What does working mean? : Health challenges in respect to the individual and social meaning of work

Abstract

"Flexibilisation, intensification of work and work-life balance are frequent topics in current social discussions. In research as well, the number of diagnoses of the loss of a differentiation between work and non-work are increasing, and extend from the individual structuring of work to risks for health. This contribution considers the way humans experience meaning in their work and points to salutogenic and pathogenic dimensions of the current world of work. In order to understand current developments and to be able to shape future discourse, a historical perspective of the ideal of leisure is developed and compared to the current experience of work, in particular the upsurge of self-fulfilment and the quest for meaning in work. Looking to the past shows: the individual and social interpretations of meaning have developed historically and can be changed. Furthermore the contribution asks whether these allotments of meaning differ according to occupations: Do rubbish collectors find their work as meaningful as stonemasons or doctors? In conclusion, the chances and risks of work that is considered meaningful are discussed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku)

Cite article

Freier, C. (2018): Was bedeutet uns Arbeiten? Gesundheitliche Herausforderungen im Hinblick auf den individuellen und sozialen Sinn der Arbeit. In: B. Badura, A. Ducki, H. Schröder, J. Klose & M. Meyer (Hrsg.) (2018): Fehlzeiten-Report 2018 : Sinn erleben - Arbeit und Gesundheit. Zahlen, Daten, Analysen aus allen Branchen der Wirtschaft, p. 63-73.