July 04, 2021

Frithjof Bergmann - founder of New Work - in his last interview before his death on 23rd of may this year: On crises in the car industry and ideas for good "new" work

1 hour 14 minutes

This episode is a very special to everyone, who wants to change the inhumane, exploitative and often meaningless work system into something that gives people meaning in their lives. Frithjof Bergmann was incredibly active until his death for his greatest wish: to implement New Work.

Can we miss someone with whom we had one special conversation via videocall? Yes, I can. All the more I feel the responsibility to carry on Frithjof´s work and ask people: „What do you really want to do?“ Do YOU know your answer and are you following it?

David Helmboldt, Frithjof Bergmann’s friend, informed me on 24 May that our next meeting via video call could not take place because Frithjof had just passed away. It’s a bit unreal because I’ve never shaken his hand before, but – again, it’s important for me to say – I felt a closeness with both Frithjof and David that rarely but always happens when we meet like-minded people on a mission that is perhaps the hardest: to change the world for the better for all.
Not just for those in power and money who are more interested in preserving the current system, but for those who are always abused by the elite as an excuse to do nothing.

Those who knew Frithjof know how important the human factor was to him in his working life.
How angry it made him that his concept of New Labour was turned into a hollow phrase by too many.
All the more I feel the responsibility to carry on his legacy and ask people:
„What do you really want to do?“

RIP my friend - I cannot put into words how proud it makes me that you chose me to talk to you.

Frithjof was very aware of what was happening in Germany, he asked me if we were afraid of poverty and job loss – as we have been for some time in the US – because we need systemic change. We haven’t managed to make that change, but Frithjof thought it was still possible.

He first established his idea of New Work in the 1980s because of the beginning crisis of the car manufacturers in the USA. He therefore founded the Center for New Work in Flint in 1981 and developed a series of proposals about work as a vocation and as a means of self-fulfilment, alternating with regular employment and incorporating self-sufficiency made possible by technology itself. He has never ceased to be a thought leader for a human-centred world – starting with „New Work“ as a genuine rethinking of the freedom of each of us. By shifting the focus from the outside to the inside of the human being, Frithjof shows how freedom can become a reality in self-development, in parenting, in education and in shaping a society that stimulates the self rather than destroying it or making it still and dead.

He reminds us that the „job system“ for organising work is only about 200 years old – since the Industrial Revolution. It has always been problematic and is now on the verge of collapse, and what comes after, for better or worse, depends on the decisions made and executed in the current time. The present time is very similar to the time of his first approach to change labour. Anticipating the looming catastrophe, Frithjof Bergmann began to design alternatives to the system of work – and he is still at it. He began by promoting dialogue about mitigating the effects of layoffs in times of recession among the workforce in the car industry and in the community, which is very familiar to what he is seeing now in Germany. New Work, New Culture recounts the evolution of his ideas and describes a path that humanity could follow so that everyone can live a better life.

Here is an in-depth summary of the podcast, focusing on key themes discussed by Frithjof Bergmann and Katja Diehl about the future of work, the automotive industry, and societal transformation. Bergmann, a pioneer of the „New Work“ philosophy, challenges traditional concepts of work, advocating for purpose-driven work and more humane, community-focused approaches.

Major Topics Discussed in this episode

New Work and the Philosophy of Meaningful Employment
Frithjof Bergmann expresses frustration over the misinterpretation of „New Work“ in modern contexts, where it is often reduced to workplace perks and minimal job enhancements without addressing the deeper intention. According to Bergmann, „New Work“ should empower individuals to engage in work that fulfills them, asking, „What do you really want to do?“ He argues that work should not merely be about survival or income but rather a way to contribute meaningfully to society, which he views as critical for both personal satisfaction and societal well-being.

Critical Reflection on the Automotive Industry and Transformation Challenges
Katja and Frithjof discuss the urgency for transformation within the automotive sector, especially in Germany, where the industry holds significant economic and cultural importance. Bergmann criticizes the industry’s sluggishness in adapting to sustainable practices, as other countries like China are already leading in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Katja mentions Volkswagen as a promising exception, particularly under CEO Herbert Diess, who advocates a decisive move toward fully electric vehicles. Both discuss how the traditional car-centric view must shift to encompass broader mobility solutions, considering environmental and societal impacts.

