In a previous blog post I discussed the problems with the future of work, specifically, with regards to the preparedness of the workforce and job security (whether it is due to other sources of labor or changing work environments). Finding solutions to these problems can be difficult because they are hypotheticals, based upon trends currently being observed. Although the problems have not occurred yet, it is important to be prepared with a plan.
The first alarming trend involves the increased dependence of companies on part-time and freelance work. A decade ago job security was a given and a trusted employee was less easily replaced. In the current age of technology and instant communication, access to potential employees has increased dramatically. Describing this situation in terms of the supply and demand model, the supply of employees has increased at a faster rate than the demand for these employees (in many occupations). When discussing this topic, it is easy to see freelance work as the problem because it is a contributing factor to decreasing job security. However, freelance workers provide an integral part to the country’s economy as well as providing a source of income for many Americans. In order to improve job security, while protecting freelance workers, the government can provide corporations with incentives to employ workers for long periods of time. One incentive can be a reduction in the amount that an employer has to pay towards the state unemployment tax. By providing workers with employment over long periods of time, these corporations are effectively reducing the unemployment rate [1], the same reason for the unemployment tax and thus making this reduction reasonable. In addition, regulations can establish a minimum percentage of workers that a corporation must employ full-time. This percentage can be on an increasing gradient based upon the total number of people that the company employees. Any company that does not meet their required quota of full-time workers would be subject to a new tax. The tax break and increased regulation both have the potential to greatly increase the job security of American workers.
A horrifying realization made by many recent graduates of American Universities is that they do not have the proper skill set to succeed in their intended profession[2]. It is a great failure to ourselves that the college model is so outdated and it must evolve in order to be effective. While many things are done right in higher education, a lack of emphasis on skills directly used in the workforce is disturbing. Many University presidents boast of their school’s production of well-rounded students who are ready to shape society, however, this is not entirely true because curricula have been set for years without change. One to plan to update this process is to increase the number of high quality adjunct professors. These industry professionals have the ability to share with students their experiences in the current professional working environment. This would require increased desirability for the position, which can be accomplished through increased wages. Currently, teachers at all levels are some of the most underpaid workers in America[3]. In addition, tenured professors should be held to the same standard of knowing knew developments in their field.
The third problem discussed was that of office place jobs, such as janitors and secretaries, decreasing with the reduction of traditional office environments. Since millions of Americans are currently employed in these occupations, even a small decrease in the number of offices would have large consequences. Most importantly, for the sake of the economy, these workers must not be left unemployed. I propose education stipends to workers in shrinking fields in order to quickly give these people a new job. These stipends would be towards formal colleges as well as vocational schools. Vocational schools are especially appropriate in this situation because they take less time than formal college four-year programs and provide students with practical knowledge about how to be a part of the workforce[4]. Even relatively small assistance may be enough to convince future unemployed people to enroll and reenter the workforce. This plan would further benefit from my second solution to combat the current state of Universities nationwide.
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I agree with your solutions to how professors are handled. Adjuncts need to be paid more for the work they provide since most adjuncts are paid per semester and are constantly rotating around positions that can disappear. There should be a regulation that adjuncts who work at a specific university for a long period of time should be considered for a permanent position at that university. Tenured professors often rely on their job security and may become less effective without fear of consequence and as a result, the education system could be improved if they are closely examined for effectiveness. With decreasing offices, alternative methods for office workers are definitely needed and your solution looks to be very effective. The problem that might arise is, will vocational schools be enough to jump start their work in a world where bachelor degree holders are competing for the same position.
While I agree with your proposed solution to include government incentives to companies who employ full time workers, I wonder how realistic this model actually is. Do you believe the government would essentially cut freelance workers out of these major employment opportunities? Freelance work is a very integral part of the American economy as these types of workers fill jobs that are essential to life as we know it, especially in New York City. You also brought up an interesting point with regard to the janitors and secretaries who are currently employed at office buildings all throughout the United States. With the increasingly technological nature of work these days, we will no doubt see a decline in the number of office buildings being built if not shut down. This is a similar issue that was raised when we learned about Milk Not Jails. What happens to all the guards, wardens, educators and doctors employed by the prison if it were to be shut down? How would these individuals fair following being laid off? This is the same issue we may face in the future, given the online nature of work. I wonder if educational stipends would be accepted or even be deemed desirable by these individuals after being let go.