Current economic challenges are causing many companies to look at ways to streamline aspects of their business. This is especially true with technology issues, with businesses deciding to re-evaluate their IT needs and resources. The workplace is changing for IT specialists, who will need to adapt to the changing needs of the workforce.
The greatest IT workforce trend is the reduction of in-house IT staff by many companies in favor of out-sourcing their work. This is proving to be a cost-effective move for companies still looking for ways to streamline their business and reduce costs in the uncertain economic climate. Surveys indicate an increase in out-sourced work by between five and ten percent, while ten percent of companies surveyed indicated they now out-source up to fifty percent of their IT work.
Companies report that it has just become too difficult to keep up with new emerging technologies and the need to be re-training workers or hiring new staff who have the skills in these new technologies. This is a major workplace shift for employees; those who keep up to date with new technologies will have the edge when it comes to applying for jobs.
The trend to out-sourcing has lead to growth in the number of solution provider companies. Retrenched employees are branching out on their own to provide the same services they used to be employed to do. Many are continuing to work with their previous employers on a contractual basis.
Economies go through natural cycles of boom followed by bust. Historically we have seen that the effect of these cycles is often insignificant but sometimes the effect has been catastrophic. A prime example is the Great Depression during the 1930s, affecting millions of workers and creating huge numbers of homeless and destitute people. The recent global financial crisis was not as severe as the Great Depression but still had significant impact worldwide.
This recent financial disaster has caused stock market falls, the collapse of banks and financial institutions and increased unemployment. Mortgages have defaulted and people have lost their homes. The situation was a world wide phenomenon. The effect it has had on business has caused many of the surviving companies to re-think their policies.
Businesses are focusing more than ever on running as efficiently as possible and so are looking for ways to reduce costs. Several levels of management positions have been abolished and job descriptions have been combined as a cost-cutting measure. Workers who are able to adapt to hcg diet plus will do well in the new environment. Those who find it difficult to take on new roles and responsibilities may struggle and could find themselves unemployed.
The focus is going to be on staff who are able to multi-task, to work effectively as part of a team, to be innovative and able to network. To succeed in the new trends within the IT industry, these are the skills you will need to develop. Re-train in the new technologies and give yourself the best chance of being a stand-out candidate for new positions.
Experts agree that the global recession has altered the way workers see their workplace and their role within it. Those who were able to keep their jobs are gradually losing their nervousness about their future but are still adopting an attitude of ‘lying low’ and trying to fly under the radar. Workplace confidence has not yet fully returned.
As new workplace trends gradually emerge in the aftermath of the recession, employers will need to embrace these trends if they are to remain up to date and competitive. Workers will need to be prepared to embrace the new technologies and workplace cultures to keep in step with the trends.
If the recession has taught companies anything, it is the need to run a tighter ship. Excess staff members have already been dispensed with and companies are realizing that they are functioning as efficiently as ever, if not better. Having a leaner workforce not only saves expenses but also tends to create a more cohesive workforce as members are forced to multitask and work in collaboration with each other. The global recession has seen the demise of several levels of management.
Perhaps the biggest workforce trend is the increased demand for skilled, educated workers who have experience in their field. Organizations realize that, in order to maintain a competitive edge and an advantage over their competitors, they need to have that leading edge. Workers would be wise to realize that they need to have current certification and training in order to be easily employable.
Diversity in the workplace is making a comeback. This is in answer to the growing diversity of the marketplace, both domestic and international. With organizations running leaner, those workers who have a variety of skills will be keenly sought by employers. We will start to see more women on company boards; companies will work to become more environmentally savvy and carry out their business in a more sustainable way. Businesses are also realizing that they need people inside the organization who can relate better to their target customer.
There is going to be a huge demand for techno-savvy workers with skills and knowledge in new technologies. These workers will increasingly be sought from a global, rather than a local, pool of IT specialists. Innovation will need to become an integral part of company culture if organizations are going to remain competitive.
