New Work

1. The transformation of the working world: Introduction to the concept of New Work

The world of work is undergoing a transformation that is unprecedented in its shape and speed. This change is driven by the New Work concept. New Work represents a transformation of the working world caused by various driving forces, such as progressive digitization, globalization and social change.

What is New Work?

The basic idea of New Work is to rethink work. Instead of seeing work as a means to an end, as before, it is seen as an opportunity to develop one's own personality and talents. Instead of rigid hierarchies and fixed working hours, a flexible and free approach to working time and distribution is preferred. The focus is on the well-being and satisfaction of employees.

The driving forces behind New Work

Digitalization is one of the main driving forces of the New Work movement. It has made it possible to work anytime and anywhere. Globalization also plays a decisive role. Work is no longer limited to a specific location and companies can operate globally. Finally, social change has also contributed to a change in the concept of work.

The added value of New Work

The implementation of New Work offers numerous advantages. Increasing creativity, flexibility and employee satisfaction are just a few of the positive effects. At the same time, the continuous development and improvement approach also promotes the company's ability to innovate.

The variety of options and strategies offered by New Work therefore offers every company the opportunity to develop and successfully implement models that are individually tailored to their needs. The emphasis on employee satisfaction and flexible work arrangements results in a sustainable and sustainable way of working.

Transforming the world of work through New Work is an ongoing process that offers new challenges, but also great opportunities for companies. It is therefore important to follow this development and actively participate in it in order to remain fit for the future as a company.

2. Philosophy behind New Work: Values, Visions and Origins

New Work is more than just a concept or a methodology. It is a philosophy that completely redefines the nature of work. At the core of this philosophy are values and visions, which strive for a profound transformation of the working world both at individual and corporate level.

New Work values

The values that underpin New Work are revolutionary in many ways in their focus on work and how we perceive it. Prioritizing personal freedom and self-determination is at the forefront of this philosophy. New Work emphasizes the growth and development of individual employees and recognizes that fulfillment and motivation in the workplace can be achieved through autonomy and purpose.

It's also about the value of collaboration — breaking down traditional hierarchical structures in favor of flatter, more flexible teams. It is recognized that ideas and innovations arise from joint efforts and the exchange of skills and knowledge.

Visions of New Work

New Work is not just about the now, it's also about the future. The vision behind the concept is to create a working world that focuses on employee well-being and helps to form resilient, innovative and adaptable organizations. New Work aims to reduce stress and burnout rates through flexible work models and to encourage employees to achieve a good work-life balance.

Origin of New Work

The origin of New Work can be traced back to the 1980s, when the Austrian-American philosopher Frithjof Bergmann coined the term. Bergmann developed the concept in response to the increasing automation of work, which could deprive many people of their jobs. His vision was to create a new work culture in which people are more autonomous, freer and able to fully concentrate on the work they love.

In the decades that followed, New Work has developed far beyond Bergmann's original concept and has become the epitome of progressive work models and cultures that focus on both the individual and the organization.

The philosophy behind New Work invites you to question traditions and create a working world that is characterized by autonomy, collaboration and a genuine sense of well-being at work. It invites us not simply to accept the future of work, but to actively shape it.

3. Tax-free employer subsidies as a performance incentive as part of New Work

Tax-free employer subsidies are an effective and attractive tool within the framework of the New Work movement, which helps to increase employee motivation. However, before you dive deep into this topic, you should understand exactly what these grants mean.

What are tax-free employer subsidies?

Tax-free employer subsidies are additional benefits that employers can offer their employees in addition to their regular salary. The special thing about it: These benefits are tax-free for recipients. This means that even if these benefits are added to income, this does not increase the tax burden. Depending on how these benefits are structured, they may also be free of social security contributions.

The role in the New Work movement

But how do tax-free employer subsidies fit into the philosophy of the New Work movement? New Work stands for a change in the world of work in which not only the level of salary but also so-called “soft factors” are becoming more important. These include, for example, flexible working hours, a pleasant working environment or even attractive additional benefits.

Tax-free employer subsidies can therefore serve as a performance incentive that goes far beyond pure monetary thinking. They signal appreciation and recognition to employees and thus strengthen the bond with the company.

Design options for tax-free employer subsidies

The design options for tax-free employer subsidies are diverse. They can be offered, for example, as food subsidies, public transport subsidies or childcare support. This also includes the provision of gift cards that are valid throughout the region and thus promote support for the local economy.

However, this requires that these subsidies be granted in addition to the salary already owed. In addition, these must be benefits in kind and not cash benefits.

Ultimately, tax-free employer subsidies are a multi-faceted instrument that, as part of the New Work movement, can both promote employee motivation and support the local economy.

