“no one wants to work anymore”
I’m sure you’ve heard it already whether from your boss, on LinkedIn, from a recruiter, or your parents. The idea that “no one wants to work anymore” is permeating the mainstream once again.
I say “again” because this is not a new idea. This fantastic twitter thread from Paul Fairie demonstrates this notion from 1894 to 2022:
The takeaway from this is that there is nothing new about this sentiment, or particularly profound. Rather, it’s an observation that the landscape surrounding the labor force has changed continually over the years, and we are witnessing another one of those changes today.
the new meaning of work
Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen a rise in remote and hybrid work arrangements to the point where remote work is not just possible, but the norm amongst working professionals. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy means that more people are freelancing or pursuing creative endeavors, and startups are popping up left and right to cater to this growing market. People are increasingly looking for work that offers more flexibility, autonomy, and purpose.
With all these changes in the market, is it really surprising that fewer people want to work in traditional 9-to-5 jobs where they’re chained to a desk, clocking in and out every day, and constantly monitored? Or is it just that the nature of work is changing, and we need to adapt accordingly? I personally love my 9-5, but all people have different values, and my work values are not the same as those you might hold. My workplace is also one that values creativity, individuality, autonomy, and community – something that is lacking in most of the corporate world.
Many company cultures revolve around driving numbers and a focus on the bottom line. This takes the human out of “human resources” and eliminates any sense of loyalty or connection employees would otherwise feel towards their organizations. At the same time, we can’t ignore the challenges that still exist in the job market. Economic inequality, lack of access to education and training, and systemic biases continue to make meaningful work difficult to find for many.
work-life integration
To argue that “no one wants to work anymore” is to overlook the fact that people are actively pursuing different kinds of work. They’re starting side hustles, creating new businesses, and seeking out opportunities to learn and grow in their fields. Instead of aiming for “work-life balance,” we are seeing more pursuit of “work-life integration” instead.
You might be thinking, “why would I want to integrate work with my life? Keep my boss out of my business!” That all depends on if you’re seeing work in a traditional way, or from a new perspective. Work isn’t just a place that you go to clock in for 8 hours per day any more; rather, it is what you do to contribute to your team, organization, and society in a meaningful way.
As an HR practitioner, I’m paid to devote a certain amount of my time to my organization on a regular basis, but I also integrate the work I do with my life in a meaningful way. For me professionally, this means I’m excited about the projects I’m doing at work, I engage with my organization and the greater community that we impact, I listen to podcasts and consume media relating to my professional field, and regularly pursue professional development. I also work for an organization that provides ample time off, acknowledges and appreciates my individuality, and allows me to structure my work schedule in a way that also supports my personal endeavors.
If you’ve struggled to find this type of workplace as I have, I’d encourage you not to fear change, to build your skillset, and vet your organization thoroughly in a job interview (more on this soon). I’ve experienced and heard horror stories of the most toxic work environments, and I know that standing up for yourself in some instances can put a target on your back.
Unfortunately, myself and others have stayed in these situations for far too long, afraid of change and clinging to our paychecks, only to realize more dignity and pay was waiting somewhere else. A knowing of your worth, a decision not to settle, and a strong judgment of when to leave are crucial tools to have in your professional arsenal.
As professionals, if we continue to demand a shift in the culture and treatment of our workforce, organizations will be forced to adapt or fail. Whether you work as a retail clerk or a doctor, you have the choice in what to exchange for your labor and time; it’s important to not take that choice lightly.
Ultimately, the changing climate of work is complex and multifaceted. To write it off as a simple case of laziness or entitlement is disingenuous. We need to have more nuanced conversations about the kinds of work that are available, the opportunities for growth and fulfillment, and the systemic issues that persist in the workforce.
The next time you hear someone say “no one wants to work anymore,” consider the bigger picture. We’re in the midst of a major transformation in the way we work, and there’s no going back. The question is, how will we adapt and evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities this new era presents?
-w.w.
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