The Future of Work: A Guide to a Changing Society

In this work, Charles Handy, author of "Gods and Management" and "Understanding Organizations" presents two scenarios for the future. In one, full-time employment remains essential to the economy, the individual's self-esteem and social life, and as a means of social control. The result? A bitterly divided society in which the top 30% of the population in formal employment forms a rich top layer. Poverty will increase, social instability will grow. In this scenario, Britain could veer towards becoming a police state. But the feature of this book is the positive and possible alternative scenario Handy presents. This is no less than a sweeping reform of education, pensions, taxation and the unions - and a psychological re-evaluation of what work means. His plans for progress and survival include a state subsistence wage for everyone over sixteen, a formal working life of only twenty-five years (from 25-50, for example), increased voluntary and community work, more free-lance work and a wider domestic life.