The future of work: a lift to well-being at work

What does the future of work hold for us? And it is that beyond contributing to economic growth and functioning, employment also acts at an individual level in people's lives . Either because of the amount of time we dedicate to it, or because it meets our economic and psychosocial needs. Likewise, it interrelates directly and indirectly with other areas of our lives.

Thus, it seems that, with the outbreak of the pandemic, we have learned to become more aware of the centrality of work. Hence, the importance that we attribute to it now is linked to mental health . As well as time flexibility and healthier and more collaborative work models .

The value of work in society

Before, the type of employment that people had immediately determined their social status. However, much has changed since then.

Indeed, work is a central element in society in terms of human development. We do not limit it to a simple way to earn a living, but to a definitive way to earn dignity. Because it is through work that we demonstrate our moral character . And it is also where many of us seek the meaning and purpose of our existence. This being the case, why do we continue to stay in jobs that don't bring us in or excite us?

On the other hand, human contact is one of the most important labor components in the work routine. Even before the pandemic. However, many organizations continue to encourage individual spaces and tasks. And these do nothing but increase the dissatisfaction and turnover rates of your staff.

And at this point, I would like to mention Alexander, whom I had the pleasure of meeting years ago when we both worked in a Parisian company . Alex , with a curious and very honest nature, told me one day between coffee and coffee:

«Do you know what I value most about my day to day at the office? Take the elevator. Because it's the only time and place I can have a relaxed chat with someone."

His answer left me totally perplexed.

Thus, Alex's words confirm what many of us already suspected: the structure of work is at risk . And in a battle for moral resistance, the emotional salary comes out as the outright winner versus the economic salary .

Mental health as a priority

You have probably already read the following question: “Would you leave your current job for your mental health?”. It is also very possible that your answer to this question is a resounding "yes".

But what has changed so that we now consider mental health as a priority when we are (re)evaluating a job? And we now understand that it is a shared responsibility . So it does not simply depend on each one of us individually, but also on the management that employers exercise in the work environment.

So no more listening to meditation podcasts halfway to work. All this to better deal with the omnipresent and general exhaustion . Or, be the last person to pick up your son or daughter for hectic and endless work days.

Now it is essential that companies initiate a change in mentality . They must also be aware that it is essential that all workers should enjoy good working conditions. Which favor their personal and work well-being .

And although the emotional salary is still a pending task for many human resources teams, many companies are already actively considering some measures that already reflect greater business awareness . Whether it's supporting your employees with apps to take care of their mental health. Or, establishing more flexible schedules, combining face-to-face with teleworking.

It is, therefore, for the reasons cited that the office must be prepared . Since millions of people are returning to face-to-face work. It is important to include workspaces that promote collaborations . As well as all kinds of initiatives to help employees reconnect with themselves and with others.

How does the future present itself?

In short, the health crisis has acted as a relevant variant in the degree of importance we attribute to work. Indeed, this completely changes the paradigm of the future of work. Therefore, now more than ever we must understand work as the social value it acquires in all areas of society . Because now we have enough room and tools to redraw the role of work in society. Because the future of work should mean working, but feeling fulfilled and fulfilled every day .

What does the future work hold for Alexander? Certainly something much more considerable than an elevator car. And the same applies to all of us .