Final answer:
The world of work is influenced by the shift from manufacturing to service industries and by globalization, which increases foreign competition. These trends demand a workforce with advanced skills and the ability to compete in a global market.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two major societal trends that are shaping the contemporary workplace are the shift from manufacturing to service industries and globalization. The first trend has led to an economic restructuring, with many economies moving away from traditional manufacturing jobs to those in the service sector, often requiring different skill sets, such as customer service, IT, and healthcare professions. As such, there is a growing demand for employees with higher education and advanced skills.
The second major trend is globalization, which has increased competition from foreign producers. Consequently, local businesses and workers must now compete in a global marketplace, enhancing the need for innovation and efficiency. With this intensified competition, some local industries face significant challenges, leading to job losses or the need to adapt to new market demands.
Furthermore, there is a reduced desire for unions in some industries due to strong workplace protection laws. However, this varies by region and industry, with some sectors still heavily unionized. Economic forces such as outsourcing and automation contribute to a workforce that tends to polarize toward either low-paying manual jobs or high-paying positions that require abstract, specialized skills.