The effect of the external environment on work in AustraliaThis essay examines how changes in the external environment of organizations have altered the world of work. Australia is currently experiencing a period of economic growth. But new challenges have emerged. Australian organizations are facing a skills shortage and an aging workforce. This shortage has been filled by the introduction of new technologies in workplaces and the influx of immigrant workers. Australian organizations, like those in other developed economies, are also grappling with changing workforce demographics, the changing nature of work, the integration and use of rapid technological advancements and the resolution of challenges related to globalization such as increased competitive pressures, outsourcing and offshoring. offshoring and a global workforce that places greater emphasis on cross-cultural issues and skills. Human resource management involves the productive use of people in an organization to collectively achieve the organization's strategic business objectives. Human resource management also involves the employer-employee relationship and meeting the individual needs of the employer (Stone 2006, p. 4). It is an essential function of an organization. This phenomenon has become more important in recent years, as organizations need to improve their productivity and international competitiveness. In modern times, no organization can afford to rest on its laurels; To compete in the global market, organizations need to rethink their human resource strategies. A human resources manager must consider the nature of external and internal environmental influences before choosing a particular course of action. Internal environmental influences involving ...... middle of article ......anisations: identifying trends and changes', Australian Journal of Management & Organizational Behavior, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 19-29.Murray, P. & Syed, J 2005, 'Critical issues in managing age diversity in Australia', Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 210-224. Ojlsson, I 2005, “Smarter Faster Better”, HR Monthly, July, pp. 24-29Patrickson, M & Ranzijn, R 2005, 'Workforce Aging: The Challenges for 21 Century Management', International Journal of Organizational Behavior, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 729-739 Pocock, B 2005, 'Work-life balance' in Australia: limited progress, gloomy outlook', Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 198-209. Rance, C 2005, “Lost in Translation”, HR Monthly, March, pp. 22-28. Stone, RJ 2006, Human Resource Management, John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd, Queensland.