The workplace--influenced by an explosion of technology, a changing work force and global markets--has changed more in the past century than ever before. And it continues to change.
Nationally, economists are predicting a surge in jobs catering to aging baby boomers, including everything from retirement planner to nursing-home activities director. Advancements in medical and computer technology will create many jobs.
In the San Fernando Valley, experts are predicting growth in many areas, including the motion-picture and television industry, high-tech companies and home-based businesses.
"The Valley will become a huge network of small businesses," said John Rooney, president of the Valley Economic Development Center, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to small businesses. "Instead of a big corporation doing a job, you will have a network of small businesses working together." And with a growing Latino population, Rooney predicts the Valley will become "a gateway to Mexico and South America," creating a solid advantage for exporters.
Support services for the media, such as special effects and post-production workers, should see significant growth in the Valley, according to Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Economic Development Corp. of Los Angeles County. Other industries Kyser predicts will grow are technology, manufacturing and even tourism.
Although the future generally looks good for Valley jobs and industries, at least one expert has some words of warning: "It's not time to relax. We need to be vigilant and continue to develop our labor force," says Daniel Blake, a Cal State Northridge economics professor.
On the day before Labor Day, here's a look at some of the trends affecting tomorrow's workplace.
What Will Tomorrow Bring?
No one knows exactly what the future will mean to the workplace, but here are a few predictions from the experts:
* An aging population and the advancement of medical technology will make health-care services one of the fastest-growing industries nationwide in the 21st century.
* "Knowledge jobs" (those that require brainpower, not manual skills) will increase.
* Dearth of workers with up-to-date job skills will continue, especially in Southern California.
* Employers will find ways to hire and retain aging baby boomers, especially those having up-to-date skills.
* Percentage of minority employees will increase from 23% in 1994 to 26% in 2005.
