March 12, 2025 workforce podcast show notes
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File 21: In today’s file, the team continues the discussion on the future of work, namely the changes to where and how we’ll work, in the not too distant future. Remember, we let AI draft the outline for this file. Jason and Molley haven’t seen the outline. We’ll see where the machine takes us!
If you missed Part 1, you can listen to it here.
The Gig Economy Is Booming
Will this continue to grow? Will contract-work increase? Jason points out that not everyone is wired to be a business owner. It’s a big step and can be more complicated that it appears, on the surface. Before you quit your office job and jump into the world of full-time entrepreneurship, you may want to follow his example. Jason dipped his toe into the water by doing some side-hustle work to see if it was a viable option. He is a fan of gig-work. He uses it himself. However, it’s not for everyone. While he does think the gig economy is part of the future of work, there are many challenges for those getting into it on a full-time basis.
Jamie talks about her dad’s decision to take a part-time job after retiring. He actually enjoyed the freedom and the income the job provided. She goes onto explain that if you are hiring gig-workers, there are some challenges. These could include a lack of continuity, you may not be able to spend the time training them like you would a typical employee, and you’ll need to be very confident in the people whom you decide to hire on a gig-style basis.
Molley see this as a viable option for structured individuals. There are various websites that connect companies with gig workers such as:
Note: Molley is not specifically endorsing these sites.
As it relates to gigs for meal delivery, rideshare services and others, these will continue to be good ways to supplement your income. These could also be viable transitional jobs.
Prediction
Molley sees gig work as being both generational and situational, as it continues to grow.
Reskilling Will Be Part of Life
Jamie mentions the availability of online course, such as on LinkedIn Learning. Some colleges/universities provide free courses. Will these continue to be part of individuals’ development plans?
The group discusses Python, which is a coding language. AI can step in and code a process or task for you, as well. Learning how to work with these tools is a definite advantage. Jason notes that traditional education isn’t necessarily the best path for every individual. Technology is allowing people to choose their own paths and lifestyles. It requires courage and discipline, but just like gig work, it’s viable.
Molley mentions that she knows people who will work for Amazon or some other employer, and then take several months off to do something else. The availability of these jobs may provide healthcare benefits and other advantages. It’s a lifestyle choice.
Jason discusses how employers will need to be aware that potential candidates have options. This lifestyle approach to working can become either a threat or potential competitor to your workforce development efforts.
Jamie mentions that technology is moving forward more quickly than traditional education. We’re going to have to find other ways to upskill or reskill our workforce. It’s going to take some significant investment by employers. Jason points out that if companies resist the need to reskill employees, those individuals are going to seek it out on their own, and may pursue new opportunities as a result.
Molley suggests individuals explore reskill and upskill opportunities thorough resources such as Jefferson County Adult Education. There are tons of classes available.
Jamie reads through some of the industry-specific “callouts” related to reskilling.
- Healthcare
- Education
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Finance
Because we’re discussion the future of work, Jason asks the group if we’ll every have a Jetsons existence? Molley thinks it’ll happen but maybe not in their lifetime.
Challenges Concerning the Future of Work
The ethics of AI will be a significant challenge. Rules, or policies, need to be created and enforced as we continue to embrace AI-developed work product.
Mental health can be strained as remote workers feel the pressure to be “on” 24/7. This is going to negatively affect the work quality, over the long-term, if employers aren’t sensitive to this risk.
Job displacement through automation. This will be another reason organizations will need to focus on reskilling or upskilling the workforce. Automation and technology don’t have to be a threat, as long as employees have the skills to embrace and optimize the processes using these new technologies.
That’s where we’ll leave the conversation for today. Before we close the file, we invite you to reach out to us with questions, suggestions or other comments. We’d love to hear from you.
Did You Enjoy Today’s Conversation?
Visit WorkforceTherapyFiles.com to listen to additional WTF files or to let us know you’d like to be a guest on an upcoming file.
Need Help Supporting Your Company’s Recruiting and Staffing Goals?
We’re here to help. You can contact us via our individual websites, depending on your specific needs or questions:
- Jamie Swaim, SPHR – www.ParcelKnows.com
- Molley Ricketts – www.IncipioWorks.com
- Jason Heflin – www.CrowdSouth.com
We hope you found this file insightful and helpful. Thank you for listening!
By Jason Heflin
Jason Heflin is one of CrowdSouth’s owning Partners and brings years of marketing experience from his past lives as a corporate marketing manager, writer, and freelancer. He also plays the ukulele for fun, which is cool.