21 The changing nature of the Australian and global workplace
Before you start
Main focus
In Australia there is an expectation that we as citizens should contribute to the economic wellbeing of both ourselves and our country. Undertaking work, either paid or voluntary, allows us to do this. This chapter focuses on the changing roles, responsibilities and expectations of participants in our changing workplace, both in Australia and globally.
Why it’s relevant to us
At some stage in everyone’s life there is the expectation that we will be part of the workforce. As workers we need to know and understand our rights and responsibilities as well as those of our employers. We also need to be aware of what institutions set employment guidelines and seek to protect us. In recent years, the nature of work and the workplace has changed and will continue to change over time.
Inquiry questions
- Who are the main participants in our Australian workplace?
- What is the role of governments in relation to improving employment conditions?
- What effect do governments, trade unions and employer groups have on the work environment in Australia and globally?
- What specific responsibilities does an employer have to both workers and government?
- Identify ways that the role of employees has changed in the workplace.
Key terms
- Award
- Collective agreement
- Discrimination
- Employed
- Employee relations
- Employer association
- Entrepreneur
- Fair Work Commission
- Fair Work Ombudsman
- Government
- National Employment Standards
- Trade union
- Unemployed
Let’s begin
In any work environment there are many stakeholders who participate to some degree in the relationships that occur in that particular workplace. The managing of these relationships is referred to in broad terms as ‘employee relations’. In Australia, it is possible to easily determine the main participants and their roles and responsibilities. Looking globally, however, the task becomes more difficult as the operating environment in each country is different.