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World Wide Web
Launched in 1990, made available to all royalty free in 1993; Allows individuals and businesses access to information and communication 24/7; helped connect business and economies across the world. Changes the way people conduct research, shop, market companies and services, and socialize.
Imphttps://webfoundation.org/about/vision/history-of-the-web/ -
3-D printers
3D Printing began in the early 1990s with primarily industrial applications; in the 2000s medical innovations developed and open source work began with 3D printers. As costs declined, schools, businesses, and individuals can use 3D printers for innovative and functional creations.
https://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-history/ -
Coworking
Coworking is sharing space with other workers--open areas with tables and other work spaces, with people choosing where to work each day. Taking off in the early 1990s, as it evolved new workspaces were designed to encourage creativity. Studies show older workers may not relish the noise and disruptions that may come more readily with the openness of coworking as opposed to younger workers. http://newworker.co/mag/brief-history-shared-workspace/ -
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Web-based software services that take the hardware, servicing, and maintenance responsibilites away from an employer because the software service handles those aspects of the product. SaaS became more popular in the early 1990s as the cost of computers declined. https://www.salesforce.com/saas/ https://bebusinessed.com/history/the-history-of-saas/ -
Increased use of flex time
In the early 1990's employees began to transition from the traditional 9 - 5 to more flexible times, trying to accomodate family needs and more hectic personal schedules. This practice evolved to include two people sharing a job and extra time in M-Th to have F off. It continues to evolve as employees can work remotely everywhere with cell and other wireless technology. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/159440 https://nevadasmallbusiness.com/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-flex-time/ -
Video conferencing
Webcams and video conferencing became more prevalent in the early 1990s. Its use on college campuses extended the reach of higher education to those who could not travel on site for classes. Web conferencing opened up cost savings and broader training opportunities to businesses in the coming years. https://www.bmmagazine.co.uk/tech/history-video-conferencing/ -
First pentium processors are sold for computer processing
This processing was faster, worked for PCs, and helped run graphic-intensive programs more efficiently. https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Pentium -
FMLA Family Medical Leave Act
This gives eligible workers job protected unpaid leave (health insurance continues) in specified situations. Data in 2012 showed over half of employees took FMLA for their own illnesses; only approximately 60% of workers are eligible for FMLA. https://hbr.org/2013/02/20-years-after-fmla-whats-chan -
World Trade Organization is established.
The WTO agreement covered goods, trades, services, and intellectual properties, as well as establishing procedures for settling disputes. Over time the WTO has served to improve the flow of global trade; 164 members represent 98% of international trade. https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/history_e/history_e.htm -
GPS
In 1995 27 fully functional satellites were launched for GPS services; business, recreational, and miltary uses increased over the years since. This provides wide ranging use from professionals (i.e.police, security, business logistics) to personal (i.e. google maps and trackin children's locations with apps on their phones). https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/1863556/edit -
Increased use of telecommuting
The Clean Air Act of 1990 spurred large corporations to increase the numbers of employees working remotely to reduce commute times. By 2012 some research indicated 1 in 5 people in America work from home, and numbers continue to rise with the increase in cell phones, video conferencing, and other wireless technogies. https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/the-history-of-telecommuting-stands-now/ -
Increased use of email
Although email existed before 1996, this year began the availability of free email that was usable anywhere the internet was available. This opened the door to much more widespread use in business as well as personal correspondence, opening the doors to convenient, 24/7 communication. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2002/mar/13/internetnews -
The Cloud
Web based access and storage of software programs and files began in the late 1990s, really taking off in the early 2000s. Frees people up to work in different ways since they can access data with an internet connection instead of having to be tied to specific hardware in an office.
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/425970/who-coined-cloud-computing/ -
Mobile Phones
In the late 1990s different versions of the mobile phone began to revolutionize how and where people communicated. The lines between work, home, and travel began to blur as people were truly just a phone call away. As texting grew popular, communication was possible in situations where speaking aloud was not appropriate. Models like the Blackberry helped people organize information and have 24/7 access to work. https://www.amny.com/lifestyle/cell-phones-through-the-years-1.7585422 -
Child care at work
In the late 1990s childcare at work started becoming more available. Studies showed the expense and narrow options for childcare were keeping women out of the workforce or causing them to leave the workforce. On-site childcare opened up employment opportunities to women and men who otherwise would not be able to have childcare. http://www.bowdoin.edu/news/archives/1academicnews/001791.shtml -
Electronic Records
With the expanded use of the world wide web and data processing programs, there was a growing need to organize data and records electronically. Software companies began to develop programs to better utilze and manage electronic data. This development continues today as new technology emerges, creating new programming needs. https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/EUM0000000007246 -
Search Engines
Google launched in 1998--it was not the first search engine, but the first major player using backlinks. Search engines allow web users to find information easily and instantly with the internet and a few clicks of the keyboard. Search engines opened up research and marketing for schools, business, and individuals.
