Mergers, acquisitions, and downsizings are here to stay and they are changing the way employees feel about working in corporate America. Thirty years ago, an employee could go to work for an organization and retire with that same organization. Employees felt a certain loyalty to the company. But, the sixties have long since past, and the old order of work no longer exists. Downsizings and restructurings have shaken the employees' level of trust and loyalty to an organization and as a result the creation of a new workforce has evolved whereby employees are now taking control of their own professional careers.

Mergers and acquisitions are not the only reason for this changing world of work. Technology has also played a contributing factor. Through the use of computers, modems, fax machines, and portable phones, employees are working from home or telecommuting more often. Women now outnumber men in the work force and dual-income families are no longer the exception to the rule which has paved the way for flexible work schedules. To further illustrate the changes in today's workforce, when a professional considers a new career opportunity, money is no longer the key factor in the decision process. Issues such as balancing work and personal life and personal development and growth have become important. This is primarily because traditional benefits such as medical coverage are taken for granted. Because highly skilled workers now have more choices for employment, those nontraditional benefits such as the company providing them with a personal executive coach or a flexible work schedule is more beneficial.

As we move forward into a new century, employers will need to address the needs of a workforce that is now comprised of frequent job changers; a workforce that is interested in entrepreneurism; and an employee base that focuses on individual personal growth and career development while balancing their work and family lives.