The Changing Workforce

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

What’s different about the workforce in America today? Some point to the inadequate skills that the workforce has. Many point to an expensive labor force.

I look at a change in character and how important it is to adapt when you recruit.

Once upon a time, the American labor force was personified by tv characters like Ozzie Nelson from Ozzie and Harriet or Jim Anderson from “Father Knows Best.” These were individuals who worked hard, one was self-employed, the other an insurance salesman who were focused on career and family.

Today, Ozzie has been replaced by a generation that does not think of sacrifice, is used to being catered to and that extends to the workplace.

They expect companies to love them, hire them, take their interests into account . . . and I’m not talking about young workers; I’m speaking about the aging workers like me (I’m 59).

Yes, they put in time and effort, but they are not compliant like the worker in the 50’s was. They expect to be seen and praised and that their work be fascinating.