dissatisfaction from the recurring drops and skilled workers leaving for better paying jobs. Many employees working in cubicles will have to say good bye to their spaces soon. Office designs are moving toward more common workplaces with private desk areas. Companies will not be able to recruit employees anymore without having a defined benefit plan. Technology has become more important for people to do their jobs. "Employees are now working more than two days a week outside their office. Over 28 million people "telecommute" under official company policies and millions more "telwork" unofficially one or more days a week" (Arabe, K.).

Years ago it was expected that the labor force would be in dire need of employees. Falling birth rates, aging baby boomers and anticipated economic growth are various trends that were expected to produce a job surplus. Currently many aging baby boomers will keep on working because of the decrease in retirement savings, there still is not enough