New Work
The changing world of work
The term New Work was introduced in the mid-1970s by social philosopher Frithjof Bergmann. Bergmann developed the theoretical concept of New Work.
Fundamentally, New Work stands for various alternative work forms and models. Bergmann’s concept tries to reverse the principle of wage labor. He defines the terms purpose and means as follows: Since the industrial revolution, the purpose of work has mainly been to complete specific tasks—such as steps on an assembly line. The working person fulfilling this was the means, basically the tool.
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The concept of New Work reverses this relationship. New Work represents the means by which people can realize their potential as individuals. According to Bergmann, it is particularly concerned with the meaningful function of work. Values such as freedom and independence are also important. Bergmann's general definition of New Work is thus: New Work is the work that a person truly wants. New Work should offer new opportunities for freedom, creativity, and personal development. Self-determination is paramount, and the old, rigid working methods are a thing of the past.
Our society is currently undergoing a rapid transformation from an industrial society to a knowledge society. Globalization and digitalization, in particular, are having far-reaching effects and consequences for the world of work. This change is forcing the world of work to rethink and adapt to the new requirements. Traditional work structures are giving way to freer and more flexible ways of working.
New Work is now one of the megatrends that will slowly but fundamentally and, above all, permanently change the world. It affects each and every one of us and impacts all levels of society, from business and politics to science, technology, and culture.
The Zukunftsinstitut explains and describes the megatrend New Work as follows:
"Digitalization is throwing people back on their humanity—especially in working life. If machines can perform certain tasks better than humans in the future, we will begin to think about the meaning of work. If work no longer needs us, why do we need work? New Work describes an epochal upheaval that begins with the question of meaning and is fundamentally transforming the world of work. The age of the creative economy has dawned—and it's time to say goodbye to the rational, meritocratic society. New Work focuses on the development of every individual's potential. Because work is in the service of humanity: We no longer work to live, and we no longer live to work. The future will be about the successful symbiosis of life and work."