THE EVOLUTION OF THE 'WORKPLACE'

From factories to the metaverse, the workplace has transformed from a rigid structure to a fluid, purpose-driven ecosystem shaped by culture, technology, and human needs.

- Arnab Ghosh

Work is an outcome of purpose which is essential for human existence. At its core, a workplace is any physical or virtual environment where people perform tasks or activities for income or purpose. It can be a factory, a farm, a work desktop, a kitchen in a restaurant, or even a corner of your home. A workplace is not just about where work happens—it’s also about how work is organised, who controls it, and the culture surrounding it. Let’s go back in time to understand how workplaces evolved over the years.

Pre-industrial era

In the beginning, the concept of formal structured workplaces was not there. Work was integrated with life. It was happening in homes, farms, workshops, palaces, religious establishments, etc. The nature of work was mostly personal, seasonal, and task oriented. There were no offices, HR departments, coffee machines or attendance logbooks.

Industrial revolution - Modern times

The invention of machines and mass production triggered the birth of the first modern workplace. Work moved from homes to factories, powered by capital investment and centralised labour. The shop floor became the first true institutional workplace. This era is marked by rigid hours, harsh discipline, and division of labour. The spaces were poorly ventilated with little concern for comfort or safety. Child labour was rampant. An era of exploitation which led to protests and revolutions.

19th & early 20th century - The rise of the white collar