Two important demographic considerations will be recognized. The increase of trained and skilled women in the workforce is going to drive internal change in power and policies. It is these women who will lead the way with new strategies in the marketplace as well as the boardroom. Also, the aging populations of theUSandEuropeare going to have a huge impact on economies as well as society in general.
As people choose to work longer, we will see a sort of reverse mentor system become the norm. With the growth of new technologies, it is increasingly the younger workers who have the knowledge and skills, while the older workers are being left behind. The young will teach and encourage the older workers, helping them grasp new technologies and apply them in the workplace.
Knowledge of workplace trends in the IT industry will enable workers to remain competitive. Undertaking training to acquire new skills that are required by these trends, may be a good strategy.
Qualifications to serve as a Committee Member include: (1) Associate or Active membership in the Society, (2) commitment to the goals of the Society, (3) experience or interest in the Committee’s area of responsibility and (4), most importantly, a willingness to work and serve the needs of the membership.
If you are interested in serving on a Committee, please submit a Letter of Interest and a current curriculum vita to the Administrative Office by February 1. Current committee members whose terms of office expire must also submit a Letter of Interest if they wish to be considered for reappointment.
Candidates will be selected based upon their qualifications and stated interest. Candidates will be selected by the President in consultation with the Committee Chair. New committee members will be notified by May and will assume their positions at the close of the Annual Business Meeting in September.
Letter of Interest for Committees
Dear Member:
I am taking this opportunity to inform the Membership that the terms of office for a number of committee members will expire in September. A term of Office is three years.
Qualifications to serve as a Committee Member include: (1) Associate or Active membership in the Society, (2) commitment to the goals of the Society, (3) experience or interest in the Committee’s area of responsibility and (4), most importantly, a willingness to work and serve the needs of the membership.
A list of Committee Activities and vacancies is attached. Current committee members whose terms of office expire must also submit a Letter of Interest if they wish to be considered for reappointment. Committee members, except those persons on the Editorial Board, may serve only two consecutive terms on a given committee. A minimum of one year must elapse before seeking appointment for that particular committee again.
If you are interested in filling one of the vacancies and serving on a Committee, please submit a Letter of Interest and a current curriculum vita to me at the above address by February 1.
The Letter of Interest must include all of the following information.
- Committee(s) of Interest
- Number of years as an APS Member
- Name, Degree
- Title
- Employer
- Address
- City/State/Zip
- Work Telephone Number
- Home Telephone Number
- Signature, Date
In addition, all candidates for a Committee appointment must provide the following information:
- Describe your professional activities in the field of SCI and your qualifications to serve on a APS Committee.
- Describe any previous experience you may have had on the APS Board of Directors, Committee(s) or Annual Conference Faculty.
Candidates will be selected based upon their qualifications and stated interest. Candidates will be selected by the President in consultation with the Committee Chair. New committee members will be notified by May 1 and will assume their positions at the close of the Annual Business Meeting in September.
Members may submit Letters of Interest for appointment to a Society Committee and for a BOD position. Please consider this opportunity to take an active role in our Society.
MISSION
The mission of the American Paraplegia Society is to advance spinal cord medicine through state of the art education, dissemination of information, and promotion of research and advocacy. American Paraplegia Society collaborates with researchers, physicians, and the entire spectrum of health care providers who serve persons with spinal cord injuries/disorders.
GOALS
Increase knowledge about spinal cord impairment and related problems
Present current clinical and research data related to traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury
- Review current information on diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative techniques
- Enhance practice skills and techniques of clinicians working with individuals with spinal cord impairment
- Explore the spectrum of disease that directly affects the care of individuals with spinal cord impairment
- Identify research issues and priorities
- Provide a forum for professional interchange among physicians and other health care professionals
Spinal cord medicine is recognized as a discipline that encompasses many components of specialized care. In view of this diversity, one of the major functions of APS is to foster the interchange of ideas in clinical and basic science. APS provides everyday math members with opportunities to develop and refine leadership skills through positions on Society Committees, Task Forces, and the Board of Directors.
