New Work Glossary

We come across the word “agile” everywhere. It suggests that flexibility and transparency are the most important factors for dynamic project management. Having a clear vision and goals, paired with independent teamwork, increases the responsiveness and efficiency of companies.

Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, is a branch of a computer science field that mimics intelligent problem-solving behavior using computer systems. The aim is for programs and machines to be able to perform demanding tasks that have, until now, required human intelligence.

The future of work opts for the automation of processes, for example in the field of production. Machines can be controlled centrally via computer systems and run independently. However, Industry 4.0 cannot function without people. Studies predict that human resources will continue to be important in fields such as controlling functions.

Rapidly growing data volumes are a major challenge for many companies. However, Big Data also helps us to better understand structures and relationships. In order to handle the flood of information coming in every second of the day, special, powerful tools and IT systems are needed to process and evaluate the data.

Hybrid learning arrangements combine traditional classroom training with e-learning. Specialized learning platforms and company-owned portals provide study materials that are individually tailored to the level of knowledge of each employee.

Blockchain is a decentralized and continuously expandable list of records that allows all transactions within a network to be stored and tracked at any time. Henkel, for example, is currently testing a blockchain-secured digital exchange process for transport pallets.

A cloud is an IT infrastructure that consists of a software and various connected platforms. The data cloud is available online, making it accessible at any place and at any time.

Co-working spaces provide an office infrastructure with working stations in large and open spaces that can be used flexibly in terms of time. The informal working atmosphere enables networking and the exchange of knowledge regardless of whether it’s a large project team, a young start-up or an individual freelancer.

Putting the smartphone aside and going offline to not be available 24/7: a digital detox can help reduce stress and clear the mind.

Without digitalization, there would be no fourth industrial revolution and no New Work movement. The introduction of new information and communication technologies has fundamentally changed the way we work and has created the need for new professional qualifications.

Being digitally literate means being confident in dealing with new technologies and devices. Basic digital skills are necessary to meet future work demands and to keep up with any digital developments.

Digital natives have grown up with technology and are therefore familiar with many digital tools. This makes it easier for them to find their way in the working world of the future.

Digital nomads are freelancers or entrepreneurs whose work is almost exclusively digital and therefore independent regardless of location. They therefore do not need a fixed workplace and can work from anywhere, given there is a good digital infrastructure.

The collaboration of people of different generations, sexes or countries of origin is a decisive factor for success. Diversity makes teams more innovative and resilient through the input from different perspectives.

The classic 9-to-5 model is outdated: Flexible working models such as flextime, home office or job sharing are already an integral part of many companies.

Temporal and spatial flexibility are an important part of New Work, including working from home, also known as the "home office." Whether freelancer or permanently stationed, employees can work efficiently from home through accessing the cloud. Plus: You don’t have to do your daily commute to work.

As a further development of the third industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 is not only focused on developing factory automation, but about an intelligent and self-organized production and logistics chain that is extremely flexible and highly efficient at the same time.

The Internet of Things, or IoT for short, is a collective term for the digital networking of physical and virtual objects that are controlled by a software and can communicate and collaborate independently.

Emails, phone conferences and back-to-back meetings – an everyday working routine can become stressful very quickly. Short mindfulness exercises such as meditation can be easily integrated into a working schedule and carried out at the desk. Without putting in a lot of extra effort, stress resistance will increase significantly.

The New Normal describes the newly established status quo after a social or economic crisis. It includes a change in existing thought and behavior patterns, which is fostered by the use of new technologies. Working from home, for example, has been the New Normal for many employees in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Working in isolation is a thing of the past. More and more companies are opting for Open Innovation and external impulses from other companies and teams in order to jointly find creative solutions and drive innovation forward.

A start-up is a small, newly founded company with an innovative business idea that is in the first phase of its life cycle.

The demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers have fueled a battle for the best talent between companies. In the war for talents, companies are competing for qualified and motivated junior staff, the so-called high potentials.

The boundary between the work and private life is blurred due to flexible working models. Many employees are available for work outside of normal business hours, and colleagues spend their free time together. Mindfulness in both areas is all the more important in order to stay focused.