Authors

Ilaria Durante

Senior Research Team @Politecnico di Milano

Dario B. Torrisi

Junior Research Team @Politecnico di Milano

The Near Future “HUMANITY IN PRODUCTION | Imagining a Work Culture for Wellbeing” involves overcoming the dichotomy mind-at-work vs. mind-at-life, redesigning flexible workplaces able to empower individual potential without anxiety, combining efficiency with growth. By navigating paradoxes, the Place Meaningful Production emerges at the crossroads of two domains of the Wheel of Wellbeing: Occupational and Intellectual/Mental. Occupational wellbeing encompasses effectively aligning the cultural values of the organization with those of its employees, understanding individual perspectives and recalibrating organizational communication strategies. Recognizing and respecting diverse traditions becomes instrumental in crafting a universal organizational narrative that resonates across borders. Ultimately, successful alignment hinges on authenticity. Values must manifest in everyday organizational practices. From leadership behaviors to decision-making processes, the lived experiences within the organization should consistently reflect the stated values. Intellectual/Mental wellbeing envisions a harmonious coexistence of occupational demands and empathetic considerations, where productivity aligns seamlessly with a sense of wholesomeness. This transformation beckons a reevaluation of the traditional notion that personal and emotional elements should be sacrificed for workplace efficiency. Instead, it advocates for spaces where occupational safety and empathy thrive together, forming the bedrock of a healthier work environment. This paradigm shift opens the door to a more expansive view of personal development. It encourages the pursuit of knowledge, skills, and self-discovery not solely for professional gain, but as an integral part of individual growth. Organizations play a pivotal role in fostering this transformative landscape. Their structures, incentives, and leadership must align with a vision that prioritizes the comprehensive wellbeing of individuals. Integrating these reflections, the Place Meaningful Production represents the workspace where we actively contribute to the creation of goods essential to society—items valued and needed by people (see Figure 4.1).

Figure 4.1 Wellbeing @ MEANINGFUL PRODUCTION: Near Future.

The construction of the near future has started by the identification and formulation of key Themes of reflection. Five Themes constitute the near future “Humanity in production - Imagining a Work Culture for Wellbeing” (see Figures 4.2).

Overcoming the dichotomy mind-at-work vs. mind-at-life: The concept of work-life balance is evolving into a seamless integration of professional and personal fulfillment. Amidst the overarching uncertainty about the future, there is a compelling need to redefine the boundaries of our professional lives to enhance human wellbeing. A transformative shift is needed, where occupational demands harmonize with empathetic considerations for a healthier work environment. A possible exemplar probe is represented by an AI-based assistant able to collect inspirations for professional life from reflections and insights developed during leisure hours (and viceversa). The Future Forces related to Job Security and Artificial Intelligence (FF12) and Rising Cost of Living and Mental Health Impact (FF13) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of individual potential: A new relationship with professional life is giving rise to pervasive tensions, with individuals navigating the demands of organizations while grappling with the need for holistic self-worth. A new paradigm shift is opening the door to a broader view of personal development within organizations, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge, skills, and self-discovery as integral parts of individual growth. A new organizational culture empowers employees to bring their whole selves to work, blending personal interests with professional responsibilities, thereby enhancing creativity and job satisfaction. A possible exemplar probe is represented by a new Human Resource Assessment System designed to enhance different kinds of technical and emotional contributions. The Future Forces related to Slow Living (FF02), Beyond Compensation (FF08) and The End of Job Titles (FF14) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
Motivating employees through challenges but without anxiety: Going beyond the prevailing narrative, heavily focused on the mind's utility in the workplace, that perpetuates a cycle of stress and undervaluation, resulting in phenomena like burnout and a surge in mental health concern. Leadership should promote a culture where personal development and mental wellbeing are as valued as work efficiency. Organizations can turn growing anxiety about the future into energy for facing new challenges of sustainability and reinventing capitalism. A possible exemplar probe is represented by Dedicated Spaces and Company Programs for Mindfulness, Stress Relief, and Personal Growth. The Future Forces related to Four-day Workweek (FF11), Sustainability in the Workplace (FF15) and Digital Therapeutics (FF16) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
Redesigning flexible workplaces: The boundaries between office and home are fluid, with technology enabling a flexible approach to where and how work is done. A new paradigm advocates for spaces where occupational safety and empathy thrive together, forming the foundation of a healthier work environment. The office is no longer a mere location but a state-of-the-art ecosystem supporting diverse working styles and fostering a sense of community and creativity. A possible exemplar probe is represented by workspaces that are not just about physical comfort, but also about mental wellbeing, equipped with advanced technologies to adapt to individual needs. The Future Forces related to Slow Living (FF02), True Hybrid (FF17) and The Rise of the Mental Workplace (FF18) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.
Combining organizational efficiency and individual growth: Need for a proactive design that envisions a harmonious coexistence of occupational demands and empathetic considerations, where productivity seamlessly aligns with a sense of wholesomeness. A transformative shift calls for a reassessment of the traditional notion that personal and emotional elements should be sacrificed for workplace efficiency. Leadership should champion empathy and understanding, integrating individual potential beyond traditional productivity metrics. A possible exemplar probe is represented by a Leadership Program that promotes post-work hours enriched with activities that feed the soul – be it hobbies, family time, or community engagement. The Future Forces related to Beyond Compensation (FF08) and The End of Job Titles (FF14) are underlying this sub-theme of the Near Future.

Figure 4.2 Wellbeing @ MEANINGFUL PRODUCTION: Future Forces.

Distant Futures

The Distant Futures of the Place Meaningful Production are depicted below:

MEANINGFUL PRODUCTION | Distant Futures