The term Work 4.0 describes the transformation of the world of work through advancing digitalization and originated in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Digitalization is creating new opportunities, such as working from home or mobile working.

Work 4.0 is characterized above all by working independently of time and location. Working from home and mobile working are becoming increasingly commonplace. Agile working in flexible systems, with changing teams and requirements, is also shaping the new world of work. In the course of digitalization, continuous training of skilled workers is necessary in order to keep pace with technical progress.

Advances in technology are leading to more and more activities being digitized and personal work being replaced.

Flexible working hours and locations are blurring the boundaries between work and leisure time, and the psychological strain on employees can increase due to the feeling of constant availability and the pressure to continue learning.

In the wake of changes in the world of work and increasing digitalization, employers and works councils must adapt to this change.

New working methods and opportunities must be exploited, disadvantages limited, and attention paid to ensuring adequate training and further education.

Employers must adapt to flexible working time models and offer them accordingly. Rigid processes and rules will increasingly give way to agile working.

For the popular home office and mobile working, the necessary hardware and software must be provided and adequate data protection guaranteed.

The works council has the task of supporting employees as much as possible and alleviating their fears about the challenges ahead.

In addition, it has the task of monitoring the introduction of new technologies. Where possible, the works council should develop its own digital strategy in order to fully exploit the opportunities offered by Work 4.0.