In 1995, the U.S. celebrated the 100th anniversary of Labor Day, the holiday initially designed to honor the value of labor union members in American business. A comparison of the workplace of today with work in the last century...
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In 1995, the U.S. celebrated the 100th anniversary of Labor Day, the holiday initially designed to honor the value of labor union members in American business. A comparison of the workplace of today with work in the last century shows many expected differences - and a few startling similarities. "Every aspect of working has changed dramatically during the past 100 years - the who, what, when, where, why and how. But in some ways we've done a figure eight and returned to the business ideals and practices of the turn of the century," said Peta Penson, Ed.D., a principal with the consulting firm Co-Development International. Penson points to the '90s emphasis on customer service, "mass customization," and database marketing as examples of current trends that are rooted in the old-fashioned, personalized way of doing business that was common in the 1890s. "The tailor on the corner knew how you wanted your shirts made," she said. "Now, Nordstrom keeps track of that information in a computer and mails you a notice when your favorite style is going on sale. It's the same idea." Another similarity is the fact that a segment of the workforce are on the job site far longer than the standard 40-hour work week. "Of course, in the 1800s it was the poorest workers who were on the job 12 to 14 hours per day, six and seven days a week," she said. "Now it's more likely to be managers and entrepreneurs who put in 60 and 70 hour work weeks." Here is a list of 100 ways in which work has changed since Labor Day was introduced:
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