Theme of the year 2024 for Quality of Life and Working Conditions Week, this question was asked locally by the Regional Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions (Aract) during a meeting which outlined the outlines of future developments in the professional world. Marc Malenfer, expert from the National Institute of Scientific Research, author of Work in 2040, steering methods, health and safety issues at work, shed light.
The world of work is experiencing profound transformations. Agility, flexibility, balance and sustainability are the key words of this transformation. Young people, especially those from generation Z, have expectations about the meaning they want to give to their work. They seek to invest in projects consistent with their personal and social values. Unlike their elders, they do not hesitate to change jobs if their aspirations are not met. “They are the ones who will design the jobs of tomorrow”, underlines Jean-Noël Amato, Aract work psychologist. Too, for businesses, the ability to attract and retain these talents requires an adaptation of managerial and organizational practices emphasizing flexibility, personal development and meaningful missions.
Flexibility and right to disconnect
Organizational agility becomes a decisive issue in this adaptation. A number of companies are reducing hierarchical levels. This approach gives employees greater responsibility and values their individual contribution to the collective work.. Flexibility at work is another facet of tomorrow's work. Teleworking, flexible schedules and part-time contracts are models that are gaining popularity. Flexibility allows employees to better manage their personal responsibilities while remaining productive. Companies benefit by improving their attractiveness. Finally, work-life balance has become a priority. Teleworking, extended parental leave and corporate wellness programs are some examples of measures to achieve this balance. Added to this is the right to disconnect to preserve mental and physical health.
Work value : more balance and pleasure
Another challenge for tomorrow’s work : it “must become a source of satisfaction and not stress”. Hybrid work, combining face-to-face and distance learning, is already a reality for many. Its modularity is expanding. Coworking spaces, Shared offices and remote working solutions give businesses the ability to adapt to the changing needs of their employees and market constraints. Booming in Reunion, the concept of ecosystems and eco-villages suggests the development of these communities in which work and personal life coexist (see, next page, article on The Crew). These initiatives aim to create environments where collaboration and mutual support are fostered. They represent a futuristic vision of the world of work.
Back to crafts
The return to manual work appears to be an emerging trend also on the island. This movement, which values artisanal skills and know-how, meets a need for tangibility and authenticity in an increasingly digital world. Manual trades and creative workshops regain a place of choice in professional aspirations. The green economy, driven by the ecological transition, creates new job opportunities. Jobs linked to renewable energies, natural resource management and waste reduction, are booming. These jobs, in addition to contributing to the protection of the environment, offer meaningful career prospects.
