The process of relating leisure activities of displaced workers to occupations

Abstract

Workers across the United States are painfully aware of the changes in the work environment. Downsizing, mergers, globalization, re-engineering, outsourcing, automation, and computerization have resulted in the displacement of 10 to 20 million workers in the 1990’s.

Counselors in community colleges and elsewhere, have been called upon to assist displaced workers in returning to the ranks of the employed. Traditional career assessment methods have not always met the unique needs of these individuals in measuring skill development and often need to be supplemented with less conventional methods (Liptak, 1991).

The purpose of this study was to design and to evaluate a counseling tool termed the Leisure/Occupational Connection Search (LOCS). The LOCS was a non-traditional self directed, self assessment method designed to promote self awareness and occupational exploration processes through a retrospective analysis of leisure skills. The LOCS used a search format, patterned after the Virginia VIEW Occupational and College Searches, and related leisure activities/skills directly to the 300 occupations listed in the Virginia VIEW or indirectly to occupations by way of additional training or education.

The study involved 112 displaced workers enrolled in classes in the fall of 1996 at six Virginia community colleges. The displaced workers completed the LOCS and then evaluated the LOCS process in promoting self awareness and occupational exploration.

Results of the study indicated the vast majority of the displaced workers who completed the LOCS process reported it promoted self awareness and a retrospective analysis of skills. In addition, the displaced workers reported an increased awareness of educational and occupational options after completing the LOCS. The 112 displaced workers responded positively to the LOCS process and indicated it was helpful, interesting, easy to use, and was helpful in aiding their career transitions.