The way we work has changed a lot in the last 50 years. Developments in the wake of the Corona pandemic certainly had a particularly significant impact, with a positive side effect: Whereas many companies used to focus on people as a means to an end, the focus nowadays is on the well-being and advancement of employees. This new approach is referred to as “New Work”.
What Is New Work – And How New Is It Really?
Traditional structures of the meritocracy often demand overtime, competition, rigid attendance times and strictly hierarchical management from working people. These systems are now outdated, because we live in times of structural change and digitization. Companies must also adapt to this, because the following work generations Y and Z in particular place more value on flexible working hours and work-life balance. Not only are home offices and remote working increasingly in demand, they also offer numerous advantages for companies: More relaxed, balanced employees can often cope better with change and are also more creative and motivated.
The definition of “New Work” is also based on this basic idea, a term which was introduced as early as the 1970s by the social philosopher Frithjof Bergmann. He wanted to create a sustainable counter-model to the industrial age, and thus in a way described the knowledge and information society in which we live today. Instead of simply completing tasks, the new focus is on allowing people to realize themselves with the help of their work and to be free and independent in what they do.
The New World of Work In a Nutshell
To describe the changes in professional life, it often helps to experience them yourself. And so many companies have also undergone a major transformation since 2020: a new mindset has been created, workplaces changed, leadership methods made more agile. For some, the change came abruptly, whereas others had been working this way for years.
New Work, new Mindset
Probably the most important development of a new working world is based on the recognition that traditional forms of work are only compatible with modern developments to a limited extent. Companies need to rethink, and this applies to both large organizations and SMEs. The focus should be on the employees and their satisfaction, especially in their basic needs for autonomy, experience of competence and social belonging.
In order to adapt the new working life to this, it is important to guarantee employees a good work-life balance. This includes less overtime and flexible work arrangements. In this regard, people are increasingly talking about work-life blending: a fluid transition between work and private life, so that employees can act in a self-determined manner and react flexibly to private circumstances. This also increases productivity, because it makes it possible to work at one’s own ideal times. For example, when you feel particularly fit, balanced or creative. Of course, there will still be times when you work with lower energy, but the balance is critical.
Closely related to this is the flattening of hierarchies. The more co-determination rights employees are granted, the more committed they are. This is especially possible in SMEs. The management and executive levels also benefit from this, because operational teams usually have good ideas for optimizing work structures and processes.
Work where you like it best
Flexible work design also involves choosing an optimal workplace. This can be incredibly individual. For example, the pandemic has shown how challenging home office is for some employees, while others still use this option today and no longer want to do without it. New Work puts the focus on people’s needs, according to which they are allowed to make decisions. Home office is just one variant in the new world of work. In addition, there is a mix of traditional office and dedicated office, the so-called co-working spaces. These are rented premises in which people from different areas work together in one place. In contrast to an office community, you meet different professions there, which is often seen by those working there as particularly interesting and helpful for the creative process.
Whether from home, on the road, in the office or a co-working space – New Work is a modern work model that requires digital tools. In a previous blog post, we brought you a roundup of the best tips and tools for working from home. Digital working environments and programs such as the Microsoft 365 Suite help to implement flexible working models in the best possible way.
New management models
New forms of work also require a change in management thinking. The big buzzword: agile leadership models. The focus is on intuitive and iterative process development and optimization, as well as fast and effective adaptation to unpredictable changes. We have described some of these models in more detail here.
In the area of New Work, there is also constant talk of New Leadership. This principle is aimed above all at flat hierarchies. Instead of simply handing over tasks to employees, they work independently and determine their own tasks within a certain framework. A boss is thus much more like a coach than a commander. As an employer, you should motivate your team accordingly, convey to people the meaningfulness of their tasks and thereby promote intrinsic motivation.
At its core, all forms of a new leadership culture are built on companies making a cultural change – away from rigid, traditional systems and toward more trust in employees. Management must rely on the operational level to execute projects to the best of their ability. Regular updates and meetings are of course still essential.
Advantages For Large And Small Companies
The advantages brought by the possibilities of this new working model do not only affect the employees. We should part with such a distinction anyway, because New Work describes just that: What is good for the employees is also positive for the company. Satisfaction and mental health have a long-term effect on the profitability of a company. And if employees see a sense in their work, if they are supported and given further training, their innovative strength increases. It is therefore worthwhile for employers to listen carefully and respond to employees’ ideas. SMEs in particular have an easier time of it here, because family structures often already prevail in smaller organizations, on which one can build. Communication is also usually less complicated here.
It is therefore not surprising that many Swiss SMEs are already successfully implementing these measures and continuing to drive a cultural change. More and more organizations are questioning existing power relationships and actively involving their employees in corporate structures.
The Future Of Our Work
That the way we work will change is not a new thought. Rather, it is an expression of the fact that the world of work is not static and that companies will have to keep adapting to changes in the future. At the latest, with the emergence of Generation Y, it became clear that people are striving for more meaning in their work and want to identify more strongly with it. This desire in particular is also helpful for companies: The more employees identify with their workplace, the more they feel valued for themselves and their opinions, the more committed they are. Properly implemented, New Work is thus a win-win situation for all involved.
The Corona pandemic has further driven change and digital transformation, and more and more people are seeing the benefits that New Work offers. Nevertheless, a digital transformation of one’s own working environment should not be rushed, but rather well considered.
Want to take the plunge and learn how you too can make New Work part of your company culture? With our many years of experience in the field of digital workspace and cybersecurity, Dinotronic is your reliable partner. We would be happy to show you ways and possibilities for your successful and future-oriented IT and accompany you in the corresponding implementation. Find out today about our all-round carefree packages for your modern, mobile and secure workplace!
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