The New Work concept is at the center of this development and deals with the organization of work taking into account flexibility, self-determination and process digitization. The focus is not only on digital tools and modern workplaces, but also creates a whole new understanding of how work is structured and what role it can play in people's lives.
Coworking space @ startport in Duisburg's inner harbor
The world of work is undergoing structural change. On the one hand, technological innovations such as automation and digitization are driving change. On the other hand, social upheavals such as the demographically related shortage of skilled workers, the increasing importance of self-determination in the world of work, or the call for lived diversity. The New Work concept is at the center of this development and deals with the organization of work taking into account flexibility, self-determination and process digitization. The focus is not only on digital tools and modern workplaces, but also creates a whole new understanding of how work is structured and what role it can play in people's lives.
The social philosopher Frithjof Bergmann, pioneer of the New Work idea, emphasized: “Work must strengthen people, not weaken them. ”
The transition from the traditional working model — often referred to as “old work” and characterized by fixed working hours and clear hierarchies — is already in full swing. The established structures are increasingly moving towards a more flexible design: mobile working, increasing personal responsibility and the ability to individually design everyday working life.
New Work results from technical, economic and social developments. The increasing digitization of the working world — for example through cloud services, video conferences and project management tools — makes it possible to work anywhere and flexibly. In the context of the digital design of work, we speak of “Work 4.0,” an area of New Work.
New Work is a working model that not only appeals to employees, but also helps companies to react flexibly and promptly to the changing environment. More and more employees are paying attention to balancing work and private life, want meaningful tasks and a higher degree of self-determination. Companies can specifically address these expectations as part of new work measures in order to sharpen their profile as an attractive employer.
However, flexibility and freedom in the work environment can make it more difficult for employees to maintain a clear separation between work and private life. The private telephone becomes a work cell phone, and when working from home, it is difficult to distance yourself from everyday tasks such as childcare or housekeeping. This makes it more difficult to switch off emotionally and cognitively after work. At the same time, a high level of self-discipline and personal responsibility is required. Progressive digitization requires technological skills; if these are only insufficiently available, work processes can be significantly affected.
With the new work approach, there are now also environmental aspects In focus: Thanks to flexible, location-independent work practices, employees commute less frequently, which significantly reduces traffic and CO₂ emissions. In 2023, for example, there were 3.96 million commuters commuting more than 50 kilometers and 2.28 million commutes commuting more than 100 kilometers to work. By eliminating the sometimes long distances to work, an average of 750€ and 6.3 kilograms of CO2e can be saved. But it turns out that team communication is sometimes difficult as a result of remote work because there is a lack of personal exchange — the kind of exchange that could emotionally relieve colleagues.
As part of New Work, one opportunity to work flexibly and creatively while promoting spontaneous exchange across departmental boundaries is Activity-Based Working Dar. The concept is based on flexible areas that are oriented to the respective activities and deliberately dispenses with fixed jobs. For example, there are special areas for focused work, team meetings, telephone calls or creative collaboration. Office space is used dynamically. Clearly defined work areas not only promote productivity, but also strengthen the concentration and individual development of employees. An integral part of this work concept is the Clean Desk Policy. This means leaving your own workplace tidy and tidy at the end of the day — in the spirit of a flexible and respectful working environment.
coworking forms another core element of modern new work approaches: In open, shared spaces, experts from a wide range of industries work together flexibly and benefit from numerous opportunities for professional and personal exchange. In addition to modern infrastructure — from high-speed Internet to (interactive) whiteboards and fully equipped meeting rooms — the focus is therefore primarily on networking coworkers. The open atmosphere creates space for new ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration. Thanks to flexible booking models, coworking offers a sustainable alternative to traditional offices — particularly in central locations with optimal connections to public transport and the road network.
How Activity-based working and coworking can be interlinked in a practical way, shows Starting point at Duisburg's inner harbor: The company offers a wide range of work areas — from quiet individual places for focused work to group rooms for meetings and spacious event spaces for workshops and networking events.
New Work creates new freedom in work design, but requires companies and employees alike to have more personal responsibility and a rethink — which you can see for yourself in Duisburg's inner harbor; feel free to drop by!
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