The changes occurring in today's workplace - continuing expansion of new technologies, the shifting role of women in the work force, the effects of economic slowdowns - are all combining to revolutionize business. As business leaders, Rotary members share their skills and expertise through Vocational Service.

According to Rotary's classification principle, members join Rotary as the representative of their particular business or profession. This gives Rotarians the dual responsibility of representing their vocation within the club and of exemplifying the ideals of Rotary within the workplace. The essence of Vocational Service is the importance of high ethical standards in all professions, the importance of all vocations, and the opportunity to contribute one's vocational talents to address the problems and needs of society.

Early Rotarians were often instrumental in setting up local organizations that functioned as, or became, better business bureaus. Other clubs established boards of mediators to promote industrial peace between employers and their workers and among businesses. Today the focus of Vocational Service has expanded from individual vocational excellence to providing service within the workplace and to the community.