The Social Costs of the Current Automotive and Economic Model
A recurring theme in the podcast is the societal costs associated with the car industry and fossil fuels. David, a friend of Bergmann’s and a guest in the discussion, emphasizes that the true costs of fossil fuels and automotive reliance extend beyond economic aspects, impacting urban planning, quality of life, and the environment. He advocates for higher taxes on fossil fuels, which would disincentivize waste and excessive car use, aligning costs with environmental impact. This idea suggests that a full accounting of the social and ecological costs of car production and usage could help drive more responsible behaviors and policies.

Alternative Visions for Manufacturing and the Economy
Bergmann introduces the concept of „high-tech self-providing,“ which envisions small-scale, localized manufacturing that prioritizes community needs over profit. He contrasts this with the conventional factory system, proposing that people could produce essential goods, including food and other daily necessities, in small workshops or even at home. This vision supports self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, and local resilience, which he believes will be essential in the face of rising unemployment and economic shifts.

The Role of Leadership and Vision in Driving Change
Bergmann and Diehl critique the lack of visionary leadership within both the corporate and political spheres. Katja highlights how a focus on quarterly earnings and short-term profits often prevents automotive leaders from adopting longer-term strategies that align with ecological goals. She suggests that authentic leadership should provide a clear direction and purpose, especially in times of crisis, to inspire confidence and enable workers to see the value of their work in contributing to a sustainable future.

Systemic Reform and the Need for Pedagogy in New Work
Bergmann stresses that the New Work movement’s success depends on educating people about its true principles, particularly around the dignity and purpose of work. He advocates for a paradigm shift away from jobs that „suck the soul“ toward occupations that enable individuals to contribute in ways they find fulfilling. This educational role of New Work is described as critical to shift societal values and align them with a future that prioritizes sustainability and human well-being.

Community-Centric Mobility and Urban Spaces
Katja and Bergmann explore the concept of reclaiming urban spaces for community-centric purposes rather than allowing cars to dominate cityscapes. Katja shares examples of child-friendly urban spaces and initiatives that encourage cycling and walking, arguing that these shifts enhance the quality of life, reduce pollution, and foster social cohesion. This discussion reflects a broader call for sustainable city planning that prioritizes people over vehicles.

Key Takeaways and Insights

Transformation Requires a Cultural Shift: Both guests agree that for the automotive industry and work culture to transform, society must reconsider the cultural significance placed on car ownership and traditional work structures. Bergmann emphasizes how deeply ingrained these values are, particularly in countries like Germany, and argues that change must address these underlying beliefs to be effective.

Empowering Workers through Purposeful Roles: The discussion highlights how many workers in traditional industries, such as automotive manufacturing, feel disconnected from the purpose of their jobs. Bergmann’s model advocates for roles that enable workers to contribute meaningfully to their communities, which would not only benefit individuals but could foster a more sustainable society.

Ecological and Economic Resilience through Localized Production: By introducing the idea of high-tech self-providing, Bergmann challenges the large-scale industrial manufacturing model, proposing instead small, local production facilities that meet community needs. This vision is positioned as an answer to economic instability, creating a more resilient economy less dependent on global supply chains.

Pedagogical Role of New Work in Societal Change: Bergmann views education as central to the New Work philosophy, as people must understand their role in a sustainable future. This pedagogical mission goes beyond training for jobs; it’s about cultivating a mindset that values meaningful, community-driven work and discourages wasteful consumerism.

Potential for Policy Shifts: Katja supports measures such as tax increases on fossil fuels to account for the environmental costs of car usage. This would help align economic practices with ecological realities, making car-centric models less attractive while promoting investments in public and alternative transportation options.

Conclusion

This podcast episode provides a rich dialogue on the future of work, mobility, and community. Frithjof Bergmann’s „New Work“ philosophy and Katja Diehl’s commitment to sustainable mobility converge in their call for a comprehensive transformation—one that redefines work to align with individual purpose and ecological integrity. The discussion challenges current systems, advocating for a shift that empowers individuals, addresses environmental costs, and reorients society towards community and sustainability.

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Transkription unterstützt durch AI Algorithmen von Presada (https://www.linkedin.com/company/presad

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