NBC’s decision to juggle its late-night schedule has caused quite a stir. Regardless of which star’s side you might take, one thing is clear. Employment, even for major network superstars, is temporary at best. Conan’s gig only lasted 7 months.
He now represents a growing number of workers in America who are facing the very real probability, not just possibility, that their next employment opportunity may be short lived. Companies of all sizes are considering the very real idea of bringing on workers for short term engagements to accomplish projects, make changes, expand product lines, and other execute on strategic decisions. Yet they have no intent to retain the employees for long term assignment. Some management teams consider it long term employment “bloat”. The thought is to reduce headcount at all levels to maintain a lean workforce profile.
The primary concern with successful implementation of this course of action is that the average American worker has expectations rooted in 50 years of workforce history. After WWII companies began offering various incentives to draw workers back to their specific firms. Competition for benefits and perks grew. As a result, workers began expecting these additions as part of the total compensation package.
For companies to successful wind back time and reduce benefit package offerings, the workforce will have to embrace these changes. As NBC has learned in their ouster of Conan, watch out for public outcry. The story is far from finished.
