The changing work world might move you

(NC)—Even if you sidestep the modern trend of changing jobs often and prefer to stay with one company instead, you still may face change. You may be moved to a new office across town or around the world, or change roles as organizations evolve and adapt in search of greater competitiveness.

"The very obvious truth is that in a globally competitive environment firms are constantly having to reinvent themselves," says Professor Julie Bulmash of George Brown College's Faculty of Business. "Employers are regularly re-evaluating their needs and resources, and if that means a particular job is relocated to another city or country, the employee can stay in the job, but they'll have to move or commute."

Of course, good companies don't leave employees alone in such situations, says Bulmash. "High performing organizations have policies and practices in place to deal with these issues, and they offer the support required to help employees make the change."

Employers are not the only ones thinking differently about work. For employees, the new mobility requires adopting a different approach towards career, according to Angie Gorassi, a coordinator of human resources with GBC's Faculty of Business. "Preparing to handle having to switch gears quickly is an important employment strategy," she says. "Learning about different cultures and business practices is a real asset for students as they enter the work world – because even if you don't work outside of Canada, you are likely to encounter people from other countries working here."

Bulmash agrees. "Students and employees need to identify what their career goals are, and where they want to ultimately be, so they can be prepared for wherever their career takes them. In many organizations today, the expectation is that an employee will gain 'other-office' or 'other-country' experience as part of being promoted."

More information is available online at www.georgebrown.ca/business.

- News Canada