New Work — what exactly is it? 

“There is no single definition of New Work. At its core, however, it revolves around a central question: How do we want to work (together) in the future? The term originally goes back to the social philosopher Frithjof Bergmann, who primarily associated it with greater self-determination, meaningful activities, and participatory forms of organization. Today, New Work is often understood more broadly - as an umbrella term for new work cultures, flexible space concepts, and modern leadership styles.”

New Work at the University of Hildesheim — why? 

“The world of work is changing at universities as well: digitalization, flexibility, and growing uncertainties shape everyday work life. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile work in particular has become firmly established at the University of Hildesheim, meaning that many individual offices are no longer used on a daily basis. This unused office space offers an opportunity to rethink work and space concepts - sustainably and with an eye toward the 10% reduction in office space required by the Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK) by 2030. As part of the New Work project, flexible work models such as office space sharing and activity-based working are therefore being tested. The goal is to design workspaces in a way that enables diverse activities, promotes collaboration, and strengthens the campus as a place of exchange. Discussions with employees clearly show: There is a strong desire for flexible workspaces and greater sustainability - especially due to the university’s decentralization through leased satellite offices in the city center.”

What has already been implemented? 

“Since summer 2025, the first flexible office and meeting spaces have been available to all employees on the main campus, which can be booked via a digital room booking tool. Feedback indicates that these low-barrier spaces for experimentation help alleviate concerns and foster a more concrete understanding of how New Work can be implemented in daily work life. In addition, we support organizational units and individuals in using their offices and workspaces in a sustainable and innovative way. One goal is to motivate employees to work within more flexible structures. In doing so, we deliberately avoid fixed guidelines or standardized New Work blueprints. Instead, the flexibility of workspace is tailored to the individual needs of each organizational unit.”

What's the feedback? 

“It is becoming increasingly clear: The University of Hildesheim is taking action - which has also been acknowledged by the MWK. Many change processes are emerging bottom-up: Early adopters are testing new ways of working, providing impetus, and creating a positive dynamic that motivates other employees to reflect on their work methods and use of space. In this way, a cultural shift is taking place. The flexible offices and collaboration spaces are in high demand during the lecture period. The next milestone is therefore the creation of additional flexible offices on the main campus as well as at other locations.”

What's next? 

“The goal is to increasingly define the ‘New Work’ initiative collaboratively so that it becomes a lived part of everyday culture. Visions for the future are closely linked to the University of Hildesheim’s architectural and spatial development planning. The project thrives on the ideas of all employees. Anyone who is curious or has suggestions can reach out at any time - together, we’ll explore which ideas can be implemented and how.”

Further information and contact details are available on the intranet.