In Germany and elsewhere, the literature on current and future work requirements rarely discusses the effects of globalization, internationalization, computerization, and other factors from the point of view of workers. Some have suggested that a blurring of limits will be one of the main changes in work in the future. This blurring will involve the following dimensions: time; space; working means/technology; "social" or work organization; work content/qualification; and meaning/motivation. The following are among the various abilities that will likely be required of workers: ability to evaluate information; self-understanding, self-mastery, self-guidance, and self-marketing; and ability to deal with insecurity, uncertainty, disruptions, and conflicts. The following are among the areas of competence that will become increasingly relevant in the future: internationality; loyalty; team spirit; mobility; goal orientation; flexibility; plurality competence; transitional competence; and social communication competence. Besides presenting workers with new opportunities, the projected changes in the nature of work might also lead to considerable threats or risks, including the following: the risk of being unable to cope with demands; risks to health or risk of disease; risk of the wrong qualification or loss of qualification; risk of demotivation; and risk of dissatisfaction with life and work. (Contains 54 references.) (MN)