Symposium: "How much work do people need?"

It was a very interesting and exciting day, partly—or perhaps especially—because it didn’t go as planned. Guests from the business community, public administration, interested citizens, and students from various fields of study gathered to discuss the topic of “work.” The opening lecture by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Matthias Schmidt, titled “Why Do We Have to Want to Work?”, provided a fascinating introduction to the topic. The Allensbach Occupational Prestige Scale showed the audience that doctors held the undisputed top spot, while pastors had experienced a significant loss of prestige over the past few decades. Today, work is more than just a means of earning a living. “Tell me what you do for a living, and I’ll know who you are”—the number-one topic of conversation at singles events. In addition to the moral dimension of “work,” the anthropological perspective was also examined: the Northern and Southern Hemispheres have likely shaped work attitudes in lasting ways—even to this day—due to differing environmental influences. Other aspects were addressed, such as the marketing of “emotional labor,” work-life (im)balance, and the very similar health consequences of gainful employment compared to unemployment—work is indeed a vast field. So is work more than just a way to earn a living after all? With Benjamin Zips, a person with a Diplom in communication psychology, and the question of the “meaninglessness of work and working on meaninglessness,” a communication-psychological aspect of the world of work was brought to the forefront. The division between internal and external communication—which, as a result of modern openness to innovation, naturally occurs among employees as well as supervisors as a form of adaptation to the demands of the workplace. As long as everyone nods in agreement with the boss, shakes their head inwardly, and the work gets done for all parties involved, this isn’t a problem. However, if sickness rates rise, no one feels responsible, and “yes-saying” is merely spoken rather than acted upon, then it becomes a major problem—primarily for companies. And that’s when Benjamin Zips comes into the company, listens carefully to all sides, asks the right questions, clarifies goals, and—through a structured dialogue—everything falls back into place. That’s what you’d hope for in every company, even before the workforce has mentally checked out. Wow. Discussion. Can employees bring in a consultant like that? Should top management force the next change management project onto demoralized employees? Fascinating. The dialogue is underway, and the audience brings the topics to life.

After the short lunch break, the subsequent lecture by Jörg Heidig, a Diplom-psychologist (master’s degree in psychology), titled “Is It Still Going…?” fits in perfectly. Diagnosis as a self-fulfilling prophecy, burnout as a title of nobility for self-sacrificing employees—only those who are passionate about a cause can burn out. Or are they just too clueless about work-life balance? But not the perfect employee, because as such, you have to look out for your own mental well-being these days. And who is most likely to burn out? Home care directors. Teachers. Precisely the social professions. Precisely the professions that can’t just shut down the computer and discuss Peter’s aggressive outburst with Marcel tomorrow; Mr. Müller, too, needs to have his dinner and be bathed tonight, not just tomorrow morning. It’s precisely the social professions—those that work with people—that find it hard to detach from work, because it doesn’t just stop when you’re actually—nervously—done for the day. The discussion picks up steam again with new fuel. During the breaks, small groups continue the discussion, coffee in one hand and a roll in the other. Dr. Sandra Wolf, a Diplom psychologist from the Dresden-based firm Innsicht, graces us with her presence: “How much work is actually healthy?” Workload as a measurable quantity through the PREVA method, observations, questionnaires, and workshops. Fascinating. Straight from the field. Interaction with the audience: Dr. Wolf draws a smiley face on a green card and passes it to a participant. The psychologist’s favorite question follows: “So, how do you feel about that now?” It’s nice to get a smile. Absolutely! Dr. Wolf doesn’t just put it on paper—she beams throughout the entire presentation. Smile, and the world is yours. Workload is something very subjective, just like the two little men standing by the loaded cart. The small one, who’s sweating and groaning and can barely lift the cart; and the big one, who can still easily smoke a cigarette on the side. It’s nice when the visible physical strain is good to recognize—but what about the hidden mental strain? And do we only recognize it once we’ve reached its limit—or even once we’ve crossed it? Dr. Wolf says: there are no objective stress limits except those of occupational safety. But those refer specifically to physical, not psychological, stress. Discussion. The pragmatic and technocratic perspective on economic growth over the past more than one hundred years was presented in the lecture by Dipl.-Ing. Markus Will from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: “A Chrono-Economic Derivation of Sufficiency.” Here, the topic—which had become emotionally charged during the discussion—is brought back under control and viewed objectively. The discussion now becomes more abstract again, but continues just as vividly. The workshop schedules have long since been debated to death, but the joy and interest are evident in the expressions and voices of everyone present. 4:00 p.m.! Wow, what a day! The audience applauds, offers appreciative feedback, and looks forward to the next symposium. In a year at the latest, at the same venue. Yes, the workshop was canceled, but we didn’t miss a thing. The day had a dynamic flow—nothing was missing. Nevertheless: we can save the workshop for next time. A reason to come back. Because it continues. As early as July 10, 2015, at Dresden International University. A lecture series that’s right on the cutting edge—very diverse and covering many aspects of a topic—will remain a special highlight in the memories of all participants this Saturday, thanks to its blend of lighthearted theory, lively practice, and dedicated speakers and organizers. And since it’s a series, there’s more to come. It will definitely be worth it again.

Text: Silke Daufratshofer, with a Diplom in Communication Psychology