Topic 2: Meandering in today’s labour market  

 The Changing Labour Market

The world of work is changing. It always has, but it’s different today. Expert argue that what is different now is the speed and intensity of technological progress and that this new wave of transformation (i.e. automation) may have more disruptive consequences for more workers (Bryanjolfsson and McAfee, 2011).

There are many characterizations of the changing labour market. One such example commonly used is the shift from a ″ pyramid ″ structure to that of a″ diamond ″.

Pyramid workplace structure (view the detailed pyramid)

View the detailed pyramid

What do you notice about this workplace structure? What words would you use to describe it ? How do workers enter it, and how do they move ahead? What do you think employers value in this type of organization? Where are the challenges and where are the opportunities?

Career pathways in the 1950’s

The pyramid structure is hierarchical. Control is at the top and decision-making is in the hands of very few. Career growth is based on paying your dues and being loyal. In the 50’s, the labour market had a clear stratification of workers based on skill type (e.g. blue and white-collar). Skill requirements were precise, and there were lots of chances to enter and stay within it. The focus of this structure is on occupations and job titles.

The perfect storm

Much research has pointed to stagflation (i.e., high inflation and high unemployment leads to a significant decline in economic growth) in the late 1960’s and early197’s as being the point when the predominance of pyramid structure began to change. It’s been characterized as a prefect storm of conditions (see image) that leads to dramatic changes in workplace structures, business practice and, as a result, the labour market.

Shifting organizational structure in the 1990’s

To respond to the economic climate that began in the 60’s and 70’s, organizations started to down-size and outsource work. Some labour market analysts describe this as the shift from an integrated workplace to a networked organization. An integrated workplace includes all the functions required for a business to operate. A networked organization maintains it core functions while outsourcing all others, e.g., janitorial, administrative, payroll, catering. Hiring practice have changed significantly in this shift. There is now more temporary, part-time and contract-based work.

View the detailed diamond

The diamond

Diamond-shaped organizational structures characterize most large and medium firms today. Hover over the icons to un cover features of these structures.

Being a generalist, or a multi-potentialite is rewarded.

Frequent job changes and career shifts are expected, and therefore having excellent career management/transition skills is required. Entrepreneurship skills/attitudes are important focus is on skills not on ″ collar ″.

There are few managers and supervisors. Organizations are more team-oriented and self managed.

Instead of linear progression, career growth is done through multiple lateral and linear moves.

The bottom layers of the old pyramid structure (entry-level, semi-skilled workers, and some skilled workers) are shifted to more precarious work arrangements (part-time, contract and temporary work).

Key factors and trends at play in today’s labour market

Why is meandering important?

Theories in career development underpin the importance of meandering in today’s world. Concepts like planned happenstance (Krumboltz, 1999) and career adaptability (Savickas, 1997) explore benefits of meandering in our careers, is openly and broadly exploring possibilities inside and out. Meandering in a career context is a combination of self-exploration and broadening the scope and diversity of work options explored.

In the video presented at the beginning of this topic, Career coach Émilie Wapnick talks about the benefits of knowing ourselves, following our interests, taking risks, and exploring our potential in today’s labour market. All of these elements are components of meandering and are powerful tools(superpowers) in developing our careers today.