It was once a common belief that if employees worked hard, showed up on time, and followed the rules, they would be guaranteed a job for life . However, over the past decade, changes have occurred in the world of work. There are two main causes for this change. Changes in the workplace in the 21st century are due to technological advancements and the expansion of globalization via the Internet. Technological advancements across the world are a major cause of changes in the workplace. For example, advances in computing are astounding. Mainframes gave way to personal computers, then laptops, and now portable tablets. The results of a study by IDC, a market research company, showed that by 2015, more people will connect to the Internet using tablets, smartphones and other mobile gadgets, compared to those who use the Internet via their desktop computer (Schroeder). Mobile phones have also undergone a revolution, becoming faster, more efficient and more feature-rich. It's even possible to check emails on the way to work using a portable device. A Nielson fact sheet describing the use of various devices in the United States shows that "there are 223 million cell phone users over the age of 13, and 25% of mobile devices sold in the third quarter 2009 were smartphones. It is estimated that this will increase between 40 and 50% in 2010” (Heimbuch). Individuals can text, update their status, tweet, or reach others seamlessly through mobile devices that can fit in their pockets. Even the printed text could become obsolete according to Aaron Bradley, as outlined in his online article titled "A Modest Proposal for 21st Century Newspapers." In his article he explains how newspaper printing has become... middle of paper ... in the new "flat world", individuals must figure out how to become "untouchable". He explains that “untouchables are people whose jobs cannot be outsourced, digitized, or automated” (184). He explains that in a "flat world" there is no longer a job based solely on geographic criteria, but that, in most cases, an available job "will go to the best, smartest, most intelligent worker." productive or least expensive, wherever it resides” (183). He goes on to show that businesses and individuals today must have a global vision to succeed (183). The workplace has changed over the centuries. Technology and globalization are driving changes in the workplace in the 21st century. Who does what, when and how will continue to evolve as technology becomes more advanced and communication across the world becomes more fluid..