THE CHANGING NATURE OF WORK - The new psychological contract and associated stressors

Many workplaces throughout the world are changing dramatically from over a decade ago, with more downsizing, outsourcing, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and major restructurings to compete in the global economy. This has led to change fatigue, intrinsic job insecurity and a longer working hours culture in many countries as the workforce becomes more Americanized. The questions we have to ask ourselves and begin to find solutions to are: how can organizations continue to demand more and more of their employees, including loyalty, while providing less and less job security and support? Is the psychological contract between employer and employee worth the metaphorical paper it is written on? This paper explores the changing nature of work and what this will mean for all of us in the future.