Workplace Revolution (03:26)

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Gig work, globalization, and new technology is changing the American workplace. Lockdown for COVID-19 showed how the workplace could drastically change and remain successful. It showed how professional workers are dependent on service workers.

Job Insecurity (02:34)

About 30% of Americans are in secure jobs and the rest are uncertain about the amount of their paychecks. Many feel the rules of the workforce have changed and a clear path is not available.

Transferable Skills (07:08)

Futureproof technology has replaced numerous jobs. Wind power is a growing industry in Texas, which has attracted thousands of workers. Many laid off oil workers were able to transition to working in wind energy.

Combining Job Duties (04:36)

Minimalist staffing is a new approach to the workplace, which requires workers to have numerous skills. The United States Navy has automated some duties once performed by sailors so less people are needed on a ship.

Smaller Workforces (02:17)

Profit and progress influences companies to have less workers. Technological advances have led to automation, which the U.S. tax policy favors. Many experts worry the trend will lead to a decrease in the number of jobs.

Education and Work (07:31)

It is difficult to predict what skills will be needed for workers in the future since the jobs do not yet exist. Many people turn to more education, but what they learn may not applicable. College degrees were not needed for most jobs until the 1970s.

Apprenticeships (05:20)

Four-year degrees are not needed for many jobs, but companies prioritize them in hiring. Apprenticeships used to be the way for workers to learn skills for a specific job. The role of upskilling has transferred to workers themselves.

Gig Economy (06:03)

The gig economy includes 55 million full or part-time workers. Some see the innovation as liberating for workers, but others find it more difficult. Rideshare apps make driving for a living less secure because workers are independent contractors.

Employee Benefits (04:55)

Increasing the number and strength of unions would be a way to ensure workers had benefits. The American union system was built around the idea of a 9-5 workplace.

Worker Displacement (05:09)

The pandemic greatly impacted the low-paying hospitality industry. Many workers worried they would not have transferable skills. After COVID, many businesses reopened with less, but better paid workers.

COVID and Work (05:14)

COVID and the lockdowns disrupted numerous industries. Many workers were left in financial hardship.

Credits: Futureproof (00:46)

Credits: Futureproof