Ken Phillips: The rise of a new work and job culture is a challenge and an opportunity
A few weeks ago I brought to your attention the analysis of Simon Bridge from Ulster University. He discussed the shift from a managerial to an entrepreneurial society.
I’ve had a lot of people talking to me about this—exploring both the challenges and opportunities it raises. I followed up with an article in Business Spectator.
As a ‘collector of articles’ on this topic I’ve found the issue is being discussed widely with attempts to grapple and respond to it; some successful, many not! You’ll find the following here:
• The US state of Maine clarifies contractor issues for workers’ compensation. That’s positive!
• But in Michigan they can’t work out if businesses of ‘one’ contribute to society or not? I say we do!
• Canadians ask what motivates self-employed people?
• In the UK there’s a discussion around a new ‘odd’ job culture.
• In San Francisco they’re asking if self-employment is by choice or forced?
• But the players in the IT industry are already contemplating a world where everyone is self-employed. Technology itself is a huge driver of this.
This is all good food for thought, but it’s only of value if it also drives our actions!
Ken Phillips is the executive director of Independent Contractors of Australia and author of Independence and the Death of Employment.
