employees posts

The working world is going through major changes - its not just the compartmentalized world of Dilbert anymore.

For most of us the path of our career led us from the mosh pit of cubicles to want the hallowed ground of our own office, with four walls and a door.

But with the continuing advances in technology and the changing views of how work is accomplished, is a cubicle or office even necessary?

Do we still need to label our scissors and staplers and have a permanent place to set up shop?

According to Marcia Mayhew, there's a new way to view the office - it's all about multipurpose and shared spaces to gain the innovative advantage.

Recently New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman declared the end of the average worker.
"In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle," he writes. "But, today, average is officially over."

Friedman blames the innovation of technology and cheap foreign labour as causes for the depleted options for those seeking stability.

Adding to the uncertainty is a recent Statistics Canada report that says employment in Canada has greatly stalled since last summer and the unemployment rate has risen.
Diminishing options and a soft economy are giving Canadians greater reason to value their current jobs. So forget average - here are 10 ways you can stand out as an extraordinary employee at work.

PHOTO GALLERY: (Click on image or continue reading story below)

1. Focus on Speaking or Leading
Even if you'd rather drink castor oil than speak publicly, volunteer to lead the odd meeting if your manager is unable to do it or find reasons to speak in front of a group the odd time at work to show you have leadership abilities.
When I was just out of university and working a temp job at a company in London, England, I volunteered to give my team's update at a company meeting which lead to a few pats on the back and other people in the company becoming familiar with who I was.

For some of us a pay rise has been a long time coming. Just as you thought you were about due that little extra on your weekly cheque, the recession hit, and well, we all know what happened there. But bosses are beginning to show signs the tide is turning, at least if you're one of their better workers.

It all comes back to the 'skills shortage.' We haven't heard much about it since the economic downturn, although Prime Minister Stephen Harper did mention that the problem would resurface as soon as the economy began to mend. That time has come and as the unemployment rate begins to work its way back down, bosses are going to want to hang on to their good staff, and one sure-fire way to do that is by showing the money.

So, how many bosses are thinking of rewarding their staff?