9 to 5 No Longer

Regardless of the cascading job losses in the current economy, it seems likely that the 9-to-5 corporate culture will become a thing of the past, as we steadily move away from a manufacturing to an information/service economy. This PBS documentary, hosted by Bonnie Erbe, examines American work habits and policies in the 21st century in leading firms ranging from Ernst & Young to Home Depot. 9 to 5 No Longer follows a number of employees coping with the “time famine” in their personal lives, who describe how the double-edged sword of technology has created knowledge-sharing capabilities that now bring work to people, not just people to work. The wide range of issues covered here regarding the “rise of the flexible workforce” include evolving company policies (in regards to leave and vacations, pension plans, and phased retirement), the special needs of low-income workers, and the impact of globalization. All of these changes also present challenges for lawmakers working on social legislation, who must consider not only the big balloon of aging baby boomers, but also the sandwich generation's struggle to care for both children and elderly family members (the documentary also includes some successful human interest stories, such as a retired doctor who now clerks at Borders bookstore and loves it). The overall conclusion here is that flexibility is a key management tool, a win-win situation that can create happier workers, better productivity, and less turnover. A well-made and provocative look at an urgent topic, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)