From "Workers" to What?

I'm an advocate for change. I'm also an admirer of the process of change. In my business of working with companies providing human resource services, I see various degrees of pain (and acceptance) as change is happening. One change that I’ve seen significant angst over is assigning appropriate and accepted job titles for new hires.

In my blogs and on my website, I refer to people as being part of a workforce. Not so long ago, these individuals were called "workers", regardless of their position and the industry they were employed in. It wasn't a taboo word to refer to your workers, no more than was it a dirty word to be referred to as "the boss".

The average Joe worker’s job title evolved from worker to…

Employees
It does have a less-labor sound to it. This one has been vastly used and is still acceptable today. When I talk to high school students, they understand the title of "employee" and "employer". But, that title is still not empowering enough to some change driving companies, so then comes...

Associates
Ohhh, that does sound important. This one gets used, as "bosses" are now "managers", from the grocery store to the production floor, and every type of company in between. Being an Associate at your company implies a bit more of a level playing field. The title distinction between bottom and top (workers and bosses) is less evident. Let's take it to the next level...

Business Partners
I've seen this popping up a lot lately, again, without being industry or responsibility specific. A machine operator who is now a Business Partner has the title that empowers him to understand his global role and link to the customer and bottom line. Right? Maybe. Another emerging title tactic...

Director of (or VP of)
At one of the major employers I work with, you walk into the company foyer and are greeted by the "Director of First Impressions". She's sitting at a substantial looking wooden desk; has a head set on; and her main job is to greet visitors, check them in, and direct callers who chose to press 0 instead of navigating the voicemail system. You may be thinking she's the receptionist, but that would be so passé. So last century. Just like secretaries are now administrative assistants, receptionists are now directors of first impressions. The company feels she assumes the role of a director because she has been empowered by her title. And it's working.

What's next? I'll keep you posted as I see the trends evolving, but here are a few suggestions that might fare well with the "kids these days".

Peeps
Being a peep means that you're all equals and work is fun.

Brotha from Another Mother or Sista from Another Mista
Working here is like being with family!

Entrepreneurs in Training
Kids these days want to own their own companies, get rich quick, make their own work rules, and invent their own titles. They're seeking stepping stone jobs (wait, they're not called jobs any more, are they). They're seeking stepping stone employment enrichment opportunities with organizations that provide valuable skills enhancement and experience development.

Repeat after me. Change is good. Change is fun. Change is interesting.