Throughout history, work and labor have played a vital role in meeting basic human needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Initially, these activities revolved around childcare, hunting, and agriculture. However, the concept of work has evolved over centuries, culminating in the emergence of the modern “job” in the late 19th century.

Work in the era of industrialism

Max Weber, a prominent German sociologist, exerted significant influence on the definition and development of labor during this period. He introduced the term “bureaucracy” to describe highly structured and formalized organizations that lack personal connections. Weber’s bureaucratic theory emphasized task specialization, hierarchical structures, and adherence to rules and regulations. It placed little emphasis on worker satisfaction or well-being.

The 19th century also witnessed the industrial revolution, which led to the establishment of centralized workplaces. Large-scale industries replaced traditional agricultural and handicraft economies, introducing mechanization and new methods of work organization for improved efficiency. The notion of work became closely tied to specific workplaces, coinciding with the rise of urbanization. People flocked from rural to urban areas in search of better lives and employment opportunities in factories. Unfortunately, this era lacked health and safety regulations, resulting in dangerous working conditions and the prevalence of child labor. Workers endured grueling schedules, often working 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week, without paid holidays. Factories enforced such practices to maximize profits.

The industrial working evolution

In the early 20th century, labor movements and reformers campaigned for shorter workweeks, leading to the introduction of employment laws in various countries. Working hours were gradually reduced to 48 hours and later to 40 hours per week. In the United States, Henry Ford implemented the 8-hour workday during a 6-day workweek. This was further shortened during the Great Depression to combat high unemployment rates. Urbanization persisted during this period, attracting individuals from rural backgrounds to cities, where factory work followed strict schedules regulated by clocks.

The 1950s witnessed the rise of the service economy, a post-industrial phenomenon characterized by the production of information rather than physical goods. However, the earlier norms and regulations surrounding work remained intact. Despite this shift, the centralization of workspaces continued to mirror industrial patterns.

Skyscrapers emerged as iconic structures within business districts, symbolizing modern office work.

The notion of work became closely tied to physical spaces, prompting individuals to relocate to cities offering growth opportunities and higher incomes. Prestigious companies sought prime office locations, drawing ambitious workers into cubicles initially introduced to enhance productivity and privacy. This approach further accelerated the ongoing trend of urbanization and population density.

Challenges of the digital working era

In the present day, we find ourselves immersed in what is commonly referred to as the digital era. This era originated between the 1950s and 1970s of the previous century and has now become our everyday reality. Technology plays a significant role in our lives, influencing our social interactions and providing solutions for businesses across the globe. It has also permeated our workplaces, where the Internet enables immediate collaboration with individuals from any corner of the world. However, despite these remarkable technological advancements, most work is still evaluated based on physical presence in an office. Attendance at work is often monitored by clocking in and out, a practice that persists even in the face of the pervasive reach of technology.

This paradox is worth observing: the service industry heavily relies on technology to connect with customers in far-flung corners of the world, yet it insists on the physical presence of employees. Is there a valid reason behind this, or are we merely adhering to established norms that were designed many years ago in a different reality?

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