4. The role of the local economy in the New Work movement

The labor market is constantly changing. Influences such as technological progress, global networking or changing workers' values are shaping the new movement in the world of work — the New Work movement. The local economy plays an often overlooked but decisive role in this transformation.

New Work and Local Economy — A Symbiotic Relationship

The basis of New Work is the desire to give people the freedom to do what they really, really want. This includes flexibility in working from where and when, and choosing who to work with. How closely intertwined this is with the local economy is particularly visible in times of economic upheaval.

In the New Work movement, the local economy serves as an important element. It enables workers to choose flexible work spaces while promoting the local economy. This allows workers to freely choose their workplace, whether in a local café, a coworking space or a cozy local office. This not only stimulates the local economy, but also contributes to employee satisfaction and productivity.

Small and medium-sized enterprises in the New Work movement

The local economy plays an important role, particularly for small and medium-sized companies. Direct contact with customers, suppliers and partners can create decisive competitive advantages here. New Work enables companies to react more agilely and faster to market changes and seize new business opportunities.

Promoting the local economy through New Work

In addition to focusing on one's own work and that of the team, working for the local economy can also contribute to corporate success. Strengthening the local economy can generate indirect benefits for the company, for example by supporting local suppliers.

In addition, a company can increase its attractiveness as an employer by supporting the local community. Because employers who take their social responsibility seriously and actively support the local economy are very popular when looking for a job.

The New Work movement and the local economy are therefore two sides of the same coin. They influence each other and, when properly integrated, can make a significant contribution to the success of a company. An understanding of the local economy and an awareness of its importance in the New Work movement are therefore essential for every modern company.

5. Employee Retention through New Work: Strategies and Methods

In the age of New Work, employee retention is becoming increasingly important. Traditional performance cultures alone are no longer enough to attract and retain highly qualified employees for your company in the long term. With new strategies and methods, New Work offers practice-oriented solutions that have the potential to redefine the relationships between companies and employees.

Value-based leadership and employee retention in the New Work concept

People are at the heart of the New Work movement. This change in setting priorities also has an impact on the management structure and thus on employee retention. Value-based leadership is an important component of this new path. It is about creating and living common values that promote authenticity and trust and create a secure framework in which employees feel comfortable and valued.

Flexible working time models as a retention strategy

Flexibility is an important element of the New Work movement. The introduction of flexible working time models can create an incentive for employees to commit themselves more closely to the company. The ability to flexibly arrange working hours and locations shows that the company respects the needs of employees and that it is committed to a good work-life balance.

Tax-free employer subsidies as a commitment tool

Providing tax-free employer subsidies can also be an effective retention strategy. These can serve as a financial incentive and increase both employee motivation and satisfaction. They can also help to convince employees of their added value for the company and thus strengthen their commitment and loyalty.

Helping local economies retain employees

In addition, the active involvement of companies in their local economy can promote employee retention. When your company shows that it is committed to the local community, it can build a sense of belonging and pride among employees. They can then see themselves as part of a company that is not only looking for their own profit, but also has the well-being of the community in mind.

New Work therefore offers various strategies and methods for employee retention, which are based on the individual needs and requirements of employees. The focus is always on trust, flexibility, appreciation and participation — values that you can incorporate into your company to promote and strengthen the loyalty of your employees.

6. Outlook: The future of New Work and its impact on the business environment

New Work is not a trend, but a way of life and thinking that is changing the world of work in ways that have never been seen before. But what's next? Are there any prospects that show us what to expect in the future? In this guide, let's take a look at where New Work and its impact on the business environment could go.

The future of work

Covid-19 has completely turned the world of work on its head and showed us that it is high time to develop new working models and structures. Many companies have therefore embraced the concept of New Work in order to face current challenges. But what can we expect from the future of work? It appears that flat hierarchies, agile working methods, self-organization and the promotion of individual strengths will increasingly come to the fore in the post-pandemic era.

Impacts on the business environment

We live in a fast-paced, digitally driven world that demands a high degree of flexibility and adaptability from companies. Implementing New Work in business structures can therefore help to transform corporate culture and meet the challenges of the digital age. Instead of rigid, entrenched structures, New Work enables open, collaborative and adaptable corporate management. As a result, companies can become more efficient, increase employee retention and thus increase their competitiveness in the long term.

The importance of employer subsidies

One aspect that will play an increasingly important role in the future is tax-free employer subsidies. Just like flexible working hours or working from home, they can help motivate employees and retain them with the company. By supporting the local economy at the same time, they can create a win-win situation for everyone involved.

No one can say with certainty what the future will bring. But one thing is certain: New Work is here to stay. Companies that open up to the movement will be better positioned to be successful in a constantly changing business environment. In this sense, there is a lot of excitement and dynamism in the future of New Work. Be a part of it too and actively shape tomorrow's working life.