What initiated Workplace 2000 was the downsizing that occurred in the 1980s. Although downsizing allows a company to run more efficiently, job security is not guaranteed. Therefore, flexibility and creativity rather than endurance and loyalty will be the traits for survival in Workplace 2000. In fact, the average American will most likely work in ten or more different types of jobs and at least five different companies before he or she retires. Immigrants and those who fall in the low-income bracket are the people who will be affected the most.
Many immigrants coming to the United States are at an educational or financial disadvantage.
These people may not have enough of the basic reading, writing, and math skills that are required in Workplace 2000, however, they cannot pursue continual education due to limited financial resources. Due to the fact that training programs are expensive for companies to fund, companies will only be able to sponsor and fund a limited number of training programs. Therefore, employees and potential employees cannot solely rely on the training programs that companies provide. Since Workplace 2000 emphasizes the concept of teamwork, workers should form associations that will provide continual education. Being a member of such an organization will be very beneficial to future employees in Workplace 2000.