The world of work is changing rapidly: digitalisation, automation, skills shortages and demographic change are calling for new approaches. ‘New Work’ stands for agile, flexible and people-centred solutions. The FHNW brings together research, teaching and practice to keep businesses attractive, foster creativity and strengthen future-oriented skills such as resilience and digital ethics. Practical and interconnected – for the world of work of tomorrow.
The strategic action field of New Work – Shaping the working world of tomorrow
The world of work is undergoing profound social, technological and economic upheaval. Digitalisation and automation are transforming not only work processes and technologies, but also people’s expectations, values and life plans in the context of work. At the same time, globalisation, skills shortages, demographic change and shifting values are having an impact across the entire value chain – from training and employment right through to leadership and corporate culture. Against this backdrop, the question arises: how do we work, learn and collaborate in a connected, dynamic world?
New Work brings together multidisciplinary expertise from teaching, research, professional development and services to find practical answers to these questions and actively shape the future. It is not merely about introducing new technologies or digital tools, but about a holistic understanding of work as a social practice: the interplay between people, technologies and organisational structures.
The focus is on transforming working models, making working and learning hours more flexible, designing creative and collaborative workspaces, and fostering a corporate culture that prioritises self-determination, a sense of purpose and resilience. Topics such as agile organisations, flexible forms of employment, modern leadership skills, lifelong learning and the integration of technological innovations into work processes are addressed. New Work at the FHNW is deliberately practice-oriented: the university focuses on developing concrete solutions that help companies, employees and organisations meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world of work. Research and development are intended to help validate working models, enhance the attractiveness of employers, foster creativity and collaboration within teams, and define the skills that promise success both now and in the future. Particular emphasis is placed on the link between theory and practice: students, staff, companies and the general public are invited to get involved in interdisciplinary projects, formats and networks to work together on the working world of tomorrow. Practical, evidence-based and co-creative.
New Work is more than just a buzzword – it is a vibrant vision for the future of work that is already being called for today. It combines digital literacy, flexibility and diversity with a purpose-driven culture, economic success and a strong sense of community. At its heart lies the interplay between people, technologies and organisational structures, which allows human potential to be fully realised.
As part of the Strategy FHNW 2035, New Work provides a clear framework for socially relevant projects and partnerships. It identifies trends at an early stage, translates them directly into teaching and research, and builds collaborations across disciplines and sectors. In this way, the FHNW positions itself as a reliable partner for a world of work that remains digitally innovative, socially inclusive and sustainable – ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow. With this approach, New Work empowers companies, organisations and individuals not only to survive in a complex world, but to actively shape and develop it.
Contact us