https://www.wordstream.com/articles/internet-search-engines-history -
Wellness Benefits
Wellness benefits increased for employees in the 2000s, including, for example, weight loss programs, health screenings, gym access or memberships.
https://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2016/06/5_ways_employee_benefits_have.html -
Financial Bonuses
After the recession of the late 1990s, the practice of large executive bonuses and high compensation was brought into question. For average workers, many companies would forego a % raise in salary for an earned bonus at the end of the year, often based on performance.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB110427526449111461 http://www.athens.edu/business-journal/spring-2014/rlogan-ethics-of-bonuses-and-executive-compensation/ -
Retirement Benefits
Beginning in the early 2000s tjhere was a shift from more defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, particularly 401K plans.
https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2006/02/art5full.pdf https://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2016/06/5_ways_employee_benefits_have.html -
Drones
Pre-9/11, drones were primarily used for military surveillance. Post 9/11, drones began use for military strikes. Over the next decade, uses for drones expanded into the business and private sector. https://understandingempire.wordpress.com/2-0-a-brief-history-of-u-s-drones/ -
Terrorist attacks on World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA
9/11/01 brought shock, grief, anger, and a resurgance of patriotism to the U.S. Security for air travel greatly increased. The Dept. of Homeland Security was established the next year to better coordinate protection of the US. The War on Terror began, and troops were sent to Afghanistan. The number and role of remaining troops in the Middle East today remains controversial. https://www.businessinsider.com/what-happened-on-911-why-2016-9#2753-people-were-killed-in-the-new-york-attack-12 -
Facebook (FB) is launched
FB grew exponentially from one college campus to 2 billion users worldwide over the next 10 years. It has grown from a social online site to a major source of news, marketing, and, some would argue, propaganda. It has also been used to organize people for social justice movements and to raise funds for individuals and groups. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/facebook-when-started-how-mark-zuckerberg-history-harvard-eduardo-saverin-a8505151.html -
Roth 401K
The Roth 401K provided employees a new way to save for retirement by allowing after tax investment with future tax-free dispursements.This can be used in addition to a 403(b) plan. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/05/introroth401k.asp -
Great Recession
The most significant economic downturn since the Great Depression. Began in US in 2007-2009, due in part to dangerous mortgage lending, collapse of Lehman Brothers, millions of jobs lost. Current and future retirees lost significant portions of their investments in the stock market crash, and consequently are working longer or taking on multiple jobs. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/great-recession.asp -
Iphone
While the first smart phone was invented in 1992, the Iphone brought the smart phone to the masses. Having a connection to the internet anywhere you go has impacted the way people work away from their office, communicate with each other, and spend their time socializing in a digital world.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/jan/24/smartphones-timeline -
Affordable Care Act
The ACA provided health care for previously uninsured and underinsured people, especially children, offering many types of free preventative health care. To fund it there were more taxes on higher paying tax brackets and the health industry. It affected small businesses, some deciding to cut worker hours to avoid providing insurance.
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10650-affordable-care-act-compliance-smb.html
https://connectusfund.org/8-foremost-pros-and-cons-of-the-affordable-care-act -
Citizens United Ruling
This Supreme Court ruling allows for unlimited donations from donors, including labor unions and corporations, to Super PACS (which can lobby for or against political candidates).
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/01/21/how-citizens-united-changed-politics-in-6-charts/?utm_term=.f0f00a7b27f4 https://www.brennancenter.org/blog/how-citizens-united-changed-politics-and-shaped-tax-bill -
Health Care and Education Act of 2010
The direct student loan program started with this act, eliminating student loans through private banks. The debt forgiveness timeline was shortened and income based repayment opportunities were increased. Over time the average amount of student debt has increased as well as the percent of students borrowing money for college.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2018/06/13/student-loan-debt-statistics-2018/#1da4a9567310 http://www.finaid.org/educators/history.phtml -
Same sex marriage legalized in all 50 states
This ruling provided the same legal standing (health insurance, spouse benefits, etc) to same sex marriage spouses as heterosexual marriage spouses. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-must-allow-same-sex-marriages