Fast Lane
Jobs of the future
Advancements in technology and increased demand for skilled employees are changing the face of our work force.
Smart Business Akron/Canton | June 1999
Many positions that were mandatory 10 years ago may soon be extinct due to fundamental changes in the way business is conducted.
Job titles are changing almost daily as competition for specialized, skilled employees rises, and more aspects of business become technologically dependent. Here is a look at some of the positions that will exist in many businesses by 2005.
Information Coordinator Today’s administrative assistants will become information coordinators. They will provide the human element necessary to facilitate electronic communication among employees, the company and its customers.
Communications Facilitator Efficient communication is becoming more important to running a successful business, and by 2005, it will be essential. The communications facilitator will ensure that lines of communication are always open for on-site staff and managers, telecommuters, clients and free-lancers. This full-time person must be familiar with wireless, voice and video conferencing technology and able to arrange virtual as well as on-site meetings.
Manager of Strategic Information This position becomes more important in 2005 as companies strive to keep pace with constant advancements in technology. This person will monitor technology trends affecting the industry and make recommendations on which technologies to adapt and when to implement them.
Internet Strategist As companies continue to find ways to take advantage of the Internet, they will need a full-time or contract specialist who will work closely with all departments in maintaining the company’s Web site.
Staffing Strategist As the demand for skilled workers increases, companies will have to intensify their efforts to recruit and retain good employees. The staffing strategist will provide businesses with recommendations on how to more effectively allocate their human resources. This person will be highly knowledgeable about employment trends, emerging occupations and demographic shifts and may work as a liaison between the human resources department and senior management.
Mentoring Director This position will be created out of the need for increased attention to recruitment and retention efforts. The mentoring director’s job is to match company veterans with newcomers, which will help shrink the learning curve for new employees and accelerate employee loyalty and performance.
Life-Balance Consultant By 2005, companies will be more sensitive to the impact that major life events, such as caring for an aging parent or having a baby, have on an employee’s career. A life-balance consultant’s job is to assist people as they adjust to these challenges.
Director of Wellness More companies are realizing the importance of offering benefits that promote physical wellness. The director of wellness’s job is to help employees maintain healthy lifestyles by developing and promoting specialized exercise, health and workplace ergonomic programs for employees.
Career Coach Because job classifications and companies’ needs are changing more rapidly now than ever, a worker’s career track will mirror that change. The career coach will assist either individuals identifying career opportunities or businesses in planning transitions or promotions.
Source: OfficeTeam
