This is the third in a series of blog posts looking at workplace trends and how you can best position yourself for advancement. The trends have been identified by Catalyst Canada in their paper Workplace Trends: Today’s Decisions, Tomorrow’s Successes. The full report is available for download by Catalyst members. Non-Catalyst members are able to view a description of the report only.

In order to prepare for your success you must have an understanding of what the future looks like in the workplace. Catalyst experts have identified six trends that will affect the workplace in the future. Last week we looked at Four Generations in the Workplace. We will explore each of these trends and provide you with information you can use to plan your future advancement in the workplace.

Trend 3 - Operating in a 24/7 Business Culture

We are indeed living in a global economy, with new technology keeping us connected to work 24/7.  The work/life balance is becoming increasingly difficult in this new world. Not so long ago your work day ended when you walked out the office door. You finished your work and went home. Now, with the invention of blackberries and other technology we can check our email at our child’s hockey practice and pick up our voice messages while waiting at the dentist, leading to more virtual workplaces.

Where does this leave you as a woman working in this changing world? How do you set yourself up to be successful in the 24/7 business culture?

• Take advantage of any opportunities to work on virtual teams, reducing your travel time and allowing you to work from home, whenever possible.
• Judge others on contributions and results, not the number of hours in the office.
• Look for opportunities to work on international virtual teams, providing you with valuable experience, without the necessity for travel.
• Embrace new technology such as webinars and video conferencing.

As employers become more aware of the trends and the shifts that will have to take place for success, you will be better positioned to take advantage of this different work environment if you put these strategies into your everyday work life.

Next week we’ll explore the fourth trend: The Customizable Life.