Proceedings of 8th European Assembly on telework (Telework2001)

109Challenges <strong>of</strong> virtual organizationsIt is challenging to move closer to virtual e-working organizations and towards more mobile way<strong>of</strong> working. These challenges are very much similar in the nature with the challenges in moretraditional organizations. These challenges are, for example: managing virtual workers, givingthem the right job descriptions, finding the right ways <strong>of</strong> measuring the job performance, trainingand competence development. In the new way <strong>of</strong> working the questions related to presence <strong>of</strong>employees get somewhat more complicated. The challenge with presence <strong>of</strong> employees is to findout the ways <strong>of</strong> getting the employees to feel that they are present even though they are notco-located. The success in an e-working organization requires the right technology and availability<strong>of</strong> this technology. Knowledge management and security issues are also important. Most <strong>of</strong> all thesuccess requires right people with right skills.Needs to renew training methodologySince the new technology is complex and develops rapidly, and as the use <strong>of</strong> new technologyspreads day by day, experts in the front line are being required at an ever-increasing pace and thedemand for training is consequently subject to continuous growth. Despite <strong>of</strong> the slow down onthe market, the businesses are still looking for skilled labour. The situation has levelled down insome parts <strong>of</strong> the worlds but according to the recent study by IDC, there will be 31 % shortage forskilled labour on the field <strong>of</strong> IT and telecom by year 2004. This is due to aging <strong>of</strong> the populationand fewer new workforce entrants. The survival in the tomorrow’s environment requires lifelonglearning. Resent and coming developments in technology are enabling the tools for in e-workingenvironment.One <strong>of</strong> the challenges <strong>of</strong> tomorrow’s organization is to continuously develop the skills andcompetence <strong>of</strong> its employers and customers. Information is getting old with increasing speed andthis forces us to learn faster and more. In dynamically changing organisations the tasks and jobrequirements change rapidly and in order to succeed in keeping up with these changes in theworking environment, a broad knowledge and fast adaptation <strong>of</strong> processes is essential. Leaning fastand leaning the right things is important. Survival requires constant learning.On <strong>of</strong> the major issues in tomorrow’s organisation is cost efficiency. This is also valid with trainingand learning. It’s important to have right training, take the right course, and have the training atright time and place. It’s also very important to ensure that training happens at right level and withright depth. Learning cannot be taken anymore as a reward from a good work, it’s more matter <strong>of</strong>survival.