Changing Workplace and Career Opportunities

Changing Workplace and Career Opportunites

Imagine your caretaker has just ordered your favorite pizza on a delivery app on their phone, and you are so excited. You are tracking the delivery in real-time to see when they will arrive at your house.

The pizza comes, and you see something you did not expect when you go to the door. The delivery driver does not look like the person seen in the image. Instead, it was a robot! The robot drove through your neighborhood from the pizza shop and brought hot food to your doorstep.

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Think about the scenario that was just presented above about ordering pizza. In that story, what do you think the differences are between the way you order pizza now and the way pizza may have been ordered just 10 years ago?

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As a result of automation, machines now complete tasks that people did previously. For example, at some stores, there are self-checkout lines. These machines allow you to scan and bag your items while they process your payments and provide receipts. All without the need for a human to intervene. This is certainly different from how it was in the past.

At some stores, there are no cashiers. Instead, there are new customer service positions to troubleshoot and maintain self-checkout machines and store management jobs to oversee the self-checkout area.

In addition to automation, you might have used artificial intelligence (AI). Many times if you are on a website, you will see a chat button in the lower right-hand corner. Typically, before those chats reach a human, you are talking with a chatbot, a computer program that simulates a conversation. The chatbots attempt to answer questions, provide recommendations, and even assist with online shopping. These bots have significantly improved user experience and customer service for companies.

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Lastly, the Internet has greatly impacted the workforce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, workers had to shift to working online using tools like Zoom, Microsoft, and Google to collaborate and communicate with their peers without being in the same physical local. The Internet has transformed our work environment and made it possible to work remotely.

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Multiple Select

Which technological advancements include machines taking over jobs that were previously done by people?

Select all that apply!

• Internet

• Automation

• Virtual Reality

• Artificial Inteligence

Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of the world. Press through the screens below to learn more about how globalization has changed the workforce in the following ways: 

• outsourcing 

• multinational teams 

• imports and exports 

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Globalization

Outsourcing is when a company sends a portion of its work to people at a different company, often outside the country, to complete. Outsourcing is part of globalization because it allows companies to take advantage of lower costs and diverse skills.

For example, Amazon will outsource its customer support to a call center in India or the Philippines.

Outsourcing

When people work together from different countries or cultures within the same group to achieve a task, they are considered a multinational team. These teams will typically meet on an online platform like Zoom to collaborate on projects.

Multinational teams directly result from globalization because they allow companies and organizations to have diverse perspectives, skills, and knowledge worldwide, boosting creativity and problem-solving.

Multinational Teams

To import means bringing products and services from another country into your own. Exporting means selling products and services to a different country. For example, if you look at the tag on your shirt, it was likely not made in the United States, but in another country, such as Bangladesh or China. The shirt seen here was exported from Bangladesh and imported by the United States.

These activities promote international trade, facilitate economic growth, and contribute to countries depending on one another, a significant aspect of globalization

Imports and Exports

Match

Match the globalization-related concepts with its real world example.

• Imports and Exports

• Outsourcing

• Multinational Team

A US Car is shipped and sold in Japan

Apple hires call centers worldwide

Worldwide gamers form teams

• 
  

  
  

  A US Car is shipped and sold in Japan

• 
  

  Apple hires call centers worldwide

• Worldwide gamers form teams

The workplace is constantly changing, and this includes the people who make up the workforce. Demographic shifts in the workplace refer to a change in the makeup of a population involving age, gender, and background of working people.

For example, consider the age of working people. Many people are working longer, past retirement, and younger workers are entering with different passions and skills than previous generations. Read more below.

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Demographic Shifts

People are living longer, healthier lives than ever before, so individuals are choosing to work beyond traditional retirement years. Improved healthcare and shifting financial needs contribute to this trend.

As the aging population continues to work, companies must adapt to manage a more diverse age range within their workforce.

Aging Workforce

At the same time, there are many young people just starting their careers. Younger generations are entering the workforce with fresh perspectives, a strong understanding of technology, and different priorities.

Companies are finding that they need to change the way that they do things to attract and keep young workers.

Younger Workforce

In addition to the changing demographics, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion. There is a focus on having a mix of people from different backgrounds, including age, gender, race, and more.

Many people firmly believe that a diverse workforce will encourage innovation and creativity. Companies are working hard to make sure everyone feels welcome and heard.

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Open Ended

What are the benefits or challenges of demographic shifts in the workplace?

Edio | Commonwealth Charter Academy

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Multiple Select

Which of the following jobs are more likely to experience growth due to advances in technology and automation?

Select all that apply!

• Telephone operators

• robotics

• word processors and typists

• user experience designers

With careers emerging and outlooks of current careers changing, it is important that individuals have adaptable and transferable skills. You never know when you might need to make a career change, and those types of skills will support you.

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Edio | Commonwealth Charter Academy

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Multiple Choice

What does the FLATE program focus on?

• 
  The FLATE program focuses on relearning skills that you were taught at a previous job.

• The FLATE program focuses on minimizing your skillset so you can do one specific job.

• The FLATE program focuses on skills needed to excel in today's advanced manufacturing workplace.

• 
  The FLATE program focuses on building robots and designing metal parts only.

To succeed in an ever-changing workplace, you will need adaptable and transferable skills. Press through the screens below to learn about the following skills:

• communication skills

• problem-solving

• digital literacy

• creativity and innovation

• lifelong learning

• adaptability

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Workplace Skills

Edio | Commonwealth Charter Academy

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Remember, no one starts with all the skills needed to thrive in a changing workplace. It's all part of the journey. You'll gain these skills with time and experience, and every step you take is a step closer to success. Embrace each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow, and soon, you'll find yourself well-equipped to excel in any dynamic environment.

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Multiple Choice

Read the scenario below.

You have just started a new job at a technology company. Your manager assigns you a project involving software you have never used before. This software is vital for the project's success, so you cannot get rid of it and simply use one you are familiar with. The project is due at the end of the week.

Based on the scenario, what skill would be most crucial to help you adapt to this situation and complete the project on time?

• Emotional Intelligence

• Creativity and Innovation

• Communication

• Digital Literacy

Today, you learned about three factors that greatly impact the changing workplace:

1. technology

2. globalization

3. demographic shifts

New careers are emerging, and some are disappearing as a result. To thrive in this environment, it is important you have adaptable and transferable skills.

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Open Ended

How do technology, globalization, and demographic shifts impact career opportunities? Provide an example to illustrate your understanding.

You may choose how you would like to respond to this question.