Searching for meaning & Generation Z

New Work expert Laura Wenningmann used her input "Experiencing meaning in a professional context" to explain how the meaning of work is undergoing a transformation: away from work as a purely personal means of securing a livelihood and towards a meaningful and socially relevant activity. She broke down why it is worthwhile for companies to focus more on employees’ sense of meaning, how the experience of meaning can be made tangible in a professional context and how companies can tackle the topic in concrete terms. The participants then became active themselves: in group work, they analysed where they see competence and potential with regard to promoting meaning in their company.

Purpose & Performance

At first glance, a focus on meaning and a focus on performance seem like opposites that aim for the same thing: some say that if the meaning is attractive enough, performance will come naturally. Others are convinced that there can be no success without pressure to perform. We asked the participants precisely this question: which of these two theses appeals to you more? Although the individual opinions were as diverse as the participants themselves, the subsequent group work and panel discussion made it clear that one hardly works without the other. The participants were able to develop concrete measures for action that can be used to address both the sense of purpose and the performance orientation of employees.

Making performance measurable in a motivated way

Uwe Rotermund provided another concrete implementation measure on the topic of meaning and performance orientation in his input on "Making performance measurable in a motivated way". "Objectives and key results" are therefore an excellent way of combining a focus on meaning and performance. Afterwards, the participants had the opportunity to become active themselves and formulate their own goals in the form of objectives and key results from the previously developed action measures.

AIin the context of New Work

The second day was dedicated entirely to the topic of "artificial intelligence". The topic was introduced by Dr Joschka Hüllmann, an assistant professor at the University of Twente who is researching the future of work with new technologies, among other things. In his keynote speech, he gave a forecast for the influence of AI on work across various industries and highlighted possible applications of AI in different work contexts. The participants applied these insights to their own field of work in the subsequent group work: In a mutual exchange, possible applications for AI in the areas of recruiting, management, HR management, personnel development and project and routine work were developed and presented.

Summary

The event organisers from noventum consulting, Uwe Rotermund, Laura Wenningmann and Marvin Holler, are delighted with the smooth running of the event and the lively participation of the participants, without whom the New Work Pioneer Lab would not have been such a great success. In the final participant survey, the workshop was rated with a total of 4.4 out of a possible 5 points. Here are a few quotes of praise:

"Inspiring exchange in a wonderful group and a great framework created by noventum."

"When people with the same spirit come together, the best ideas are born."

"Identifying and developing potential together."

"New Work is what I really want to drive forward in the company."

"I am thrilled at how progressive Münsterland already is when it comes to New Work topics and how eagerly it is being developed to shape the work of the future."

"New Work away from the mainstream, practice-orientated with great people."

"I am confident that excellent results will come from the region in the future, based on the quality of the ideas and contributions I have heard over the last few days!"

"New Work: Where creativity meets productivity and innovation grows in a culture of collaboration."

Outlook

The next round of the New Work Pioneer Lab will take place from 8 to 9 October 2024 and preparations are already in full swing. Secure your place today here.

The fact that the need for exchange and encounters, inspiration and input is essential for shaping the new world of work is evident in every industry. Due to the complexity of the situation, knowledge advantages of individual organisations are marginal and constant exchange is all the more important. In order to promote this regular exchange in a structured way, some New Work experts from the group of participants have decided to found a New Work Pioneer Community Münsterland, which will provide exclusive insights into the lived New Work practice of various pioneers from the Münsterland region.

Register for the next round of the New Work Pioneer Lab: Registration