In today's society, many things don't seem as good as they used to. However, the question arises as to whether this also applies to the workplace. This tendency to idealize the past is specific to each generation. There's a tendency to praise the "thirty glorious years" (1945-1975) as an ideal time in many respects, particularly for finding a job, making a career and succeeding financially, without necessarily possessing multiple diplomas. These post-war decades witnessed a meteoric modernization of France and the Western world, with exponential economic growth until the mid-70s. Since then, we've seen no comparable years of growth, and mass unemployment has set in. As far as work is concerned, the "baby-boomers" were lucky enough to enjoy full employment and working conditions that seem less stressful than today, with greater opportunities for advancement and guaranteed job security.
However, it's important not to look at the past through a distorting prism. If we take a closer look, was work really better before? Nothing is less certain... In the current context of labor shortages, employers are doing their utmost to seduce candidates, and employees have the opportunity to be more demanding. As a result, it is possible to find advantages that make working in 2023 very attractive.
Discover here 7 assets of today's work that might surprise you.
Flexibility
Today, more and more companies are incorporating flexible working policies that offer employees options such as telecommuting, flexitime and access to coworking spaces. These measures enable employees to work at their convenience, when and where they wish, while respecting the reasonable limits set by the employer. This approach gives them the opportunity to organize their schedules in such a way as to strike the best possible balance between their personal and professional lives.
New technologies
Technological advances are transforming the way we work. Online collaborative tools, project management platforms and a host of specialized software are revolutionizing tedious tasks by automating and simplifying them, freeing up time for more rewarding, value-added activities.
Continuous professional development
Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of lifelong learning, both for employees wishing to succeed in their professional lives, and for the company, which can gain in productivity. This is why companies often offer in-house or external training programs, e-learning opportunities, mentorships and seminars to promote skills development.
Positive corporate culture
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of the news. European Union countries are strongly encouraging companies of all sizes to contribute to the challenges of sustainable development. Since the PACTE law of 2019, it has become mandatory to create a positive, caring corporate culture. Committing to a CSR approach means putting in place policies that promote diversity and inclusion, encourage collaboration and value employee well-being.
Regular recognition and feedback
Traditional methods of performance management are gradually being replaced by approaches based on regular recognition, constructive feedback and the encouragement of individual development. This enables employees to feel valued and to better understand how they contribute to the company's objectives.
A pleasant working environment
Accustomed to telecommuting during the Covid crisis, employees are demanding more cocooning spaces, natural decor, relaxation areas and attention to furniture ergonomics to reduce back problems. Traditional offices are now giving way to smaller, modern and functional workspaces, with collaborative areas, but also individual cubicles for carrying out certain tasks. Workplaces must offer both a soothing and stimulating atmosphere.
Financial benefits
Employee benefits can go beyond the basic salary. Employer-provided bonuses are always appreciated, as they improve day-to-day life: vacation vouchers, luncheon vouchers, gift vouchers, fuel cards, Christmas bonuses, company car, reimbursement of transport tickets, provision of a cell phone, profit-sharing... These benefits in kind are becoming increasingly common, as they also help to reduce payroll taxes.