1. Introduction
According to Black (2014), the occupational environment can be difined as “the workplace surroundings that encompass the physical and social environment,”. The social environment can be seen as social relationships, immediate physical surroundings and cultural setting in which groups of people function and interact. It includes the industrial and occupational structure, the social and economic processes and labour markets among others. Social environments also include the social, historical and power relations that have become institutionalized over time. Social environments are dynamic and change over time as the result of both internal and external forces. ( Barnett & Casper, 2001).
The work environment however, refers to the qualities and characteristics of the experience of working at the specific organisation, for example, what it is like to work there, the employer-employee relationships and work setting (United States Office of Personnel Management, 2006).
The South African labour environment and workplace has undergone a wide range of transformation since apartheid laws until the successful implementation of employment equity policies.
In order to understand the full impact of change in the work and occupational environment, the history of the South African history, the industrial revolution as well as the change in South African labour legislation were explored.
Several factor have an impact on the work and occupational environment. Globalisation influenced the way business is conducted and will continuously change it, the increase in diversity in work environments also call for change and brought about a new concept of diversity management not only in South Africa, but also worldwide.
Various changes...
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.... Social Transition
Workplaces will continue to experience change or undergo transition from a social perspective, especially with ongoing attempts to diversify and empower the workforce (Venter & Levy, 2013). Social transformation will continue to take place through employment equity and black economic empowerment and other attempts to increase diversity in the workplace.
7.4. Other changes:
As human population doubles, the resources available per person will drop, and a remarkable transformation of industry can occur. Through this transformation, society will be able to create a vital economy that uses radically less materials and energy. This economy can free up resources, reduce taxes on personal income increase per capita spending on social ills and begin to restore the damaged environment of the earth. (Hawken, Lovins, & Hunter Lovins, 2010).
8. Conclusion
There are many injustices in the workforce, racism, gender inequality, and employees being replaced by new technology.
but not on the level that employees are easily replaceable so they create an environment
With the increase in globalization, interactions and communication among workplace employees requires diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs to coexist. Humans now work in an isolated workplace; we are a part of an economy with worldwide competition generating from all corners of the world. Diversity is needed within profit and nonprofit companies in order to be more effective; these companies must welcome change and adjustments. Diverse employees and environments will help companies to become more creative and successful. Workplace diversity has become an important issue for management nowadays in an attempt expands the workplace structure.
The world is a forever changing climate of people. This requires companies to change with the times. The introduction of different cultures, beliefs, and diverse backgrounds requires a new approach for managing a larger arrange of people. People no longer work in a time of intolerance. Diversity is about the many things that make us individuals and also the similarities that bring us together. Companies should diversify the organizations because it is shown that diversification will increase profits, build a more cohesive work environment, and show appreciation for foreign culture.
In summary, most workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse as people from different genders, races, cultures, ethnic origins, and lifestyles find themselves working together. The key to making diversity work is management. Knowing what they are and understanding what effects (positive or negative) they have on the organization is very important to the success of the company.
Creating a friendly and successful workplace environment ensures employee and customer satisfaction and leads to the company’s efficiency and profitability. Positive organizational environment can be reached through retaining and motivating people based on open communication, proactive leadership, appropriate behavior patterns in line with the mission, vision and values of the organization and work- life flexibility.
Workforce diversity at the international level encompasses race, ethnic groups, gender, sexual orientation, educational background, socioeconomic and cultural statuses and norms (Pringle & Ryan, 2015). Diversity goes beyond how individuals at the workplace view themselves and touches on how people perceive their colleagues, bosses and their organisation (Greenberg, 2010). Adaptability, change and communication are some of the core issues that management and human resource departments have to handle well to address issues of diversity and perception towards diversity. The benefits associated with diversity include increased adaptability, broad range of service, divergent view points, and effective implementation of tasks (Greenberg,
Environments: Environments should be designed in such a way that it facilitates staffs to work in a person-centred way.
Managing workplace diversity well requires the creation of an wide-ranging environment that values and utilizes the contribution of people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspective. All organizations policies, practices and processes that impact on the lives of employees need to recognize the potential benefits that can be derived from having access to range of perspectives and to take account of these differences in managing the workplace. Work systems, organizational structures, performance appraisal measurements, recruitment and selection practices and career development opportunities all have impact on the organizational behavior upon the management of diversity.
Barak, M. E. (2005). Managing diversity: toward a globally inclusive workplace. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
Diversity in the workplace is important for employees because it manifests itself in building a great reputation for the company, leading to increased profitability and opportunities for workers. Making sure all members, students, parents and guarding’s are welcomed at all times in a well-mannered environment Workplace diversity is important within the organization as well as outside ensuring all different are put aside and everyone can come together and work well as a great team.
Employment relations refer to the relationship between the employer and the employee. Employment relations are governed by the provisions of the employment contract and/or collective agreement where applicable, common law principles and legislative provisions governing specific situations. Many factors in the external environment have an effect on the employment relations within an organization, which they need to monitor and possibly adapt to the necessary changes. The external environmental factors that would influence employment relations are political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental.
Both employing organizations and individuals must be prepared for the coming changes or fund their success limited. As for businesses, globalization and a rapidly evolving workforce are redefining how we think about competence, creativity, productivity, and the structuring of organizations.
In Today’s world, the composition and how work is done has massively changed and is still continuing to change. Work is now more complex, more team base, depends greatly on technological and social skills and lastly more mobile and does not depend on geography. Companies are also opting for ways to help their employees perform their duties effectively so that huge profits are realized in the long term .The changes in the workplaces include Reduction in the structure of the hierarchy ,breakdown in the organization boundaries , improved and better management tactics and perspectives and lastly better workplace condition and health to the employees. (Frank Ackerman, Neva R. Goodwin, Laurie Dougherty, Kevin Gallagher, 2001)
The organisation depends upon its environment for the resources and opportunities necessary for its existence.