Serving underemployed, contingent, displaced and destabilized workers

Abstract

Global economic changes are increasing the vulnerability of workers throughout the world. As these changes transform the global labor market and alter jobs and work settings, the need for expanded and more responsive roles for occupational social workers become ever more apparent. Drawing on the experiences of comparably industrialized countries, this article outlines the nature and implications of the economic transformations underway and the impact of these changes on employment and career patterns. Strategies are presented for intervention with underemployed and contingent workers, dislocated workers, and management and employees in settings that have recently experienced reorganization. Public policies likely to mitigate the negative consequences of economic change are offered.